HENSOLDT and AVILUS Forge Strategic Partnership to Advance UAV Technologies and Sovereign ISR Capabilities in Germany

The Bussard drone taking off. The high-performance electro-optical system and the cover of the “PrecISR” radar can be seen on the underside. Photo: AVILUS

(IN BRIEF) HENSOLDT and AVILUS have entered into a strategic partnership to co-develop advanced UAV systems that combine HENSOLDT’s world-class sensor technology with AVILUS’s mission-ready aerial platforms. The collaboration aims to enhance Germany’s sovereign ISR capabilities through scalable, high-performance UAV solutions for both military and civilian use. By integrating technologies such as HENSOLDT’s electro-optical sensors, AMPS-M protection system, and PrecISR radar with AVILUS’s ‘MissMarvin’ operating platform, the partnership delivers a new generation of unmanned systems that emphasize reliability, operational efficiency, and rapid deployment. Backed by Federal Aviation Authority approval for civil operations, the initiative supports applications ranging from disaster relief to border security and aligns with HENSOLDT’s vision of “software-defined defence.”

(PRESS RELEASE) OBERKOCHEN, 13-Oct-2025 — /EuropaWire/ — HENSOLDT, a leading provider of advanced sensor solutions, has entered a strategic partnership with unmanned aerial systems (UAV) specialist AVILUS to jointly develop and market next-generation sensor and intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) technologies “Made in Germany.” The collaboration aims to strengthen Germany’s technological sovereignty in unmanned systems while accelerating the path from development to operational deployment.

The partnership combines HENSOLDT’s proven sensor portfolio—including its high-performance electro-optical system, AMPS-M self-protection suite, and the PrecISR radar—with AVILUS’s innovative ‘MissMarvin’ mission operating system. The integration of these cutting-edge technologies will result in scalable UAV platforms capable of addressing diverse military and civilian missions, from tactical reconnaissance to humanitarian response.

“With AVILUS, we have an agile UAV expert who can fully harness the potential of our advanced sensor systems,” said Christina Canitz, Head of Division Optronics at HENSOLDT. “Together, we are focusing on technological sovereignty and rapid transition from concept to operational readiness, ensuring robust and resilient UAV capabilities within Germany.”

Ernst Rittinghaus, CEO of AVILUS, emphasized the operational impact of the collaboration: “AVILUS addresses critical capability gaps in casualty evacuation, logistics, and reconnaissance through durable unmanned platforms. By integrating HENSOLDT’s state-of-the-art sensor technology, we are creating immediate, tangible value for end users in the field.”

HENSOLDT’s electro-optical system leverages multispectral sensor technology and AI-driven real-time processing to detect, classify, and track multiple objects simultaneously. It combines HD thermal imaging, low-light and SWIR cameras, and a wide-angle view within a highly precise 4-axis gimbal for comprehensive situational awareness.

The AMPS-M protection suite incorporates up to 16 intelligent decoy launchers and integrates multi-threat detection sensors to counter missile, radar, and laser-guided attacks. With more than 700 units deployed globally and thousands of operational flight hours, AMPS-M offers modularity, reliability, and low maintenance, validated through extensive NATO collaboration.

Meanwhile, PrecISR, HENSOLDT’s software-defined AESA X-band radar, provides the capability to detect and track over 1,000 ground, sea, or air targets simultaneously under any weather conditions. The radar is ITAR-free, easy to integrate, and adaptable across a wide range of UAV platforms thanks to its modular, scalable design.

With Federal Aviation Authority approval already secured for civil flight operations and a “company owned, company operated” model in place, the partnership positions both companies to serve multiple applications — from disaster response and border surveillance to monitoring critical infrastructure.

This collaboration marks a key step in HENSOLDT’s broader “software-defined defence” strategy, which promotes innovation through strategic alliances. The companies are already preparing pilot projects and demonstration missions designed to set new benchmarks for ISR performance in unmanned aviation, both within Germany and internationally.

About HENSOLDT

Media Contact:

Alexander F. Ogger
Communications Manager
Multi-Domain Solutions, Optronics
Contact
alexander.ogger@hensoldt.net
+49 7364 9557 984

SOURCE: HENSOLDT