AeroVironment (AV) has signed a new contract with the Dutch Ministry of Defence (MoD) to modernize its Puma™ 3 AE uncrewed aerial systems (UAS) fleet. The agreement includes upgrades aimed at improving survivability, communications, and operational flexibility—even in GPS-denied or contested environments.
The contract also introduces Puma LE systems, expanding the Netherlands’ UAS portfolio with longer-range, scalable ISR (Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance) capabilities for both military and civilian missions.
The Puma 3 AE upgrade will feature autonomous operational capacity, enhanced situational awareness tools, and an option for vertical take-off and landing (VTOL). Delivery of the systems is underway and targeted for use at the squad and platoon levels.
The Puma systems—currently in use in Ukraine and other high-threat zones—are known for their adaptability and field performance. The Netherlands is now among NATO countries working to scale UAS deployments across tactical formations.
“Our expanded partnership with the Dutch MoD underscores the rising demand for adaptable, mission-ready uncrewed systems across NATO,” said Trace Stevenson, AV’s president of Autonomous Systems. “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.”
Puma drones can be launched by a single soldier or deployed from Fennek reconnaissance vehicles, supporting agile ISR in expeditionary scenarios. The program is part of a broader Dutch effort to modernize and expand uncrewed capabilities across its defense structure.