Germany launches competition for small UAVs

To strengthen its reconnaissance and surveillance capabilities, Germany has launched a new competition for the supply of small UAVs.  

The competition, known as Project ‘Eule’, was announced via the EU’s Tenders Electronic Daily on 18 September by Germany's Federal Office of Bundeswehr Equipment, Information Technology, and In-Service Support, which equips the country's armed forces.  

According to the competition notice, the small UAVs should have a maximum takeoff weight of 4kg.

Additionally, the UAVs must be commercially available, with the capacity to be operated by a single person.  

Project Eule follows the release of Germany’s first military strategy since WWII in April, which outlined the country’s plans to expand its use of innovative technologies and affordable, mass-produced systems.  

What will Project Eule entail?  

Under Project Eule, Germany is seeking two separate – but identical – lots of small UAVs. The companies that successfully bid for each lot will be awarded with a framework agreement.  

While companies may submit bids for both lots, a maximum of one framework agreement will be awarded to each business.  

The duration of both framework agreements will be for seven years, with no opportunity for renewal. The number of UAVs required under each lot has not been specified.  

The deadline to enter the competition is 21 October.