Germany Plan to Expand Heron TP Drone Fleet
Germany is set to bolster its aerial surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities by acquiring three additional Heron TP drones from Israel, further strengthening its medium-altitude, long-endurance (MALE) unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) fleet. This decision reflects Berlin’s ongoing commitment to modernize its military assets and enhance operational readiness, particularly amid evolving security challenges in Europe and beyond.
The German Air Force already operates five Heron TP drones under a leasing agreement with Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI). With the planned acquisition of three more, Germany’s Heron fleet will grow to eight aircraft, significantly boosting its intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) capacity. The new procurement plan is currently awaiting a €25 million ($29 million) budget approval in the German Parliament and, if passed following the summer recess, the new drones are expected to be delivered within two years.
The Heron TP is one of the most capable drones in service today. Designed for extended missions, it can remain airborne for more than 30 hours and fly at altitudes of up to 45,000 feet (13,716 meters). This high endurance and altitude range make it suitable for long-distance surveillance missions and less vulnerable to enemy detection. The drone is equipped with high-resolution cameras, sophisticated radars, and cutting-edge sensors, making it highly effective for monitoring large areas such as maritime zones and critical infrastructure.
Germany has already deployed one Heron TP drone to the Baltic Sentry mission, where it plays a vital role in guarding NATO’s underwater infrastructure and sea lanes — a mission that underscores the importance of reliable ISR assets in the current geopolitical climate.
The newly ordered drones are also expected to be more advanced than the currently leased ones. According to available details, they will be fitted with an electromagnetic surveillance system capable of detecting radar and communication signals. This will give Germany enhanced situational awareness and electronic intelligence-gathering capabilities, adding a new layer of operational versatility to the fleet.
Most of the Heron TP drones — six out of eight — will be based at Jagel Air Base in Schleswig-Holstein, Germany. The remaining two will stay at Israel’s Tel Nof Air Base, where a joint German-Israeli training unit operates. This setup allows German drone operators to continue receiving hands-on training with Israeli experts, ensuring smooth integration and operation of the advanced platforms.
Technical and logistical support for the new drones will be provided by Airbus DS Airborne Solutions, a Bremen-based company that has already been supporting Germany’s leased Heron TPs. This continuity ensures maintenance reliability and long-term operational effectiveness.
Overall, Germany’s decision to invest in additional Heron TP drones underlines its focus on enhancing unmanned aerial capabilities, supporting NATO missions, and maintaining technological parity with other advanced militaries in an increasingly complex security environment.
