Drone swarms are widely regarded worldwide as a novelty and remain largely untested as a future combat method for modern armed forces. Within the Bundeswehr, the Luna NG reconnaissance drone is known as the HUSAR project, standing for Highly Efficient Unmanned System for Medium-Range Reconnaissance.
During the test period, Rheinmetall successfully integrated Luna NG into the Bundeswehr’s Command and Control Unmanned Management System, enabling operation within reconnaissance and operational networks alongside other drones and loitering munitions. The system is characterised by a flight endurance of more than 12 hours and a maximum operating altitude of 5,000 metres.
The test campaign demonstrated a high degree of digitalisation and networking, significantly reducing the time needed to detect, mark and counter-attack targets. Luna NG reliably handled short-notice tasks, provided real-time sensor data and high-resolution target information, and delivered a comprehensive operational picture to connected ground units while operating quietly at high altitude.
