Rheinmetall Drone LUNA NG Test Success Shows Capabilities

Successful Test: Rheinmetall Drone LUNA NG Demonstrates Capabilities

2026-02-02 Source: Press release Rheinmetall 2 min Reading Time

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Rheinmetall has successfully participated in a pioneering test conducted by the Bundeswehr at the Military Training Area in Saxony-Anhalt with the unmanned aerial vehicle system LUNA NG.

The so-called reconnaissance and effects network was tested, exclusively utilising unmanned systems for target detection and engagement—drones and loitering munitions. Drone swarms are regarded as a novel and yet under-tested technology in the context of the future combat strategies of modern armed forces.

The reconnaissance drone LUNA NG is designated within the Bundeswehr as HUSAR (Highly Efficient Unmanned System for Medium-Range Reconnaissance). During the test campaign at the military training area, Rheinmetall successfully integrated the system with the Command & Control Unmanned Management System of the Bundeswehr (C2-UMS Bw). This allows the LUNA NG to operate alongside other drones and loitering munitions in the reconnaissance and effects network. Notable features of the system include a long flight time of over 12 hours and a maximum altitude of up to 5,000 metres.

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The test at the military training area was characterised by a high degree of digitalisation and connectivity. It became evident that the time required for detecting, marking, and engaging a target could be significantly reduced through the collaboration in the reconnaissance and effects network.

During the testing, LUNA NG reliably accomplished short-term assigned missions, thereby demonstrating its high reconnaissance capability. The system also boasts great endurance and operates at high altitudes with minimal noise.

The other participants, connected to the C2-UMS Bw, receive situational information from LUNA NG over a large operational area, as well as high-resolution target information. Additionally, sensor information is available live, creating a complete situational picture in real-time for the units on the ground.

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