The next major step in the German-Israeli collaboration on loitering munitions seems poised to happen. According to information provided to the author, HERO 1250 could become the next joint large-scale project of Rheinmetall and UVision.
The collaboration between the Israeli loitering-munition specialist UVision and the German defense group Rheinmetall could be on the verge of another expansion. According to Israeli sources interviewed by the author, interest in the HERO 1250 is growing in several European countries; it is the largest and most powerful system in the HERO family, with a warhead weighing up to about 50 kilograms.
Strategic partnership since 2021
The cooperation between UVision and Rheinmetall has been in place since October 2021. The aim of the partnership was to jointly meet the then sharply rising European demand for precision-guided loitering munitions. Under this collaboration, both companies undertake marketing, production, and delivery of the HERO family for the European market. An important part of the cooperation is also the integration of RWM Italia, the Italian subsidiary of Rheinmetall.
There, at the Musei and Domusnovas plants on Sardinia, among other things, the integration of warheads as well as manufacturing steps for European customers take place. In parallel, UVision founded its own European subsidiary, UVision Europe GmbH, to better address regulatory requirements and collaborate with European armed forces. According to the company, contracts worth more than 250 million euros have already been won under the partnership from several European NATO states.
Loitering Munition HERO 1250
With the HERO 1250, UVision offers the largest system in its loitering munition family. The drone features a 50-kilogram warhead and, according to Israeli information, ranges of up to 200 kilometers. Israeli defense experts see in this combination of long range and heavy payload a significant advantage over smaller loitering munitions.
The HERO 1250 is intended particularly for the engagement of high-value targets and could grant armed forces substantial operational reach. According to Israeli sources, the HERO 1250’s mission spectrum is not limited to classic precision strikes. Because of its size and payload, the platform can also undertake additional tasks during the approach, especially reconnaissance, surveillance, and target acquisition missions (ISR).
Additionally, the system can be equipped with payloads for SIGINT missions (signals intelligence) as well as for communications disruption (COMJAM). Also, operations to counter enemy air defenses as part of so-called Anti-Radiation Missions (ARM) are included in the intended scope of operations, according to Israeli information.
Flexible platform for different missions
The combination of long range, high payload, and modular equipment makes the HERO 1250, according to Israeli sources, a particularly versatile platform. Depending on the assignment, the system can either deploy a warhead against high-value targets or first take on additional reconnaissance and support tasks before the actual strike.
This ability to cover different mission profiles with a single platform is expected to further strengthen the growing interest of European armed forces in the HERO 1250, according to Israeli observers. The war in Ukraine and the experiences from current conflicts have significantly increased the demand for precision-guided loitering munition systems in Europe. In light of this, the HERO 1250 could become the next focal point of the German-Israeli cooperation between UVision and Rheinmetall, according to Israeli sources.
Author: Arie Egozi, Israel Correspondent
