Rheinmetall and UVision Air Ltd. have reported the signature of a strategic partnering agreement for loitering munitions, according to a joint press release. Under the agreement, Rheinmetall will take the industrial, technological and commercial lead for enhancing the capabilities of the weapon system while UVision will make available the HERO loitering munition, based on technological expertise and operational experience. The parties plan to integrate the combat-proven HERO series with Rheinmetall’s portfolio of manned and unmanned vehicle platforms, launchers, battle management systems and armoured vehicles such as the LYNX IFV.
The HERO family of loitering munitions comprises several models. Designed for different missions, from short to medium and long ranges and flight times using various warheads, the HERO series provides operational forces with combined Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance and strike capabilities, allowing them to independently locate, track and engage time-sensitive, low-signature targets, Rheinmetall said. These 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. According to the company, the HERO system can abort an attack in mid-air, re-enter loitering mode and then resume the attack or re-assign targets, thus minimising collateral damage.
JH
