The German Air Force is advancing its capabilities with plans to acquire three additional Heron TP medium altitude long endurance drones from Israel. According to sources, a proposal amounting to 25 million euros (approximately $29 million) is being drafted for parliamentary approval to facilitate this procurement. If approved, this addition will bring the total number of Heron drones in the German fleet to eight, enhancing current operations which include five leased units.
The current contract permits a long-term purchase of the leased drones, indicating a strategic move towards fully integrating these assets into the German Air Force’s operations. Under the proposed plan, six of the newly acquired drones would be stationed at Jagel Air Base in Schleswig-Holstein, while two units will be positioned at the Tel Nof base in Israel. This base functions as a joint training center for German drone operators, fostering collaboration between the two nations.
Should the contract be signed after the parliamentary summer recess, authorities anticipate that the drones will be delivered within a two-year time frame.
The Heron TP is designed for high-level reconnaissance, boasting over 30 hours of endurance and a service ceiling of 45,000 feet (13,716 meters), which increases its stealth capabilities against adversarial detection. Recently, one of these drones was deployed for the Baltic Sentry mission, underscoring its role in securing NATO countries’ critical underwater infrastructure.
The new units are set to incorporate an “electro-magnetic surveillance” system, which will enhance their ability to detect radar and communications signals, significantly boosting their operational effectiveness. Bremen-based Airbus DS Airborne Solutions is expected to provide the necessary technical and logistical support for these new drones, continuing their role in supporting the leased models.
