AeroVironment has successfully landed a contract to supply bomb-detonating unmanned ground systems to the German Armed Forces, marking a significant step forward in military technology collaboration between the United States and Germany. The deal comprises 41 Telemax HT300 large-class advanced drones, specifically designed for counter-explosive ordnance disposal and operations involving improvised explosive devices.
These cutting-edge systems are built to navigate complex terrains with features that enhance their operational capabilities. They are equipped with a manipulator arm, specialized traction, and improved maneuverability, making them effective for deployment on “uneven, unstable, and shifting surfaces.” This hardware is integral to the drones’ role in responding to explosive threats safely and efficiently.
AeroVironment revealed that Germany’s choice of the HT300 drone followed a “rigorous competitive procurement process,” underscoring that the platform meets the stringent requirements set by the German military for anti-explosives operations. The Virginia-based aerospace company is scheduled to deliver the first batch of drones in the summer of 2025, with additional units anticipated to follow through 2027.
Assembly of the HT300 drones will take place in Ostfildern, Germany, in coordination with AeroVironment’s regional subsidiary, Telerob. Florian Gruener, Managing Director of Telerob and General Manager of the Uncrewed Ground Vehicles Product Line, commented on the contract’s significance, describing it as a major milestone in Telerob’s 30-year journey of innovation and reliability. He highlighted the contract as one of the most important secured in the last 15 years, further solidifying their strategic partnership with the German Armed Forces.
This contract comes on the heels of several recent achievements for AeroVironment, including the launch of the Jump 20-X vertical takeoff and landing unmanned aerial system aimed at defense applications earlier this year. This UAV incorporates artificial intelligence-enabled autonomy, promising “unmatched” operational performance, especially in maritime environments.
Additionally, in February 2023, AeroVironment announced a contract to deliver its renowned Switchblade kamikaze drones to the U.S. Army, which encompasses the Switchblade 300 and 600 variants and holds a potential value of nearly $1 billion if all contract options are fully utilized. In November 2024, the company also unveiled an upgraded version of its Puma system, enhancing its capabilities for operations in contested airspace where communication signals may be disrupted, further demonstrating AeroVironment’s commitment to advancing military drone technology.
