Under the partnership, the companies would produce and support the system if selected for relevant programmes. The cooperation brings together Elbit Systems, its German subsidiary Elbit Systems Deutschland, and Diehl Defence.
SkyStriker is an autonomous, long-range loitering munition designed to locate, track and engage operator-designated high-value targets with high accuracy. Elbit Systems said the system draws on operational experience across different regions and multiple international programmes.
The company said SkyStriker combines versatility, lethality and advanced autonomy. It is intended to support mission requirements including “seek and strike” operations and border protection.
SkyStriker can carry a warhead of up to 10 kilograms. It can loiter for more than two hours and has a range of more than 200 kilometres.
The system can be launched from multiple platforms. These include land-based vehicles, the EuroPULS rocket launcher, naval vessels, containers and aircraft.
Elbit Systems said the system provides high-precision strike capability and operational flexibility across all domains. The companies plan to tailor the offer to Germany’s defence and modernisation priorities.
The partnership is also intended to address Germany’s growing requirement for advanced loitering munition systems. This includes expanding autonomous precision-strike and reconnaissance capabilities.
If relevant programmes are awarded, Diehl Defence would support local manufacturing, assembly, integration and qualification activities. The companies said this would support sovereign capabilities and strengthen Germany’s defence industry.
The cooperation reflects growing demand for precise and flexible loitering munition systems. It also supports Germany’s objective to enhance its capabilities in this field.
“The partnership with Diehl Defense, together with the strong local presence of Elbit Systems Deutschland, is another important step in strengthening our long-standing presence in Europe and supporting Germany’s defense modernization priorities,” said Bezhalel (Butzi) Machlis, President and CEO of Elbit Systems. “By combining Diehl’s deep experience in system integration and production with Elbit’s advanced loitering munition technology, we aim to provide a powerful and future-ready solution for the German Armed Forces.”
“Diehl Defence is proud to partner with Elbit systems in the field of loitering munition to strengthen Germany’s capabilities in this segment,” said Helmut Rauch, Diehl Defence CEO. “This cooperation does not only strengthen the development of sovereign capabilities but also the German defence industry.”
