LUNA flies in MINUSMA mission
The German Army’s LUNA tactical UAS was deployed as part of the MINUSMA mission of the United Nations (UN) in Mali in June, EMT announced on 4 July.
The aircraft, S/N 255, flew for several hours and provided intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance for the German armed forces and operational partners.
The LUNA unit from the 6th reconnaissance battalion of the German Army is now UN certified with full operational capability (FOC) status.
The catapault-launched UAS is designed to carry out missions in all weathers, and is able to accommodate payloads such as SAR, high-resolution digital photo or video cameras, onboard data storage and EW. It is recovered via parachute landing.
LUNA has been in service with the German Army since March 2000, supporting peacekeeping missions in countries including Kosovo and Afghanistan.
More from Uncrewed Vehicles
-
Ready for the race: Air separation drone swarms vs. air defence systems
As the dynamics of aerial combat rapidly evolve, Chinese scientists have engineered a sophisticated air separation drone model that can fragment into up to six drones, each capable of executing distinct battlefield roles and challenging the efficacy of current anti-drone defences such as the UK’s Dragonfire laser system.
-
Israel’s MALE UAVs ‘must adapt’ to Iranian-made air defences
Advancements in air defence technologies have begun to reshape aerial combat dynamics in the Middle East, as illustrated by recent events involving the Israeli Air Force and Hezbollah.
-
Hundreds more UAS sent to Ukraine forces with thousands more on the way
Both sides of the Russia-Ukraine war have been using UAS for effective low-cost attacks, as well as impactful web and social media footage. Thousands more have now been committed to Ukrainian forces.
-
AI and software companies selected for US Army Robotic Combat Vehicle subsystems
The US Army has intentions to develop light, medium and heavy variants of the Robotic Combat Vehicle (RCV) as part of the branche’s Next Generation Combat Vehicle family.
-
DroneShield to improve software of DroneSentry-X C-UAS system under new contract
DroneSentry-X, a cross-vehicle compatible, automated 360° C-UAS detect and defeat device, can offer 360° awareness and protection using integrated sensors. According to its manufacturer, it is suitable for mobile operations, on-site surveillance and on-the-move missions.
-
Ukraine takes delivery of new indigenous C-UAS systems
Funded by the country’s former president, the new C-UAS systems will be sent to the frontline where they have already been tested against Russian invading forces.