LARUS
Germany's Bundeswehr counter-drone reconnaissance programme, buying AeroVironment Puma systems via NSPA
On 7 July, LARUS became the route for Germany's order of 14 Puma reconnaissance drone systems through NATO's procurement agency.
Last refreshed: 1 October 2026 · Appears in 1 active topic
Timeline for LARUS
Mentioned in: German federal police buy anti-drone kit
Drones: Industry & DefenceReceived a $30m Puma Systems Stack order via NSPA
Drones: Industry & Defence: AeroVironment opens two more NATO marketsBackground
LARUS is the German Bundeswehr's programme for airborne reconnaissance with unmanned systems. Its German name, Luftgestützte Aufklärung mit Unbemannten Systemen, describes a military capability rather than a single drone platform.
The programme gives the Bundeswehr a procurement frame for unmanned reconnaissance systems. Germany used NATO Support and Procurement Agency channels for a Puma order in July 2026. That route places LARUS within alliance procurement arrangements, which can support equipment already used across NATO.
For readers tracking German defence capability, LARUS matters as a named Bundeswehr programme connecting unmanned reconnaissance requirements to NATO-backed purchasing. Its importance lies in that institutional role, not in any one supplier contract.
What does LARUS stand for in German defence?
How many Puma drones did Germany order?
Why did Germany buy drones through NSPA rather than directly?
When will Germany's new Puma drones be delivered?
