Germany green-lights Israel’s use of Heron TP combat UAV on Hamas
The Bundestag has spent $161.1 million to arm the Heron TPs with 140 bespoke precision-guided missiles. (Photo: German MoD/Twitter)
The Heron TP UAVs Germany is leasing from Israel's IAI are likely equipped with precision-guided missiles designed for rapid and spatially limited effect against vehicles or positions.
Germany has reportedly given Israel permission to use two of its Heron TP medium-altitude long-endurance (MALE) combat UAVs in its counterattack against Hamas.
Germany’s Airbus DS has signed a $600 million leasing agreement with Israeli weapon maker IAI for five Heron TP for the Germany MoD’s use. The contract is for nine years and has options for content expansion, including extending the lease period by a maximum of another three years. The UAVs are currently known to be deployed at the Israeli Palmahim Air Base.
As first reported by Spiegel, on 11 October, German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius approved a request
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
More from Air Warfare
-
![India fast-tracks helicopter procurement with dual RFIs for 276 platforms]()
India fast-tracks helicopter procurement with dual RFIs for 276 platforms
India has issued urgent RFIs for more than 270 reconnaissance, surveillance and utility helicopters across its services, signalling a systemic overhaul of rotary-wing capabilities with a renewed emphasis on indigenous production and technology transfer.
-
![How can you own the sky?]()
How can you own the sky?
With an unparalleled range of solutions, RTX is equipping pilots with a distinct advantage, before the mission even begins.
-
![DSEI 2025: Saab unveils new CUAS missile solution to defeat UAS swarms]()
DSEI 2025: Saab unveils new CUAS missile solution to defeat UAS swarms
The Nimbrix missile has been developed and tested over the last year and is Saab’s latest cost-effective answer to help armed forces counteract escalating numbers of uncrewed aerial threats on the battlefield.
-
![US approves possible C-17 Globemaster III sustainment support sale to UK]()
US approves possible C-17 Globemaster III sustainment support sale to UK
The potential sustainment contract will help support the Royal Air Force (RAF) fleet, amid renewed interest from countries in the heavy-lift strategic aircraft.
