US Orders Modified Hero-120SF Loitering Munitions for Special Operations

UVision to deliver advanced Hero-120SF loitering munitions to USSOCOM under a $74M contract, featuring enhanced guidance systems and payload capacity.

UVision, an Israeli defense technology company, has been awarded a $74-million contract to deliver a modified version of its Hero-120 loitering munition to the US Special Operations Command (USSOCOM). The new variant, known as the Hero-120SF, will feature advanced guidance systems and improved payload capacity. Additionally, this weapon will offer increased deployment flexibility from various USSOCOM platforms.

While the exact number of munitions to be delivered was not disclosed, reports suggest that it will be fewer than 200 systems. The contract also includes the supply of munitions, spare parts, and equipment training. UVision will collaborate with Mistral Inc., a defense firm based in Maryland, to fulfill the contract, with work expected to be completed by 2029.

About the Hero-120SF

Details about the specific enhancements of the Hero-120SF are currently limited. However, the base model Hero-120 carries a 4.5-kilogram (10-pound) warhead capable of heavy strikes against tanks, armored vehicles, and other fortified targets. It boasts a range of 60 kilometers (37 miles) and can endure up to 60 minutes in flight.

The Hero-120 is designed to operate independently, without the need for fire support or additional intelligence gathering platforms. It has a low signature, allowing it to be launched from concealed positions, maximizing operator safety.

Production of the Hero-120SF will occur at UVision's facilities in Virginia. UVision chairman Major General (Ret.) Avi Mizrachi stated, "This significant contract underscores the commitment of both UVision and Mistral to provide cutting-edge technology and operational expertise to safeguard US national security."

Additional Context

Loitering munitions, also known as "kamikaze drones," have become a significant asset in modern warfare due to their ability to hover over a target area for an extended period before striking. They combine the features of a drone and a missile, offering flexibility and precision in targeting high-value assets with minimal collateral damage.

UVision's Hero family of loitering munitions includes various models tailored for different operational needs, ranging from small tactical drones to larger systems designed for strategic targets. The Hero-120SF represents an evolution in this line, focusing on enhanced operational capabilities and integration with advanced military platforms.

As UVision continues to develop and deliver these sophisticated munitions, the partnership with USSOCOM highlights the increasing importance of precision-guided munitions in contemporary military strategy.