The SkyStriker loitering munition, jointly offered to Germany by Elbit Systems and Diehl Defence under a partnership inked in June, has presented several of its capabilities in a live demonstration.
The Elbit-made SkyStriker was launched from a canister and autonomously recognized, tracked, and engaged targets with precision.
It also demonstrated its “hand-over” function at a distance of 80 kilometers (50 miles) and interacted with the SkyLark 1 reconnaissance drone with electric vertical takeoff and landing capabilities, highlighting its potential for specialized seek-and-strike missions.
Diehl Defence Senior VP Land Systems Gunnar Pappert said the event “confirms the technological maturity and immense versatility of the SkyStriker system. For Diehl Defence, it is a decisive step to demonstrate the synergies between our systems and the requirements of modern armed forces directly on-site.”
For Elbit Systems Germany CEO Marian Rachow, the demonstration was “another milestone for SkyStriker in Europe and on the path toward production in Germany.”
Diehl is tasked with the manufacturing, assembly, integration, and qualification of the drone in Germany, while Elbit is responsible for driving the strategic market development.
SkyStriker
The SkyStriker loitering munition features electric propulsion that enables an “extremely low” acoustic and thermal signature, making it harder to detect.
It has a range of over 200 kilometers (124 miles) and can loiter for more than two hours.
Designed for easy and flexible deployment, the SkyStriker can be operated by a single operator, requires minimal maintenance, and is stored in compact containers.
SkyStriker can be fielded from several platforms, including ground vehicles and aircraft.
The drone can also be launched from the EuroPULS rocket artillery system, which the Israeli company is also marketing to European militaries through a joint venture with KNDS.
