Erstflug German HERON TP

Partnering for mission-ready performance

OPERATIONAL REFERENCE

The German Heron TP (GHTP) is a Medium Altitude Long Endurance (MALE) uncrewed aerial system operated by the German Air Force. Produced by Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) and customised by Airbus, the system meets the requirements of the German Armed Forces for strategic and tactical operations. The GHTP was one of the first MALE UAS ever to receive STANAG 4671 certification, which proofs airworthiness and therefore worldwide deployability. 

Airbus provides full operational, maintenance and data-management services, expanding deployment capabilities and ensuring interoperability with NATO partners.

Close cooperation between Airbus, IAI and the German Armed Forces ensures an uncrewed system with outstanding performance and operational readiness.

GHTP First cross boarder flight 2025
GHTP First cross boarder flight 2025
GHTP First cross boarder flight 2025

Delivering persistent reconnaissance capability

Operational Role

The German Heron TP delivers intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance and target-acquisition capabilities for the German Air Force (Luftwaffe). Flights take place in Germany and abroad, supporting operational readiness in diverse environments. The GHTP is flying together with all civilian and military aircraft in controlled European airspace.

The aircraft’s modular design supports a range of advanced payloads, including Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR+) and Electromagnetic Surveillance (ES) sensors, providing high-resolution imagery and electronic intelligence in day, night and all-weather conditions. 

Through the simultaneous use of multiple sensor types across multispectral ranges, the German Heron TP creates a comprehensive situational picture, with data processed and transmitted in real time to support critical decision-making.

With endurance exceeding 30 hours, the system delivers long-duration ISR coverage for national and international missions

GHTP Maiden Flight Germany
GHTP Maiden Flight Germany
GHTP Maiden Flight Germany

Comprehensive support for uncrewed operations

Support and Capabilities

German Heron TP operations managed by Airbus have demonstrated consistent reliability and mission success, accumulating thousands of safe flight hours for the German Air Force. 

Support capabilities include:

  • End-to-end mission operations and flight planning
  • Maintenance, logistics and fleet sustainment
  • Data management, imagery processing and analysis
  • Pilot and payload-operator training
  • Integration with ground command networks

 

 

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