Rheinmetall’s LUNA NG Confirms High-Endurance Reconnaissance Capabilities in Bundeswehr Digital Combat Exercise

Rheinmetall’s LUNA NG Confirms High-Endurance Reconnaissance Capabilities in Bundeswehr Digital Combat Exercise

(IN BRIEF) Rheinmetall has successfully tested its LUNA NG reconnaissance drone during a Bundeswehr-led exercise in Saxony-Anhalt, demonstrating effective integration into digitally networked reconnaissance and operational systems. Operating as part of the HUSAR programme, LUNA NG showed significant time savings in detecting, marking and countering targets through the exclusive use of unmanned systems. The trial highlighted the platform’s long endurance, high-altitude performance and ability to deliver real-time situational awareness, reinforcing its role in future network-enabled military operations.

(PRESS RELEASE) DÜSSELDORF, 30-Jan-2026 — /EuropaWire/ — Rheinmetall has successfully demonstrated the operational capabilities of its LUNA NG unmanned aerial vehicle during a forward-looking test campaign conducted by the Bundeswehr at the Army Combat Training Centre in Saxony-Anhalt. The trial focused on the integration of reconnaissance and operational networks using exclusively unmanned systems, including drones and loitering munitions, to evaluate future concepts of network-enabled combat operations.

Within the German Armed Forces, LUNA NG forms part of the HUSAR programme (Highly Efficient Unmanned System for Medium-Range Reconnaissance). During the exercise, Rheinmetall successfully integrated the system into the Bundeswehr’s Command & Control Unmanned Management System (C2-UMS Bw), enabling coordinated operations with other unmanned platforms within a shared digital environment. This integration allowed LUNA NG to operate seamlessly alongside additional reconnaissance drones and effectors as part of a broader operational network.

The test campaign highlighted substantial efficiency gains across the full reconnaissance-to-engagement chain. By digitally linking detection, target identification, marking and counter-measures, the networked unmanned systems significantly reduced the time required to respond to threats. The exercise demonstrated how a high degree of automation and connectivity can accelerate decision-making and operational tempo in complex environments.

LUNA NG distinguished itself during the trials through its ability to execute short-notice reconnaissance tasks with a high degree of reliability. The system’s endurance and performance at altitude were key strengths, with a flight duration exceeding 12 hours and an operational ceiling of up to 5,000 metres. Operating quietly at high altitude, the platform proved well suited for persistent surveillance over large operational areas.

Through its connection to the C2-UMS Bw, LUNA NG provided participating units with continuous status updates across wide areas, as well as high-resolution target data. Real-time sensor information was shared with ground forces, enabling a comprehensive and up-to-date situational picture. This capability underscores the system’s role as a central node in digitally networked reconnaissance and operational architectures.

The successful demonstration confirms Rheinmetall’s contribution to advancing unmanned and network-centric capabilities within the Bundeswehr and illustrates the growing importance of integrated drone operations in future military concepts.

Media Contact:

Oliver Hoffmann
Head of Public Relations
Rheinmetall AG
Tel.: +49-(0)211 473 4748

SOURCE: Rheinmetall