The Bundeswehr has commissioned Avilus with the rescue drone innovation project ‘Grille’. The Armed Forces Support Command announced this on Thursday. The contract signed with the Bundeswehr in early April 2026 represents an important step in expanding unmanned aerial capabilities that will be central in the future for medical evacuation missions and logistical operations.
The innovation project, titled “Unmanned Qualified Patient Transport by Air”, includes the provision of two aerial unmanned systems, as well as the conduct of flight tests and operator training. The aim is to tailor the system through practical trials with the Bundeswehr Medical Service to precisely meet the armed forces’ specific needs.
„Grille“ soll an Gegebenheiten der Rettungskette angepasst werden
The program begins with a training phase for soldiers, followed by intensive flight operations. This testing is thus not only about developing innovative technologies, but also about the targeted adaptation of modern unmanned systems to the conditions of an intact rescue chain.
Generaloberstabsarzt Dr. Ralf Hoffmann, Commander of the Bundeswehr’s Central Medical Service, emphasizes: “Innovative solutions are more important than ever to ensure a resilient and capable rescue chain in the future as well.” Niclas Bähr, CEO of Avilus, stated: “We are proud to take this step together with the Bundeswehr and to contribute to the future and resilience of the rescue chain.”
