EQS-News: Steyr Motors and drone specialist Avilus are cooperating on the power supply for the Grille unmanned aircraft system
EQS-News: Steyr Motors AG / Key word(s): Alliance
Steyr Motors and drone specialist Avilus are cooperating on the power
supply for the Grille unmanned aircraft system
16.10.2026 / 07:30 CET/CEST
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
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Steyr Motors and drone specialist Avilus are cooperating on the power
supply for the Grille unmanned aircraft system
• Steyr Motors’ newly developed Power Generator M12 Power Unit enables
parallel charging of battery packs during flight operations
• Newly developed Power Generator offers significant potential for
applications including drones and counter-drone systems
• High power density and modular scalability for a flexible power supply
under demanding military operating conditions
• Successful field deployment during flight tests and Bundeswehr
exercises, including at ExpS Land, where a demonstration was conducted
in front of German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius
Steyr, Austria, 16 October 2026 – Steyr Motors AG (ISIN [1]AT0000A3FW25),
one of the world’s leading companies in the field of customized engines
for mission-critical defense and civil applications, and the German drone
specialist Avilus are cooperating on the power supply for the Grille
unmanned aircraft system. As part of this collaboration, the
high-performance generators of Steyr Motors’ M12 Power Unit (M12PU) are an
integral part of the drone system’s ground-based power supply and enable
efficient flight operations designed for high operational availability.
The Grille 9X, developed by Avilus, is a fully electric, autonomous
aircraft system designed specifically for the evacuation of wounded
personnel, as well as for resupply and logistics missions under demanding
operational conditions. With a maximum payload of 175 kg, a range of 51
km, and a cruising speed of 86 km/h, the system is designed to transport
patients and critical supplies. Thanks to redundant propulsion systems,
interference-resistant navigation, and an integrated rescue system, Grille
is designed for a high level of operational safety. The system can be made
operational by two people in less than 15 minutes. A notable feature is
the interchangeable battery system, which allows for a battery swap in
just one minute.
Cooperation for a high-performance power supply in mission operations
The collaboration focuses on a high-performance and flexible power
solution for military field operations. While the Grille is in flight, a
second set of batteries is charged in parallel using the M12PU. After
landing, the batteries can be replaced immediately, allowing the drone
system to be redeployed quickly. Diesel consumption is approximately 15
liters per flight.
A key feature of the M12PU is its high power density. The power supply can
be fully integrated into a 20-foot ISO container and can be expanded in a
modular fashion depending on the specific power requirements. As a result,
the M12PU offers a flexible solution for a variety of military deployment
scenarios.
Successful testing under realistic operational conditions
Steyr Motors’ generators are already being used extensively in flight
tests and during Bundeswehr exercises. A recent milestone was the
successful conclusion of ExpS Land, during which the Grille system was
also presented to German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius as part of a
demonstration.
This practical application highlights the importance of a reliable and
high-performance power supply for unmanned aircraft systems. The M12PU
plays a central role within the overall Grille system: it provides the
power needed to charge the battery packs on the ground, thereby enabling a
rapid resumption of flight operations.
Steyr Motors strengthens its position in the military power supply area
The collaboration with Avilus highlights the potential applications of
Steyr Motors’ generator technology beyond traditional propulsion systems.
Compact generator solutions with high power density are becoming
increasingly important, particularly in modern military systems. By
integrating the M12PU into the Grille system, Steyr Motors is also
demonstrating the potential of its technology in a demanding military
application.
Julian Cassutti, CEO of Steyr Motors AG, comments: “The cooperation with
Avilus exemplifies how our expertise in developing high-performance and
reliable energy solutions can be combined with innovative drone
technology. Together, we are creating a flexible solution that meets the
specific requirements of military operations and significantly supports
the operational capability of the Grille system. The successful testing by
the Bundeswehr confirms the potential of our partnership and opens up
interesting prospects for further cooperation in the field of unmanned
systems. At the same time, we see significant potential for our newly
developed Power Generator in further applications, including drone and
counter-drone systems.”
Niclas Bähr, CEO of Avilus, adds: “A high-performance ground-based power
supply is crucial for the operational deployment of our Grille. As part of
this cooperation, Steyr Motors’ generators allow us to charge the
batteries for the next flight even while missions are underway, thereby
ensuring that our system remains operational with virtually no downtime.
The high power density and modular integration provide us with the
flexibility needed to meet a variety of operational requirements.”
Company profile of Steyr Motors AG
Headquartered in Steyr, Austria, Steyr Motors AG is a global leader in the
development and production of high-performance customized special engines
with high power density and durability. The Company’s engines are
primarily used for military special vehicles, boats (both military and
civilian) and as auxiliary power units (“APU”) for main battle tanks and
locomotives.
About Avilus
Avilus is a German aviation company developing and operating uncrewed
aircraft for critical air support. Based in Ismaning near Munich, Avilus
develops aircraft and systems for medical evacuation, logistics,
operational support and long-range intelligence, surveillance and
reconnaissance.
Its portfolio comprises Grille, an electric multicopter for medical
evacuation and tactical resupply; Wespe, a multi-role uncrewed helicopter
for logistics and operational support; and Bussard, a long-range
fixed-wing aircraft for ISR missions. All platforms are built around
RasCore, Avilus’ common architecture for mission planning, aircraft
supervision, navigation, communications and operational integration.
Avilus’ approach is not to replace existing critical air support assets,
but to add scalable capacity where and when it is needed.
Rescue. Protect. Provide.
For further information, please contact:
Steyr Motors AG
Investor Relations
Phone: +436766222367
E-mail: [2]ir@steyr-motors.com
[3] www.steyr-motors.com
Press Contact
CROSS ALLIANCE communication GmbH
Susan Hoffmeister
Phone: +49 89 125 09 0333
E-mail: [4]sh@crossalliance.de
[5] www.crossalliance.de
Avilus Contact
Roberta Walser
Partnerships Lead
Phone: +49 89 24889 269 151
E-mail: [6]roberta.walser@avilus.com
[7] www.avilus.com
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16.10.2026 CET/CEST This Corporate News was distributed by [8]EQS Group
View original content: [9]EQS News
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Language: English
Company: Steyr Motors AG
Im Stadtgut B1
4407 Steyr
Austria
Phone: +43 7252 2220
E-mail: office@steyr-motors.com
Internet: https://www.steyr-motors.com/de/
ISIN: AT0000A3FW25
WKN: A40TC4
Listed: Regulated Unofficial Market in Frankfurt (Scale); Vienna
Stock Exchange (Vienna MTF)
LEI Code: 529900I7M6Z1HG0L8440
EQS News ID: 2415912
End of News EQS News Service
2415912 16.10.2026 CET/CEST
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References
~~18b544d0-9c71-4160-bd95-cc8b9aff9fbf&application_name=news
2. ir@steyr-motors.com
3. https://nwr.eqs-cockpit.com/fncls2.ssx?fn=redirect&url=fa43d7aab0cc6b5f3e5a9bd745396480&application_id=2415912&site_id=apa_ots_austria~~~18b544d0-9c71-4160-bd95-cc8b9aff9fbf&application_name=news
4. sh@crossalliance.de
5. https://nwr.eqs-cockpit.com/fncls2.ssx?fn=redirect&url=a9f6782523c75b88380cf9d9c4273e43&application_id=2415912&site_id=apa_ots_austria~~~18b544d0-9c71-4160-bd95-cc8b9aff9fbf&application_name=news
6. roberta.walser@avilus.com
7. https://nwr.eqs-cockpit.com/fncls2.ssx?fn=redirect&url=9343c86400b1bfbd89754396224ea29e&application_id=2415912&site_id=apa_ots_austria~~~18b544d0-9c71-4160-bd95-cc8b9aff9fbf&application_name=news
8. https://nwr.eqs-cockpit.com/fncls2.ssx?fn=redirect&url=f5d50dc7e8798b6eb177f7955e598e60&application_id=2415912&site_id=apa_ots_austria~~~18b544d0-9c71-4160-bd95-cc8b9aff9fbf&application_name=news
9. https://nwr.eqs-cockpit.com/fncls2.ssx?fn=redirect&url=48af5bb06b2313157e63ab17c4b9b684&application_id=2415912&site_id=apa_ots_austria~~~18b544d0-9c71-4160-bd95-cc8b9aff9fbf&application_name=news
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