German Army Buys Rheinmetall's LUNA NG Reconnaissance Drones

The German Army (Bundeswehr) has contracted Rheinmetall to supply 13 units of the new LUNA NG air-supported reconnaissance drone.

The amendment contract, signed on September 28, 2023, by the President of Germany’s Federal Office for Bundeswehr Equipment, Information Technology, and In-Service Support (BAAINBw), Annette Lehnigk-Emden, ensures the project's continuation with Rheinmetall after the insolvency of the original system manufacturer. This contract solidifies the measures resulting from Rheinmetall's takeover of the procurement contract, which was concluded in 2022.

The LUNA NG, or "Air-supported Unmanned Short-range Reconnaissance Equipment, Next Generation," will be referred to as HUSAR in the German armed forces. Twelve production systems and a pilot system have been ordered, with a total order value of approximately €200 million (excluding value-added tax). The first production system is expected to be delivered in the second quarter of 2025, and the order also includes a spare parts package and training support.

HUSAR will be assigned to the German Army’s reconnaissance branch and artillery. Each system comprises five reconnaissance drones, two ground control systems, two launcher vehicles, two antenna masts, a repair shop, and three transport platforms.

The LUNA NG was developed for real-time reconnaissance, classification, and recognition of objects and gained significance during the war in Ukraine. It enhances the effectiveness of the sensor-to-shooter chain and offers potential for Rheinmetall's future product portfolio, including vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) capabilities and new tactical possibilities due to a payload capacity of over 30 kilograms.

Key specifications of the LUNA NG include:

• Maximum altitude: 5,000 meters
• Flight time: Over 12 hours
• Maximum take-off weight: 110 kilograms

Overall, the LUNA NG serves as a sensor component for network-enabled operations, providing critical real-time reconnaissance capabilities.