Diehl Defence and Elbit Systems have demonstrated the operational capabilities of the latter’s SkyStriker loitering munition system in Germany, advancing their partnership aimed at addressing the requirements of the German Armed Forces.
The live demonstration took place earlier this month and showcased the SkyStriker’s range, endurance, and a “hand-over” function executed at a distance of 80km.
According to the companies, the system was launched from a canister, autonomously reconnoitred, tracked, and engaged a target.
During the event, SkyStriker also operated in conjunction with the SkyLark 1 eVTOL reconnaissance drone.
The companies stated this demonstrated the munition’s ability to integrate with complex networks of intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) uncrewed aerial vehicles, optimising the “seek and strike” mission profile.
The demonstration followed the signing of a strategic partnership agreement between Diehl Defence and Elbit Systems at the ILA Berlin Air Show in June 2026 to jointly offer the SkyStriker system to the German Armed Forces.
Under the terms of this partnership, Diehl Defence will be responsible for local manufacturing, assembly, integration, and qualification of the SkyStriker in Germany, while Elbit Systems will focus on strategic market development.
Launched at the 2017 Paris Air Show by Elbit Systems, the SkyStriker loitering munition is powered by an electric propulsion system which provides a claimed range of over 200km and a loiter time exceeding two hours.
Its electric drive is intended to minimise both acoustic and thermal signatures, thereby lowering detectability.
According to the companies, the munition can be launched from ground vehicles, containers, aircraft, and the EuroPULS rocket artillery system, making it relevant for the German military and other European users.
In addition, the system can deliver high-resolution video reconnaissance, autonomously track targets, and execute precision strikes, which is intended to minimise collateral damage.
Diehl Defence army systems product division head Gunnar Pappert said: “The successful demonstration confirms the technological maturity and enormous versatility of the SkyStriker system.”
