Arutz ShevaSecurity17:40

Israel Aerospace Industries Tests New Drone-Mounted Machine Gun System

By ערוץ 7

Translated & summarized from Arutz Sheva by baba

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Hebrew · 6 newsrooms covering

Israel Aerospace Industries and SIG Sauer successfully tested the FIRE STORM 250, a new drone system integrating an M250 machine gun capable of three hours of flight and carrying 200 rounds. The system allows for vertical take-off and landing, providing ground forces with enhanced observation and precise aerial attack capabilities under human control. The companies highlighted its potential to revolutionize battlefield operations by integrating intelligence, technology, and firepower for rapid, effective responses.

The story in 6 lines · by baba

The FIRE STORM 250 drone system integrates an M250 machine gun, capable of 3 hours flight and 200 rounds.
IAI and SIG Sauer completed a successful firing test of the new aerial weapon system.
The system features vertical take-off and landing for deployment near combat troops.
SIG Sauer claims its weapon station is the world's lightest aerial weapon station at 24 kg.
Human operators retain full control over attack decisions, despite automated targeting.
The drone provides continuous aerial situational awareness and intelligence gathering.

Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) and SIG Sauer have successfully completed a firing test of their new FIRE STORM 250 system, which integrates an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) with an M250 machine gun. The system can remain airborne for up to three hours, carry 200 rounds of ammunition, and execute precise strikes while maintaining human control over attack decisions.

The FIRE STORM 250 is designed to provide ground forces with aerial observation and attack capabilities, operating without the need for a runway or specialized aviation infrastructure. During the test, the drone hovered over a simulated battlefield, identified targets using its onboard camera, and engaged them in single and semi-automatic fire modes from various altitudes and distances. Company representatives stated the test demonstrated the system's accuracy, firing stability, and ability to operate in changing conditions.

The system combines IAI's UAV platform with SIG Sauer's remotely controlled MICROLIGHT weapon station, which houses the M250 machine gun and ammunition. The entire weapon assembly, including the station, gun, and 200 rounds, weighs approximately 24 kilograms, which SIG Sauer claims is the world's lightest aerial weapon station.

A key advantage of the FIRE STORM 250 is its vertical take-off and landing capability, allowing deployment from forward positions close to combat troops. It is powered by a multi-cylinder internal combustion engine, refuelable in the field with readily available fuel, eliminating the need for lengthy battery charging. Beyond its offensive capabilities, the system provides continuous aerial situational awareness, integrating sensor data with fire control to shorten the time between threat identification and engagement, though the human operator retains final authorization for firing.

IAI CEO Guy Barlev commented that the test highlights a significant shift in future warfare, emphasizing the integration of intelligence, technology, and operational force for precise and effective responses. SIG Sauer Israel CEO Sali Oknin noted that the new M250 machine gun is based on proven combat technology, with its reduced weight and increased range making it suitable for UAV integration.

The FIRE STORM 250 is intended for various missions, including providing cover for maneuvering forces, intelligence gathering, border security, protecting strategic facilities, and special operations. It can assist in identifying threats along routes, offer advance observation for ground forces, and escort rescue operations. Multiple systems can be operated concurrently for continuous day and night observation and cover, aiming to equip forces with a rapid-deployment capability combining intelligence and aerial firepower under human control.