AeroVironment, Inc. (“AV”) (NASDAQ: AVAV) today announced a new contract with the Dutch Ministry of Defence (MoD) to modernize the Netherlands’ Puma™ UAS fleet with expanded capabilities for enhanced situational awareness and operational effectiveness.
Under the contract, the Dutch MoD is modernizing its Puma 3 AE UAS fleet with advanced capabilities that empower forces to carry out mission-critical operations autonomously and securely—even in GPS-denied and contested environments. Upgrades will boost survivability, strengthen communications and add the option for vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) to maximize operational agility. Deliveries are underway, with the upgraded systems set for rapid deployment at the squad and platoon levels.
Additionally, the Netherlands is expanding its UAS portfolio with the acquisition of Puma LE, which delivers extended endurance and range. Both Puma 3 AE and Puma LE provide scalable ISR capabilities for tactical formations and civilian missions.
Battle-proven in the toughest combat zones—including ongoing deployment in Ukraine—Puma systems have earned their reputation in real-world, high-threat environments. Continuous updates driven by frontline experience keep both platforms mission-ready, rapidly adaptable, and equipped with the latest tech to outpace evolving threats.
“Our expanded partnership with the Dutch MoD underscores the rising demand for adaptable, mission-ready uncrewed systems across NATO.
AV’s battle-proven Puma platforms are built to deliver real-time intelligence and unmatched battlefield agility—so our partners can make faster, smarter decisions in the world’s most contested environments.”
Trace Stevenson, AV’s president of Autonomous Systems.
Designed for fast-paced, expeditionary operations, Puma UAS can be launched by a single soldier or from Fennek reconnaissance vehicles—enabling agile ISR at the edge. These upgrades are part of a broader Dutch initiative to modernize and scale uncrewed capability across their operations.
Source: AV news release
