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
Our news & analysis is now part of Defence Insight®
A Basic-level or higher Defence Insight subscription is now required to view this content.
More from Air Warfare
-
![October crewed air review: Israel’s Apache deal bets on crewed aviation in an uncrewed age]()
October crewed air review: Israel’s Apache deal bets on crewed aviation in an uncrewed age
Israel’s $1 billion Apache helicopter order highlights the continued demand for crewed attack aviation, while growing integration with uncrewed systems could shape future modernisation and procurement decisions.
-
![Connecting the layers: how networks can secure the future of European air defence]()
Connecting the layers: how networks can secure the future of European air defence
The rise of drones has reshaped the threat landscape for all European militaries. For industry, future defensive strategies must carefully balance a mix of passive and active measures to address the evolving danger, based around a highly integrated and responsive network of sensors and effectors.
-
![Germany could secure greater influence through sixth-generation fighter partnership with Sweden and Spain]()
Germany could secure greater influence through sixth-generation fighter partnership with Sweden and Spain
Germany is assessing potential pathways for a future sixth-generation fighter capability, including discussions with GCAP partners and Sweden.
-
![Quantum Systems details 480km/h Ukrainian interceptor as production scales up]()
Quantum Systems details 480km/h Ukrainian interceptor as production scales up
Quantum Systems’s Ukraine-made interceptor SPYS is thought to cost approximately 10 times less than Russia's jet-powered uncrewed aerial systems and is being produced at scale.
