On the occasion of the ILA Air Show 2026 in Berlin, Diehl Defence and Elbit Systems Ltd. signed a strategic partnership agreement to jointly offer the Bundeswehr the loitering munition system SkyStriker. The partnership also includes local manufacturing, assembly, integration, and qualification activities on behalf of Diehl Defence. The SkyStriker is an autonomous long-endurance loitering munition with high precision, developed for locating, tracking and engaging high-value targets designated by the operator.
The system draws on extensive operational experience in various regions as well as several international programs, and combines versatility, effect on the target and advanced autonomy to meet a broad range of mission requirements, including “Seek and Strike” as well as border protection. The SkyStriker is capable of integrating a 10-kilogram explosive payload, circling for more than two hours over a target area, and achieving a range of over 200 kilometers. The product can be launched from a number of platforms, including the EuroPULS rocket launcher.
SkyStriker to be tailored to German priorities
Elbit Systems, with its German subsidiary Elbit Systems Deutschland, and Diehl Defence want to combine their complementary technologies, industrial capabilities and operational know-how to offer a powerful and mature loitering munition solution that is specifically tailored to the priorities of German defense and modernization, according to the partners at the signing. The collaboration aims to meet Germany’s growing demand for state-of-the-art loitering munition systems, among other things by expanding autonomous capabilities in the area of highly precise striking power and reconnaissance.
Helmut Rauch, CEO of Diehl Defence, stated: “Diehl Defence is proud to collaborate with Elbit Systems in the field of loitering munitions to advance Germany’s capabilities in this area. This collaboration strengthens not only the development of sovereign capabilities but also the German defense industry.” Bezhalel (Butzi) Machlis, President and CEO of Elbit Systems, noted: “By combining Diehl Defence’s long-standing experience in system integration and production with Elbit’s advanced loitering munition technology, we aim to provide a powerful and future-proof solution for the Bundeswehr.”
