Hero Loitering Munitions are a family of operationally proven, widely used effectors which Rheinmetall fabricates and markets in Europe under a cooperation agreement with UVision Air Ltd. of Israel. In October 2021 Rheinmetall and UVision embarked on a strategic partnership aimed at addressing sharply increased demand for remotely controlled precision munitions.
▶️ #DSEI2023: #Rheinmetall and UVision present Loitering #Munition as a #combat force multiplier for the tactical level – rapid strikes on demand https://t.co/o9x5gXgPqx #DSEI @DSEI_event #defence #military #army #RheinmetallatDSEI pic.twitter.com/wpFjxasDo7
— Rheinmetall (@RheinmetallAG) September 13, 2023
Hero precision munitions provide modern armed forces on today’s battlefields with the ultimate in operational flexibility. The weapon systems possess a unique, autonomous target engagement capability, including reconnaissance, monitoring and recognition. It locates, tracks and engages emerging enemy targets with low signatures beyond the line of sight.
Hero Loitering Munition systems circle over the target zone, locating and tracking the enemy and analyzing possible targets. They help to select high-value targets as well as suitable timing, direction and angle of attack before carrying out a high-precision strike. Thanks to its wide variety of warheads. Depending on the Loitering Munition, different warheads are available and comprise of:
- HEFRAG – High Explosive Fragmentation
- HEAT – High Explosive Anti Tank with high performance shaped charge
- HEDP – High Explosive Dual Purpose with shaped charge and fragmentation
- Tandem- HEAT – Compact Tandem shaped charge to defeat even targetsn protected with explosive reactive armored
Hero Loitering Munition systems feature a high degree of commonality and can therefore be operated from the same operating and datalink terminal on the ground.
All Hero systems are designed to operate in complex battlefield conditions, including in environments without GPS reception or jammed radio connections. Modern armed forces around the world, among them those of major NATO members, use Hero Loitering Munitions, which have proven highly effective in combat operations.
The Hero system has demonstrated its effectiveness against a multitude of different targets, including infantry, light vehicles on the move, tanks, enemy field fortifications, air defence systems and critical infrastructure. It offers major advantages in modern warfare scenarios. Thanks to their rapid deployability and independent target acquisition and engagement capabilities, Hero Loitering Munitions can operate at all echelons, from supreme headquarters to the individual soldier on the ground, and lend themselves to strategic and tactical missions alike. HERO ammunition is already in use in a number of customer countries. In July 2023, Rheinmetall has secured an important order from Hungary for Hero Loitering Munitions. Contracts to this effect have now been signed. The munitions are worth a figure in the low three-digit million-euro range. Delivery will begin in 2024 and is scheduled to be completed in 2025.
