The German Heron TP , produced by UAV PEO at the Directorate of Defense, Research and Development at the IMoD and Israel Aerospace Industries, has today (15.5.2024) flown in German airspace for the first time. The Remotely Piloted Aircraft System (RPAS) was customised for the unique requirements of the German Ministry of Defence, as part of a joint venture between IAI, Israel's Ministry of Defense's Directorate of Defense Research and Development (DDR&D), and Airbus.

The close cooperation between Airbus, IAI, DDR&D and the German Armed Forces, ensured development of a RPAS which exhibits both advanced performance and operational readiness while also providing the German Armed Forces with additional capabilities. The flight was conducted in the presence of the senior representatives from the German Air Force, the DDR&D at the Israeli Ministry of Defense, Airbus and, IAI. This historic event is an important step towards reaching full operational capability.

President and CEO of Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI), Mr. Boaz Levy:" The deployment of Heron TP (GHTP) RPAS in Germany signifies a milestone achievement for Israel Aerospace Industries, reinforcing its position as a leading provider of cutting-edge aerospace and defense solutions on the global stage. This collaboration sets the stage for continued innovation and collaboration in addressing the ever-evolving challenges in the defense sector."

Head of DDR&D, IMOD, Dr. Daniel Gold:" We are immensely proud to witness this milestone achievement, the maiden flight of the German Heron TP. This joint endeavor between Israel and Germany exemplifies the strong partnership and collaboration between our nations, harnessing cutting-edge technology to provide a qualitative military advantage. The German Heron TP RPAS represents a strategic leap forward in intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance capabilities, fortifying Germany's defense prowess while fostering interoperability with our allies. ”

IAI VP and General Manager of the Military Aircraft Group, Mr. Moshe Levy: “ IAI is pleased to note this further step forward in the German Heron TP project. We thank our partners at Airbus and the Ministry of Defense for their cooperation in this project. It is a source of considerable pride for us that the Heron UAV manufactured by IAI is now flying in German airspace. Together with our partners at Airbus, we are at the disposal of the German Ministry of Defence for whatever they may need and will provide our best possible service. We look forward to implementing a fully successful program.”

Head of UAV PEO, DDR&D, IMOD: “We are thrilled with this historic achievement as the Heron-TP RPAS completed its first flight on German airspace. This milestone, made possible through collaborative efforts between Israeli and German governments alongside the IAI and Airbus industries. The Heron-TP RPAS includes advanced capabilities by using cutting-edge technologies integrated into its design. ”

Head of Air Power at Airbus Defence and Space, Mr. Jean-Brice Dumont: “With the German Heron TP, we are building on the success of our close cooperation with Israel Aerospace Industries and the German Armed Forces on the Heron 1. This RPAS has been vital for the safety of German troops and populations in Afghanistan and Mali, while also having supported humanitarian missions. The Heron TP will continue in this tradition and guarantee an unmanned system with outstanding performance and operational readiness, which could also provide additional capabilities for the German Armed Forces in the future due to its modularity, such as maritime surveillance capabilities.”