BERLIN — German defence company Diehl Defence and Israel’s Elbit Systems have completed live-fire field trials of the SkyStriker loitering munition in Germany, demonstrating its long-range control hand-over, autonomous targeting and integration with a reconnaissance drone.
The trials were conducted in early September 2026 and formally announced by both companies on September 14.
80-Kilometre Control Hand-Over
SkyStriker was launched from a transport-and-launch canister before autonomously detecting and tracking a prepared target and conducting a simulated precision engagement.
A key part of the trial was the system’s control hand-over capability. Ground operators successfully transferred operational control of the airborne munition over a distance of 80 kilometres (50 miles). The capability allows control of the munition to be transferred between operators during a mission through a networked command-and-control system.
Integration with Skylark 1
The demonstration also tested cooperation between SkyStriker and Elbit’s Skylark 1 eVTOL reconnaissance drone.
Skylark 1 identified and tracked the target area while providing real-time video and coordinate information. SkyStriker then entered the designated area and conducted the engagement. The system retains human-in-the-loop abort and retargeting functions.
The companies also demonstrated mission performance in conditions where GPS and data links could be degraded or jammed.
SkyStriker Specifications
SkyStriker is a fixed-wing, electrically powered loitering munition designed for tactical precision strikes. Its electric propulsion provides a low acoustic and thermal signature.
According to manufacturer information, the system has:
- Range: More than 200 km, with up to 250 km depending on configuration
- Endurance: More than two hours with the standard configuration
- Warhead: Modular 5 kg or up to 10 kg
- Maximum takeoff mass: Up to 50 kg
- Terminal attack speed: Up to 550 km/h
- Wind resistance: Up to 20 m/s
The munition uses high-resolution electro-optical and infrared sensors for reconnaissance and target tracking. It can also perform abort, go-around and re-engagement functions when required.
Multiple Launch Platforms
SkyStriker can be launched from dedicated canisters, ground vehicles, aircraft and rocket artillery systems.
The companies identify systems including Elbit’s PULS, EuroPULS and MARS3/MARS II as compatible launch platforms. This allows compatible artillery units to employ both rocket systems and loitering munitions.
German Production Plans
The live demonstration follows a strategic cooperation agreement signed between Diehl Defence and Elbit Systems at the ILA Berlin air show in June 2026.
Under the agreement, Elbit Systems is responsible for system development, sensor integration and international strategic market positioning, while Diehl Defence is responsible for German manufacturing, final assembly, platform integration and qualification.
The partnership is intended to establish local production capabilities in Germany if procurement orders are received. This would include German-based assembly, maintenance and supply-chain capabilities for European operators.
Diehl Defence Senior Vice President Gunnar Pappert said the demonstration showed the cooperation between the companies and the requirements of modern armed forces. Marian Rachow, CEO of Elbit Systems Germany, described the trial as another milestone for SkyStriker in Europe and on the path toward production in Germany.
No German procurement or production contract for SkyStriker has been announced. The companies are currently positioning the system for potential German and European requirements for long-range loitering munitions.
——— End of Article ———
