BERLIN, — June 14, 2026 : Israeli defense company Elbit Systems and German defense manufacturer Diehl Defence have signed a strategic partnership agreement to jointly offer the SkyStriker loitering munition system to the German Armed Forces (Bundeswehr). The agreement was signed during the ILA Berlin Air Show 2026 and focuses on adapting the system for German military requirements while supporting local production.
Under the agreement, Diehl Defence will lead the localization of the SkyStriker system if a contract is awarded. Manufacturing, assembly, system integration, certification, and support activities would take place in Germany, creating a domestic supply chain for the Bundeswehr and supporting sovereign defense capabilities.
SkyStriker System
SkyStriker is a fully autonomous loitering munition designed to detect, track, and engage operator-designated targets with high precision. Powered by a quiet electric motor, the system weighs up to 35 kilograms and can remain airborne for more than two hours. It has an operational range exceeding 200 kilometers.
The munition is designed to operate in GPS-denied environments and under electronic warfare conditions, allowing it to continue missions even when satellite navigation signals are disrupted.
SkyStriker can be equipped with either a 5-kilogram or 10-kilogram warhead. Its modular design allows operators to change warheads in the field during launch preparation, providing flexibility for different mission requirements.
The system can be launched from multiple platforms, including ground vehicles, customized containers, naval vessels, aircraft, and the EuroPULS multiple rocket launcher system, which Germany is currently procuring.
Partnership Focus
The cooperation combines Elbit Systems' experience in loitering munition technology with Diehl Defence's expertise in system integration, production, and support. The companies aim to establish local manufacturing and sustainment capabilities in Germany to ensure long-term support and future upgrades for the Bundeswehr.
Helmut Rauch, CEO of Diehl Defence, said the partnership would contribute to the development of Germany's capabilities in the loitering munition sector while strengthening the country's defense industry.
“Diehl Defence is proud to partner with Elbit Systems in the field of loitering munition to push ahead Germany's capabilities in this segment. This cooperation does not only strengthen the development of sovereign capabilities, but also the German defense industry,” Rauch said.
Bezhalel (Butzi) Machlis, President and CEO of Elbit Systems, said the partnership combines the strengths of both companies to offer an advanced solution for the German Armed Forces.
“By combining Diehl Defence's deep experience in system integration and production with Elbit's advanced loitering munition technology, we aim to provide a powerful and future-ready solution for the German Armed Forces,” Machlis stated.
Expanding European Presence
The partnership reflects the growing interest among European armed forces in loitering munitions and precision-strike systems. SkyStriker is already an operational platform, and an unnamed European country placed an order for the system in 2023.
The agreement announced at ILA Berlin 2026 marks another step in Elbit Systems' expansion in Europe as NATO members continue investing in autonomous and precision-strike capabilities. No details regarding contract value or procurement timelines have been released.
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