Bundeswehr adds unmanned systems to artillery battalion, reorganises Luftwaffe helicopter wing

Panzerbrigade 21's Artilleriebataillon 215 has stood up three batteries, including one participating in German capability development of LM. (Bundeswehr/Celine Liebner)

The German Army announced on its website on 15 October 2026 that Panzerbrigade 21's Artilleriebataillon (Artillery Battalion) 215 in Augustdorf, North Rhine-Westphalia, had stood up three batteries. This was followed the next day by the Luftwaffe's announcement on its website of the reorganisation of its Hubschraubergeschwader (Helicopter Wing) 64 in Schönewalde/Holzdorf, Saxony-Anhalt.

Artilleriebataillon 215's new 1st Battery is tasked with supply and transport, as well as providing radio and IT connections so the battalion staff can command units assigned to it and the unit can remain operational for extended periods, according to the German Army.

Battery responsibilities

The 4th Battery will participate in German capability development of loitering munition (LM).

Artilleriebataillon 215, in parallel with Panzerbrigade 45 ‘Litauen' being permanently based in Lithuania, will jointly develop, review, and test the operational principles, tactics, and technical parameters of LM. The German Army said the Bundeswehr is incorporating insights from current wars and experience from their own trials, with unmanned systems intended to complement conventional artillery and expand target reconnaissance and engagement capabilities.

The 5th Battery will be responsible for providing six-month basic training to 300 recruits, increasing Augustdorf's training capacity from 400 to up to 1,000 soldiers a year, according to the Germany Army. Basic training, including weapon handling, marksmanship and combat training, first aid, protection against hazardous materials, guard duty, and improving physical fitness, began on 1 October 2026.