Netherlands Upgrades Puma AE Drones With VTOL Capability, Extended Endurance

The Netherlands is upgrading its fleet of Puma AE unmanned aerial systems (UAS) through a contract with U.S. supplier AeroVironment, replacing aging models with advanced versions featuring longer range and vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) capability.

The upgrade program involves converting the Puma AE Block II to the Block III variant, allowing operations in environments without GNSS signals. The drones will also receive improved sensors, enhanced situational awareness capabilities, and a VTOL kit for more flexible deployment. Additionally, the Netherlands will introduce a larger version, the Puma LE, which offers extended flight endurance.

The modernization effort is informed by lessons learned from the war in Ukraine, incorporating the latest technologies to ensure operational relevance. The Puma drones are primarily used for reconnaissance, providing real-time intelligence on enemy movements, terrain conditions, and potential threats such as roadblocks and suspicious activity. They can be deployed from vehicles like the Fennek or carried by soldiers on foot, ensuring that reconnaissance units maintain aerial surveillance capabilities.

The renewal of the Puma drones is part of a broader initiative to expand the Dutch Army’s UAS capacity. The first upgraded systems will be introduced at group and platoon levels this year, with company-level integration planned for 2026.

AeroVironment's Puma AE is a small, hand-launched reconnaissance drone with a 2.8-meter wingspan, a range of 15 km, and an endurance of over three hours. The upgraded version aims to enhance intelligence-gathering efficiency and adaptability across various military operations.