Kosovo awaits Puma LE
Pictured in January 2021, US soldiers set up the controls for an RQ-20 Puma UAS at Camp Nothing Hill in Kosovo. (Photo: US Air National Guard/Staff Sgt Tawny Schmit)
Shephard calculates that Kosovo is obtaining 40 Puma LE reconnaissance UASs under the FMS programme.
The Kosovo Armed Forces are to receive the RQ-20 Puma Long Endurance (LE) UAS from AeroVironment via the FMS programme, the US DoD revealed on 21 January.
Sole bidder AeroVironment was due to complete work on the $11.01 million contract on 25 January.
Shephard Defence Insight estimates that Kosovo has ordered 40 units in total, based on an estimated unit cost of $215,000.
Puma LE features the AeroVironment-made Mantis i45 gimballed payload with EO/IR cameras and a laser illuminator. Its standard 5.5h mission endurance can be extended to 6.5h with the installation of a Puma Smart 2500 battery.
US troops serving in Kosovo as part of the KFOR peacekeeping mission are known to have used Puma for border surveillance missions.
More from Uncrewed Vehicles
-
![Ready for the race: Air separation drone swarms vs. air defence systems]()
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]()
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]()
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]()
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]()
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]()
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.
