Germany has acquired 127 PackBot 525 unmanned ground vehicles from American defense manufacturer Teledyne FLIR.
The development was announced during the recently concluded Eurosatory defense expo in Paris.
According to the company, the PackBot 525 is the “most advanced model” among the ground robots it has manufactured for international customers.
It explained that the system is combat-proven, having been deployed in Afghanistan caves and on roads in Iraq riddled with improvised explosive devices (IEDs).
Weighing 27 kilograms (59.5 pounds), the robot can reportedly keep military units safe when conducting missions such as bomb disposal and close-in surveillance.
Final deliveries to the German military are scheduled for July.
‘Vital to Future Security Efforts’
Teledyne FLIR official Dr. David Cullin said that delivering new unmanned assets to Germany will help its soldiers perform dangerous missions while keeping them out of harm’s way.
He further noted that the PackBot is a “trusted” counter-IED system with upgraded features and technology, providing improved performance to the military.
“We’re proud to work with ELP (European Logistic Partners) and deepen our long-standing relationship with the German Army during this crucial and challenging time for European security,” Cullin expressed.
Meanwhile, ELP Managing Director Simon Weiss asserted that the ground robots are “vital to future security efforts” in and outside the German territory.
Operational since 2001, the PackBot is currently used by 57 countries.
It comes with a tablet-based controller and advanced sensors to detect chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear threats.