New in Europe: HERO Loitering Munition

Rheinmetall and its partner UVision have secured a major European NATO customer for the HERO Loitering Munition. The customer is a special forces unit. They ordered Hero-30 combat and training munitions, simulator, training courses, as well as integrated logistics and services. The value of this first order is in the single-digit million euro range, with follow-up orders expected. The exact number of munitions to be delivered is classified. The order was placed in July 2022, with delivery expected by 2023.

The order is of particular significance to both Rheinmetall and UVision as it marks the first delivery to a major European NATO force. This strengthens the joint presence of both partners in Europe. The order was placed under confidentiality clauses. However, it was revealed that the customer conducted a market study before placing the order, which showed that the HERO family has already proven itself with other forces such as the U.S. Marine Corps. Furthermore, based on the high performance of the HERO system family, there is a possibility that the customer may introduce additional versions of the HERO Loitering Munition family to their forces in the future.

Hero Loitering Munition is a family of battle-proven, widely deployed effectors manufactured and distributed in Europe through a partnership between UVision Air Ltd. and Rheinmetall's Italian subsidiary RWM Italia S.p.A. In October 2021, Rheinmetall and the Israeli company UVision entered into a strategic partnership in the field of Loitering Munition. With this partnership, Rheinmetall and UVision jointly address the rapidly growing market segment of remote-controlled precision ammunition.

Force Multiplier

Loitering Munition - remote-controlled air-launched precision ammunition - combines the operational benefits of drones and guided missiles. It enhances the capability of combat troops in the areas of reconnaissance and target acquisition, providing them with firepower at longer ranges that was previously only achievable through complex coordination with various units and command levels.

The term Loitering Munition (abbreviated as LM, "Loitering Munition") is derived from the munition's ability to remain unnoticed in the airspace above the target area for an extended period, and then act according to the situation. The versatile and easy-to-use LM can be used in both national defense and alliance contexts, as well as in low-intensity conflicts or peace-stabilizing operations. Compared to guided missiles, the LM offers significant cost advantages to military users with comparable effectiveness, while also providing the ability to surveil and track the target from the air for a longer period. An important tactical advantage of the battle-proven Loitering Munition HERO is its high operational precision and thus a minimal risk of collateral damage. The continuous monitoring based on the "Human in the Loop" principle enables calculated and precise attacks, tailored to the timing and conditions of the constantly changing situation.

A HERO Loitering Munition system comprises the respective single or multiple launcher, one or more LM aerial vehicles, the communication system, and the ground control module for the operator. The Loitering Munitions themselves are remotely operated small aircraft, each capable of attacking ground targets - even beyond line of sight.

All models are equipped with high-resolution electro-optical sensors and infrared cameras, allowing the operator to locate, monitor, and ultimately engage time-critical targets with low signature. This enables the location, tracking, and verification of enemy targets to execute precise strikes. The HERO system can abort an attack in mid-air, return to loiter mode, and then resume the attack or reassign targets, providing modern battlefield forces with high tactical flexibility.

UVision on the Internet

RHEINMETALL on the Internet