Elbit’s SkyStriker attack drone passes German test as Israel pushes for local production in Europe
The long-range loitering munition successfully demonstrated an 80-kilometer target handover in a live test with German defense contractor Diehl, as the companies prepare for potential production of the system in Germany.
Elbit Systems and German defense contractor Diehl Defence have successfully demonstrated the capabilities of the SkyStriker loitering munition in a live test, marking another step toward plans to produce the Israeli-developed system in Germany.
The demonstration, conducted in early September, focused on the system’s range and its ability to hand over a target between different platforms. SkyStriker successfully completed a handover at a distance of 80 kilometers, autonomously detecting, tracking and engaging a prepared target.
The system was launched from a canister and used to reconnoiter and track the target before striking it. It also successfully interacted with Elbit’s SkyLark 1 eVTOL reconnaissance drone, demonstrating the ability to operate as part of a broader intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance network.
The test is particularly significant because Diehl and Elbit are seeking to establish local production of SkyStriker in Germany. The companies signed a cooperation agreement at the ILA Berlin air show in June, under which Elbit is responsible for strategic market development while Diehl is expected to handle manufacturing, assembly, integration and qualification in Germany, if relevant programs are awarded.
The two companies are positioning SkyStriker as a long-range loitering munition for tactical precision strikes. The electrically powered system has a range of more than 200 kilometers and can remain in the air for more than two hours. Its electric propulsion also gives it a low acoustic and thermal signature, making it more difficult to detect.
The system is designed to combine reconnaissance and strike capabilities. SkyStriker can use high-resolution video to identify and track targets and can autonomously continue tracking before engaging them. Elbit and Diehl say this can enable more precise strikes and reduce collateral damage, although the companies’ claims about the system’s performance come from the manufacturers themselves.
SkyStriker can be launched from a range of platforms, including ground vehicles, containers and aircraft. It can also be integrated with the EuroPULS rocket artillery system, a capability that could be particularly relevant to Germany and other European countries.
The integration with EuroPULS is significant because Germany is already considering major procurement and local production arrangements involving Elbit’s PULS rocket launcher. CTech previously reported that Germany was discussing a potential multibillion-euro deal centered on the system, with Diehl among the German companies involved and production expected to take place in Germany.
“The successful demonstration confirms the technological maturity and enormous versatility of the SkyStriker system,” said Gunnar Pappert, Head of the Army Systems Product Division at Diehl Defence. He described the demonstration as an important step in showing how the companies’ systems can work together and said the partnership was laying the groundwork for local production in Germany.
Marian Rachow, CEO of Elbit Systems Deutschland, said the demonstration marked another milestone for SkyStriker in Europe and on the path toward German production.
The companies have not announced a production contract for Germany. Their stated goal is to respond to growing demand for autonomous systems in the German market and, if relevant programs are awarded, establish manufacturing capabilities in Germany.
