German Navy to receive Skeldar V-200 helicopter drones

The Federal Office of Bundeswehr Equipment, Information Technology and In-Service Support (BAAINBw) is set to acquire a new unmanned aerial reconnaissance system for the German Navy.

BAAINBw has signed a contract with German company Elektroniksystem- und Logistik for the procurement of Skeldar V-200 helicopter drones as part of the initiative.

The new unmanned reconnaissance helicopter is expected to be deployed on-board the German Navy’s newest K130 Braunschweig-class corvettes.

The Skeldar V-200 drone is expected to enable the navy to carry out reconnaissance tasks beyond the range of the vessel’s own sensors once operational.

BAAINBw project manager LTRDir Axel Hoffmann said: “By concluding this contract, we are strengthening the navy with a significant unmanned, imaging reconnaissance capability and thus lay the foundation for future steps.”

Elektroniksystem- und Logistik is serving as the main contractor for the project, while UMS Skeldar and Lürssen Werft have been selected as subcontractors.

The procurement contract covers the acquisition of one Skeldar V-200 type unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), comprising two UAVs as sensor carriers, as well as full system integration on-board the K130-class corvette and a spare parts package.

Training will also be provided for the operator and maintenance personnel under the arrangement.

The Skeldar V-200 UAV features a double payload capability and is capable of conducting both land and maritime operations.

Furthermore, the multi-role remotely piloted aircraft system (RPAS) can carry out a wide range of applications such as reconnaissance, identification, target acquisition and electronic warfare.