The Dutch Ministry of Defence has signed a modernization contract with American defense technology company AeroVironment to upgrade its fleet of Puma unmanned aerial systems (UAS). Announced on May 13, 2025, the agreement is centered around integrating the Puma Visual Navigation System (VNS)—a cutting-edge development that allows drones to operate without relying on GPS. This strategic enhancement addresses a growing vulnerability on modern battlefields: the denial or spoofing of satellite signals.
At the core of this upgrade lies AeroVironment’s Puma VNS, a visual navigation system designed to ensure autonomous, reliable drone operations in GPS-denied environments—those where jamming, spoofing, or signal absence renders traditional satellite-based navigation ineffective. In such scenarios, the Puma VNS leverages advanced computer vision, onboard intelligence, and terrain mapping to guide the drone. This marks a significant milestone in the evolution of tactical drone systems, offering resilient navigation even in heavily contested electromagnetic zones.
The system is being rolled out across both the Puma 2 AE and Puma 3 AE platforms. These Group 1 drones are lightweight, portable, and designed for rapid deployment. A single soldier can launch them by hand or from various vehicles such as the Fennek reconnaissance vehicle. Their compact footprint, ease of use, and adaptability have already made them a staple in Dutch and NATO ISR (intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance) operations.
The Puma 3 AE (All Environment) drone represents a core component of this modernization effort. With a wingspan of 2.8 meters and weighing just 7 kilograms, the drone can remain airborne for up to three hours when equipped with the Mantis i45 camera. This high-performance, stabilized camera system offers high-definition electro-optical and infrared imagery, making the Puma ideal for real-time tracking, situational awareness, and precision target identification.
Its modular design allows operators to switch payloads depending on mission needs. The optional underwing bay can accommodate secondary payloads, while the drone’s sensors—Mantis i45 for day and i45 N for night operations—enable 24/7 effectiveness in any lighting condition. The system’s adaptability is further enhanced by compatibility with a VTOL (vertical take-off and landing) module, allowing it to operate in confined urban or forested areas where traditional launch methods may be impractical.
Despite being unarmed, the Puma 3 AE’s role in the battlefield is anything but passive. By providing continuous overwatch and feeding real-time data into tactical networks via the Tomahawk Ground Control Station, it functions as a vital node in the information chain. This empowers commanders to make faster and better-informed decisions, increasing the tempo of operations and reducing the risks to troops on the ground.
In addition to the upgrades to existing platforms, the Netherlands is expanding its drone inventory with the acquisition of the Puma LE (Long Endurance). This variant provides extended flight time and greater range, making it ideal for longer surveillance missions, border monitoring, and support in civil defense scenarios such as natural disasters or humanitarian crises.
With longer loiter times and improved payload capacity, the Puma LE broadens the strategic use cases for Dutch forces. Unlike larger drones that require complex launch infrastructure and significant logistical support, the Puma LE maintains the family’s hallmark of portability and simplicity. This aligns with NATO’s increasing focus on tactical autonomy, enabling ISR assets to be fielded at the platoon or squad level.
The Puma platform’s evolution is closely tied to real-world feedback from operational theatres. AeroVironment drones have been widely used in Ukraine, where they were deployed in complex and high-intensity environments against a technologically advanced adversary. There, their performance in GPS-contested zones provided both critical insights and validation for features like the VNS.
Lessons learned from Ukraine, including the need for rapid deployment, sensor fusion, and electronic warfare resilience, have directly influenced the upgrades now being rolled out across NATO partners. The shift to decentralized, edge-level ISR capabilities also reflects a growing understanding that future conflicts will rely less on centralized systems and more on distributed, autonomous technologies.
According to Trace Stevenson, President of AeroVironment’s Autonomous Systems division, this modernization initiative demonstrates a larger NATO trend: “The battlefield is evolving. Our allies need platforms that can think, adapt, and deliver intelligence in real time. Puma 3 AE and Puma LE are designed to meet the speed and complexity of modern warfare.”
The Netherlands’ investment in unmanned and autonomous systems is part of a broader digital transformation strategy. As part of this vision, the Ministry of Defence aims to increase the technological readiness and resilience of its armed forces through connected systems, AI-enhanced tools, and cyber-electronic warfare integration.
The modernization of the Puma fleet—especially with GPS-independent navigation and VTOL capabilities—signals a clear doctrinal shift toward mobility and survivability. In an age defined by hybrid threats, jamming, and real-time digital warfare, legacy systems that rely solely on satellite connectivity are increasingly vulnerable. With this contract, the Dutch military is equipping itself to operate independently of such fragile infrastructure.
The new systems will be rolled out not just at the battalion or company level, but down to platoons and squads. This decentralized approach allows for faster reaction times and more flexible ISR support during missions, from special operations to peacekeeping and disaster relief.
While the Puma platform is built for combat zones, its capabilities also translate well into civil domains. With the Puma LE, Dutch authorities are exploring uses beyond defense, including coastal surveillance, environmental monitoring, and disaster response. In floods, wildfires, or search-and-rescue scenarios, the same real-time video and thermal imaging that supports military operations can be a lifesaver for civilians.
The dual-use potential of these drones also aligns with NATO’s broader goal of civil-military integration in technological innovation. With climate change increasing the frequency of extreme weather events, drones that can be rapidly deployed for situational awareness will become indispensable tools for both militaries and first responders.
One of the defining features of modern warfare is the struggle over the electromagnetic spectrum. The ability to jam communications, intercept signals, and deny GPS access has become standard practice among state and non-state actors alike. Against this backdrop, visual navigation systems such as Puma VNS are not a luxury—they are a necessity.
AeroVironment’s VNS uses image-based mapping and terrain-relative navigation, ensuring that the drone continues its mission even when satellite signals are degraded or entirely blocked. It also adds a layer of autonomy to the system, reducing operator workload and enabling drones to navigate using local visual cues and onboard processors.
This gives Dutch forces a crucial edge in contested airspace where traditional UAS might be grounded or deceived. More importantly, it strengthens their ability to operate independently in environments where allied support may not be immediately available.
The Puma drone family is not a static product but part of a living system that evolves through operational feedback, software updates, and hardware modularity. With this contract, the Netherlands joins a growing group of NATO countries investing in adaptable, resilient uncrewed systems designed for 21st-century conflict.
Future enhancements may include AI-assisted target recognition, swarm coordination, and tighter integration with ground-based sensors and command networks. AeroVironment has also hinted at deeper integration with NATO’s federated ISR architecture, allowing for seamless data sharing across allied units.
