Israeli defense technology company Elbit Systems Ltd. and German defense firm Diehl Defence have signed a strategic partnership to jointly offer the SkyStriker loitering munition system to the German Armed Forces, the Bundeswehr. The agreement was announced Thursday at the ILA Air Show in Germany and includes potential production and support if the program is awarded.
The SkyStriker is an autonomous, long-range loitering munition capable of identifying, tracking and engaging operator-designated high-value targets with precision. The system can carry a warhead of up to 10 kilograms, loiter for more than two hours, and reach targets over 200 kilometers away. It can be launched from multiple platforms, including land vehicles, the EuroPULS rocket launcher, naval vessels, containerized systems and aircraft, providing operational flexibility across multiple domains.
The partnership will leverage Elbit Systems’ advanced loitering munition technology alongside Diehl Defence’s expertise in integration and production. Local manufacturing, assembly, integration and qualification activities are planned at Diehl Defence, supporting Germany’s sovereign defense capabilities and strengthening the domestic defense industry.
“This partnership with Diehl Defence, combined with the strong presence of Elbit Systems Deutschland, is another key step in supporting Germany’s defense modernization priorities,” said Bezhalel (Butzi) Machlis, president and CEO of Elbit Systems. “By combining Diehl’s deep experience with our technology, we aim to provide a powerful and future-ready solution for the Bundeswehr.”
Helmut Rauch, CEO of Diehl Defence, added: “We are proud to collaborate with Elbit Systems in the field of loitering munitions. This partnership not only advances sovereign capabilities but also strengthens Germany’s defense industry.”
Elbit Systems Deutschland, based in Ulm, brings expertise in radio communication, sensor technology, command and control systems, electronic warfare, unmanned systems and cybersecurity, and provides nationwide support for German and international customers.
The SkyStriker system reflects a growing demand for precise, flexible loitering munitions and aligns with Germany’s objectives to enhance autonomous precision-strike and reconnaissance capabilities.