AV Secures Landmark Contract to Supply Advanced Uncrewed Ground Vehicles to German Armed Forces
AeroVironment, Inc. (AV), through its wholly owned subsidiary Telerob, has been awarded a significant contract to deliver 41 large-sized, state-of-the-art Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) and Improvised Explosive Device (IED) uncrewed ground vehicles (UGVs) to the German Federal Armed Forces. This milestone contract underscores the company’s leadership in the field of advanced robotic solutions for defense and security operations. Initial deliveries are expected to commence in the summer of 2025, with additional orders extending through 2027.
The selection of the telemax™ HT300 UGV follows a rigorous and highly competitive procurement process designed to ensure that the German Armed Forces receive the most capable and reliable robotic systems for high-risk missions. The telemax™ HT300 was chosen for its advanced capabilities, including a highly dexterous manipulator arm, superior mobility, and adaptability across various challenging terrains.
A Major Step Forward for Defense Robotics
The German Armed Forces require cutting-edge technology to respond to evolving threats in modern warfare, particularly in the realm of EOD and counter-IED operations. With threats such as unexploded ordnance and improvised explosive devices posing significant dangers to personnel, the deployment of sophisticated robotic solutions plays a critical role in mitigating risks and ensuring mission success.
The telemax™ HT300 UGV is specifically engineered to excel in high-threat environments where human intervention could be hazardous. It features a robust manipulator arm that enables precise handling of hazardous materials, allowing operators to neutralize threats from a safe distance. The platform is also equipped with exceptional traction capabilities, enabling it to navigate through unstable and shifting surfaces with ease. This makes it highly effective in urban environments, rugged landscapes, and confined spaces where traditional EOD approaches may be limited.
“This award marks a major milestone in Telerob’s 30-year legacy of innovation and trusted performance,” said Florian Gruener, Managing Director of Telerob and Product Line General Manager for Uncrewed Ground Vehicles. “It is one of the most significant contracts we’ve secured in the past 15 years and further reinforces our longstanding, strategic partnership with the German Armed Forces. These next-generation systems will be built at our state-of-the-art facility in Ostfildern, Germany—delivering the precision, reliability, and operational advantage that today’s missions demand.”
The Telemax™ HT300: A Versatile and Highly Capable UGV
As part of AV’s growing portfolio of multi-domain uncrewed systems, the telemax™ HT300 is designed to enhance force protection, mission effectiveness, and operator safety in the world’s most challenging operational environments. The system’s key features include:
- Advanced Manipulator Arm: A multi-jointed robotic arm capable of precise and delicate operations, essential for handling explosives and hazardous materials.
- Superior Mobility: Equipped with all-terrain wheels and tracked mobility, enabling the UGV to traverse rough, uneven, and unpredictable surfaces with stability and ease.
- Enhanced Communication and Control Systems: Integrated with cutting-edge remote operation technology, ensuring seamless control from a safe distance, reducing operator exposure to potential threats.
- Modular Design: Capable of integrating various payloads and tools, allowing mission-specific configurations to adapt to diverse operational needs.
- Long-Range Operational Capability: Extended battery life and operational range ensure sustained mission effectiveness without frequent recharging or manual intervention.
With these capabilities, the telemax™ HT300 is set to become an indispensable asset for German Armed Forces’ EOD teams, enhancing their ability to respond to and neutralize threats efficiently and safely.
Strengthening the Strategic Partnership Between AV and the German Armed Forces
The partnership between AV and the German Armed Forces has been built on a foundation of trust, innovation, and proven performance over the years. This latest contract reinforces the collaborative efforts between the two entities to continuously enhance defense capabilities and protect military personnel from emerging threats.
Telerob’s manufacturing facility in Ostfildern, Germany, will serve as the production hub for these next-generation robotic systems. The facility is equipped with advanced assembly lines and quality assurance processes to ensure that each unit meets the highest standards of reliability and operational effectiveness. The contract also includes provisions for training, support, and maintenance services, ensuring that operators are fully equipped to leverage the capabilities of the telemax™ HT300 effectively.
The Growing Role of Robotics in Modern Defense Strategies
As global defense strategies evolve, the integration of robotic and autonomous systems has become increasingly vital in enhancing operational efficiency, reducing risks, and augmenting human capabilities in high-threat environments. Uncrewed ground vehicles like the telemax™ HT300 represent a crucial technological advancement in this regard, offering military forces greater flexibility and effectiveness in counter-IED and EOD missions.
The deployment of these systems aligns with broader defense trends that emphasize automation, data-driven decision-making, and reduced human exposure to battlefield hazards. By investing in advanced UGV technology, the German Armed Forces are taking a proactive approach to addressing modern security challenges while safeguarding their personnel.
About AeroVironment, Inc.
AeroVironment (NASDAQ: AVAV) is a global leader in intelligent multi-domain robotic systems, uncrewed aircraft and ground systems, sensors, software analytics, and connectivity solutions. Headquartered in Arlington, Virginia, AeroVironment provides actionable intelligence and cutting-edge technological solutions to support military, government, and commercial applications. The company is committed to delivering precision-engineered systems that enable operators to execute missions with certainty and efficiency. For more information, visit www.avinc.com.
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Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to:
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The awarding of this contract to AV and Telerob is a testament to the company’s unwavering commitment to advancing military robotics and strengthening global defense capabilities. With the telemax™ HT300, the German Armed Forces will be equipped with cutting-edge technology designed to enhance mission success and protect personnel in high-risk environments. This agreement not only solidifies AV’s position as a leader in uncrewed ground systems but also marks a significant step forward in the integration of advanced robotics in modern defense strategies.
