Germany has ordered defense corporation Rheinmetall to supply Ukraine’s Armed Forces (AFU) with a Luna NG unmanned aerial reconnaissance system by the end of 2023, reports German tabloid Bild, citing its own sources of information.
The publication calls the Luna NG a “superdrone” that can “see and hear.” Luna NG is an updated version of the Luna X-2000 unmanned aircraft, which has been in service with the Bundeswehr, Germany’s armed forces, since the early 2000s. The light aircraft-type reconnaissance drone can fly continuously for 12 hours over a distance of more than 100 kilometers (62 miles). Its maximum cruising altitude is 5,000 meters (16,404 feet). It is launched from a catapult.
The system that Germany plans to give to Ukraine will include a ground control station, several drones, and a launch catapult.
Rheinmetall is planning to release a version of the reconnaissance that is also capable of carrying weapons, however it will not be possible to deliver this type of drone to Ukraine by year’s end.
Meduza survived 2024 thanks to its readers!
Let’s stick together for 2025.
The world is at a crossroads today, and quality journalism will help shape the decades to come. Real stories must be told at any cost. Please support Meduza by signing up for a recurring donation.