Diehl Defence and Elbit Systems have, according to a press release issued yesterday, Monday, reached the next milestone in their strategic partnership. Following the cooperation agreement signed in June 2026 at ILA Berlin, the operational capability of the SkyStriker system could, it was stated, be demonstrated with pinpoint accuracy in an extensive live demonstration in early September 2026. At the heart of the demonstration stood the system’s range and the ‘Hand-Over’ function, which was successfully executed at a distance of 80 kilometers.
The system demonstrated, according to the reports, its ability to autonomously detect targets, track them, and engage with the highest precision. During the live demonstration, SkyStriker was launched from a canister to identify a target, track it, and subsequently strike it successfully. The collaboration with the SkyLark 1 eVTOL reconnaissance drone also proceeded smoothly. This underscored the seamless integration into complex Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR)-UAV networks and the related possibilities for highly specialized ‘Seek & Strike’ missions.
SkyStriker can be launched from a wide range of platforms
The SkyStriker system is an electrically powered loitering munition designed for tactical precision effects over long distances. With a range of over 200 kilometers and a loiter time of more than two hours, the system covers a broad spectrum of mission requirements. Thanks to the electric propulsion, the system also features a low acoustic and thermal signature, which makes it harder to detect. Through high-resolution video reconnaissance as well as the ability to autonomously track and thereby engage targets with precise, effective strikes, collateral damage can be minimized.
SkyStriker can be launched from a variety of platforms – including ground vehicles, containers, aircraft, as well as the EuroPULS rocket artillery system, which is relevant for the German Armed Forces and other European nations. The collaboration between Diehl Defence and Elbit Systems, according to the two companies, aims to meet the growing demand for autonomous systems in Germany and, in the event of a requirement, to establish German production capacities. While Elbit drives strategic market development, Diehl handles manufacturing, assembly, as well as integration and qualification directly in Germany.
Diehl and Elbit seek to lay the foundation for German production
“The successful demonstration confirms the technological maturity and the immense versatility of the SkyStriker system. For Diehl Defence, it is a decisive step to demonstrate the synergies between our systems and the requirements of modern armed forces directly on site. We are proud to, together with Elbit Systems, set the course for a highly modern, local production in Germany to sustainably strengthen European defense capability,” said Gunnar Pappert, Head of the Army Systems Product Area at Diehl Defence.
Marian Rachow, CEO of Elbit Systems Deutschland, added: “We are very pleased to have the opportunity here to demonstrate the capabilities of our SkyStriker and to offer it to the different nations to meet their individual needs. Our system already sets the standards for future long-range loitering munitions. This demonstration is another milestone for SkyStriker in Europe and on the path to a German production.”
