Strategic partnership Diehl Defence and Elbit Systems Demonstrate SkyStriker's Capabilities

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Diehl Defence and Elbit Systems have reached the next major milestone in their strategic partnership, successfully demonstrating the operational capabilities of the SkyStriker system in a comprehensive live exercise.

The demonstration focused on the system's range as well as its handover function, which was successfully performed at a distance of 80 km (approx. 49.7 miles). The system demonstrated its ability to autonomously detect and track targets and engage them with the highest level of precision. During the live demonstration, SkyStriker was launched from a canister to conduct reconnaissance of a target, track it and subsequently strike it successfully. Its interaction with the SkyLark 1 eVTOL reconnaissance drone also proceeded smoothly. This demonstrates the seamless integration into complex Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) networks and the associated capabilities for highly specialised "Seek & Strike" missions.

The SkyStriker system is a latest-generation electrically powered loitering munition specifically developed for tactical precision effects over long distances. With a range of more than 200 km (approx. 124.3 miles) and a loiter time of more than two hours, the system covers a broad spectrum of mission requirements. Thanks to its electric propulsion system, it also features an extremely low acoustic and thermal signature, making it more difficult to detect.

SkyStriker is already an operationally proven and reliable system in several countries. Its high-resolution video reconnaissance capabilities, combined with autonomous tracking and the resulting ability to engage targets precisely and effectively, can help minimise collateral damage. Its high operational flexibility allows SkyStriker to be launched from a wide range of platforms, including ground-based vehicles, containers and aircraft, as well as the EuroPULS rocket artillery system, which is relevant to the Bundeswehr and other European nations. This enables armed forces to make use of ISR and strike capabilities.

"The successful demonstration confirms the technological maturity and enormous versatility of the SkyStriker system. For Diehl Defence, it is a decisive step towards demonstrating the synergies between our systems and the requirements of modern armed forces directly on site. We are proud to work together with Elbit Systems to pave the way for highly advanced local production in Germany in order to sustainably strengthen European defence capabilities," explained Gunnar Pappert, Head of the Land Systems Product Division at Diehl Defence.

Marian Rachow, CEO of Elbit Systems Deutschland, added: "We are very pleased with the opportunity to demonstrate the capabilities of our SkyStriker here and to offer it to different nations to meet their individual requirements. Our system is already setting the benchmark for the future of long-range loitering munitions. This demonstration is another milestone for SkyStriker in Europe and on the path towards production in Germany."

The cooperation between Diehl Defence and Elbit Systems aims to meet the growing demand for advanced autonomous systems in Germany and to establish German production capacities if required. While Elbit Systems is driving strategic market development, Diehl Defence is responsible for manufacturing, assembly, integration and qualification directly in Germany.