Makor RishonSecurity13:28

Israel Aerospace Industries Tests Armed Drone with Remote-Controlled Machine Gun

By ישי אלמקייס־אלרם

Translated & summarized from Makor Rishon by baba

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Hebrew · 6 newsrooms covering

Israel Aerospace Industries and SIG SAUER have successfully tested the FIRE STORM 250, an unmanned aerial system equipped with a remote-controlled machine gun and automatic target recognition. The drone can provide close-range air support, border security, and engage targets from various ranges and altitudes. It can remain airborne for three hours and is designed for rapid deployment to accompany tactical units.

The story in 5 lines · by baba

IAI and SIG SAUER tested the FIRE STORM 250, an unmanned drone with a remote-controlled machine gun.
The drone features automatic target recognition and can engage targets in single and semi-automatic fire.
It has a flight endurance of up to three hours and carries 200 rounds of ammunition.
The system allows operators to maintain control and approve all firing decisions.
IAI CEO Guy Bar Lev highlighted the system's integration of intelligence, technology, and operational power.

Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) and SIG SAUER have successfully completed a firing test of the FIRE STORM 250, an advanced tactical unmanned system equipped with a remote-controlled MICROLIGHT weapon station mounting an M250 machine gun. This system, essentially a large drone armed with a machine gun and automatic target recognition, is designed for close-range air support, border security, suppressive fire, and internal security missions. During the trials, the system identified targets using its onboard camera and engaged them in single and semi-automatic fire modes from various ranges and altitudes.

The drone can stay airborne for up to three hours, carrying 200 rounds of ammunition. Its vertical takeoff and landing capability allows for deployment from forward positions without requiring runways or specialized infrastructure. The system integrates SIG SAUER's remote-controlled weapon station, described as the world's lightest aerial weapon station. The entire weapon assembly, including the station, M250 machine gun, and 200 rounds, weighs approximately 24 kilograms, providing stable and accurate fire.

Operators receive real-time data from the system's sensors, including target tracking and engagement options, while retaining control and the authority to approve live fire, thus combining advanced automation with human judgment. The system is powered by a multi-fuel internal combustion engine, allowing for field refueling with readily available fuel, eliminating the need for lengthy battery recharge cycles. The platform is designed for rapid deployment to accompany tactical units.

IAI CEO Guy Bar Lev stated that the future battlefield will be defined by the integration of intelligence, technology, and operational power into a single, effective response. He added that the successful test demonstrates IAI's vision for developing integrated solutions that provide forces with a significant operational advantage and enhance their capabilities to meet evolving battlefield challenges.