Next-Generation German Military Drones: Avilus Presents Grille, Wespe, and Bussard at Bundeswehr Event

At the 2025 “Tag der Bundeswehr” event in Diez, Germany-based drone manufacturer Avilus introduced a new generation of unmanned aerial systems (UAS), marking a notable development in the landscape of European military aviation. The unveiling included the third generation of the Grille drone and the first iterations of two new platforms: the Wespe and the Bussard. These systems, along with a newly developed ground control segment, reflect a strategic response to evolving operational demands in defense, particularly in the areas of evacuation, logistics, and intelligence gathering.

 Drone Grille, Wespe, and Bussard. Avilus

The Grille drone, now in its third generation, is designed primarily for medical evacuation. With a takeoff weight of approximately 550 kilograms, it is equipped with twelve rotors that enable speeds of up to 80 km/h and a range of 50 kilometers. This configuration allows for the rapid transport of severely injured personnel from front-line positions to medical facilities or between treatment centers. The latest iteration includes modifications to the transport capsule, landing gear, and battery system. These updates aim to improve operational flexibility, especially in challenging terrain, and enhance safety through a low-altitude-optimized parachute recovery system.

The Wespe drone introduces a modular, coaxial rotor platform intended for mid-range missions. With a takeoff weight of 650 kilograms and a payload capacity of 200 kilograms, it is powered by a combustion engine and has a range of 300 kilometers. Its design supports a variety of roles, including cargo transport, reconnaissance, and medical evacuation. The Wespe can be outfitted with electro-optical systems for surveillance and shares the RasCore avionics suite with other Avilus drones, which is engineered for resilience against electronic warfare measures.

The Bussard drone represents Avilus’ entry into long-range strategic UAS capabilities. It features a maximum takeoff weight of 800 kilograms and a payload capacity of 143 kilograms. Its operational range extends to 2,500 kilometers, making it suitable for wide-area surveillance and intelligence missions. The Bussard is equipped with the PrecISR radar and Argos electro-optical system from Hensoldt, enabling persistent, all-weather reconnaissance. Like its counterparts, it incorporates the RasCore avionics system to maintain functionality in electronically contested environments.

A common thread across all three platforms is their modularity and shared technological architecture. This approach allows for interchangeable payloads and streamlined maintenance, potentially reducing logistical burdens and increasing mission adaptability. The plug-and-play design of components such as batteries and sensor packages facilitates rapid reconfiguration for different operational needs without requiring separate airframes for each mission type.

The introduction of these drones comes amid growing interest among European and NATO forces in flexible, cost-effective unmanned systems. Traditional UAVs often face limitations in range, payload, or mission specificity, while manned aircraft can be prohibitively expensive and riskier in contested zones. Avilus’ new lineup appears to address these gaps by offering scalable solutions that combine tactical utility with strategic reach.

The development of these systems has reportedly involved close collaboration with the Bundeswehr’s Wehrtechnische Dienststelle 61, a technical agency responsible for evaluating military equipment. This partnership has enabled iterative testing and refinement of the drones to meet specific military requirements, particularly in terms of resilience, mobility, and ease of deployment.

While the long-term adoption and integration of these drones into broader NATO operations remain to be seen, their unveiling signals a shift toward more versatile and survivable unmanned platforms. The emphasis on modularity, electronic warfare resistance, and multi-role functionality reflects broader trends in military procurement, where adaptability and interoperability are increasingly prioritized.

Avilus’ presentation at the “Tag der Bundeswehr” highlights a strategic effort to expand the capabilities of unmanned systems in European defense. By introducing drones tailored for medical evacuation, mid-range transport, and long-range surveillance, the company positions itself to meet a spectrum of operational needs. Whether these systems will achieve widespread deployment will depend on further testing, procurement decisions, and their performance in real-world scenarios.