Rheinmetall-UVision Hero Loitering Munition: German defence giant Rheinmetall and Israeli UAV manufactuer UVision Air Limited Tuesday signed a strategic partnership agreement for development and manufacturing of loitering munitions to meet the growing demand for precision weapons in Europe.
Both the companies will jointly develop and market precise and combat-proven weapon systems in the European market.
“Through this partnership, Rheinmetall and UVision will offer end-to-end solutions for loitering munitions to the armed forces of Europe,” said the German defence company.
While Rheinmetall will take the industrial, technological and commercial lead for enhancing the capabilities of the weapon system, UVision will make available the Hero loitering munitions.
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Rheinmetall and UVision are working to integrate the combat-proven Hero series into Rheinmetall’s portfolio of manned and unmanned vehicle platforms, launchers, battle management systems and armoured vehicles such as the Lynx Infantry Fighting Vehicle (IFV).
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Uvision’s Hero Loitering Munition.
UVision’s Hero Loitering Munitions
The Hero family of loitering munitions comprises several models.
“It is designed for different missions, from short to medium and long ranges and flight times using various warheads, the Hero series of high-precision loitering munitions provides operational forces with combined intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance (ISR) and strike capabilities, allowing them to independently locate, track and engage time-sensitive, low-signature targets,” said the company.
These advanced munitions can loiter in the air in a clandestine manner for an extended period of time; locate and track the enemy; help to validate targets; and carry out a precise strike.
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According to a company statement, the Hero loitering munition system can abort an attack in mid-air; re-enter loitering mode; and then resume the attack, or re-assign targets, thus minimizing collateral damage and providing operational forces with unsurpassed tactical flexibility on the modern battlefield.
Alexander Sagel, Head of Rheinmetall‘s Weapon and Ammunition Division says the company’s entry in the market for loitering munitions is an important strategic step.
“In doing so, we are systematically pivoting to meet changing customer requirements and growing market demand. We aspire to provide our customers with high-tech solutions,” Sagel said in a statement sent to Defence Star.
“Together with UVision, we will be offering products made in Europe for the European market to address growing European demand. With this partnership we aim to occupy the leading position in Europe. Building on our mutually reinforcing capabilities, we will also establish a strong foundation for developing new products together,” he added.
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UVision‘s CEO Major General (Retd) Avi Mizrachi says partnership with Rheinmetall is a major step for UVision, which is aimed at providing advanced technology and quick support and training capability in Europe to the company’s operational customers.
“By integrating our loitering munitions into Rheinmetall’s vast portfolio of munitions, warheads, combat platforms and battle management systems already used by leading military forces, we can now offer European and other allied armed forces a much broader and more complete set of solutions for their defence needs,” Avi Mizrachi said.
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