Israeli Firms to Partner With German Military on Precision Lethal Munitions

At the ILA air show in Germany, Elbit Systems Ltd. and Diehl Defence signed a strategic partnership agreement aimed at jointly offering the advanced SkyStriker loitering munition system to the German armed forces, the Bundeswehr, and, if selected, for production and support. SkyStriker is an autonomous long-range loitering munition designed to locate, track and precisely attack high-value targets as defined by the operator. Based on extensive operational experience across various theaters and international programs, the system combines flexibility, lethality and advanced autonomy to meet a range of mission needs, including seek and strike missions and border defense.

SkyStriker can carry a warhead weighing up to 10 kilograms, remain airborne for more than two hours and reach a range of more than 200 kilometers. It provides precision strike capability and can be launched from a variety of platforms, including ground vehicles, EuroPULS launchers, vessels, containers and aircraft, enabling operational flexibility across all domains. Elbit Systems, together with its German subsidiary Elbit Systems Deutschland and Diehl Defence, will combine complementary technologies, industrial capabilities and extensive operational experience to offer a mature, high-performance loitering munition solution specifically tailored to Germany's defense and modernization needs.

The cooperation is intended to address Germany's growing need for advanced loitering munition systems, while expanding precision autonomous strike and intelligence capabilities. The partnership also includes local production, assembly, integration and certification at Diehl Defence sites, if the relevant programs are awarded, thereby contributing to the development of sovereign capabilities and strengthening the German defense industry. This cooperation reflects the rising demand for advanced, precise and flexible loitering munition systems and supports Germany's goal of significantly improving its capabilities in this field.

Bezhalel (Butzi) Machlis, president and CEO of Elbit Systems, said: "The partnership with Diehl Defence, together with Elbit Germany's strong local presence, is another significant step in strengthening our long-standing presence in Europe and supporting the modernization processes of Germany's defense establishment. By combining Diehl's expertise in systems integration and manufacturing with Elbit's advanced loitering munition technology, we aim to provide a powerful, future-ready solution for the Bundeswehr."

Helmut Rauch, CEO of Diehl Defence, added: "Diehl Defence is proud to cooperate with Elbit Systems in the field of loitering munitions to strengthen Germany's capabilities in this area. This cooperation not only strengthens the development of sovereign capabilities, but also the German defense industry."