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🇺🇸 USreconnaissanceactive
RQ-20 Puma / Puma 3 AE
Also known as: Puma · Puma 3 AE · AeroVironment Puma
Manufacturer: AeroVironment, Inc.
Hand-launched larger tactical UAV with EO/IR Mantis turret; waterproof airframe enables maritime ISR. Puma 3 AE adds digital datalink and longer range.
SPECIFICATIONS
Category
reconnaissance
In service since
2008
Weight
6.8 kg
Payload
1.5 kg
Range
20 km
Endurance
165 min
Speed
83 km/h
Control
RF
EW resistance
medium
Autonomy
operator-on-loop
Unit cost (USD)
$200,000 – $300,000
KNOWN OPERATORS
NOTABLE USE CASES
Operated by US CBP along the southern border; transferred to Ukraine in 2022 PDA-7.
RECENT EVENTS
doctrine-change2026-06-30UK announces £5B+ drone-focused Defence Investment Plan and shift toward hybrid, uncrewed-enabled force structure🇬🇧exercise—NATO and UK-linked naval exercises in May highlight increased use of unmanned systems🇳🇴
See all events →SOURCES
Data confidence: 95 / 100. Catalog is in active development.