NATO Support and Procurement Agency Contract Expands AV's European Presence and Positions Germany to Field the Full Puma Capability Stack Through a Unified Program Framework
ARLINGTON, Va., July 07, 2026--(BUSINESS WIRE)--AeroVironment, Inc. ("AV") (NASDAQ: AVAV), a global defense technology leader, today announced that the German Bundeswehr, through the NATO Support and Procurement Agency (NSPA) under the UAS Partnership, has selected AV's next-generation Puma™ family of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) for the Luftgestützte Aufklärung mit Unbemannten Systemen (LARUS) airborne reconnaissance program.
The purchase order, valued at $30.9 million, provides Germany with a comprehensive portfolio of advanced Puma AE (All Environment) and Puma LE (Long Endurance) capabilities in a single, integrated package, marking one of the most significant European Puma procurements to date.
"Germany has been a long-standing Puma operator, and this award represents a decisive step into the fully modernized Puma family," said Wahid Nawabi, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer at AV. "By acquiring the full spectrum of Puma capabilities at once, from advanced sensors and Signal Intelligence payloads to Vertical Take-off and Landing systems as well as autonomy kits, the Bundeswehr is effectively moving straight to a highly-integrated, multi-mission, all-domain reconnaissance solution built on a proven platform."
Under the NSPA purchase order, AV will deliver a full suite of advanced payloads, ground control technologies, communications, and autonomy kits to support Germany's small tactical UAS requirements for LARUS. The order includes new equipment training and specialized payload training, with deliveries required no later than late 2026.
The portfolio being delivered under this award incorporates nearly every major enhancement developed for the Puma family to date, including:
High-definition, laser designating electro-optical/infrared payloads – HD59 LD kits for Puma LE, enabling true laser target designation capability for precision engagements.
Signal Intelligence (SIGINT) payloads – for both Puma 3 AE and Puma LE configurations, supporting advanced signals collection and sensing missions.
Vertical Take-off and Landing (VTOL) kits – Puma VTOL systems enabling flexible operations in constrained environments.
Next-generation ground control stations – Tomahawk Kinesis™-enabled Ground Control Station (GCS) configurations, including controllers and ultralight/tactical GCS variants to support mobile, dismounted, and vehicle-based operations.
Mobile Ad hoc Network (MANET) communications relays – Puma 3 AE and Puma LE MANET relay kits to provide extended, robust, and resilient communications including beyond-line-of-sight connectivity.
Autonomy Retrofit Kits (ARK) – Enabling advanced autonomous capabilities and AV's latest autonomy software to be installed across the applicable Puma hardware.
Comprehensive support package – Field repair kits, bungee launch systems, smart battery assemblies, mounting and retrofit kits, and formal training to ensure full operational readiness and sustainment.