Israel arming Germany with suicide drones
Germany's Ministry of Defense recently announced a new partnership with Israel's defense industry to aid the modernization of the German military by procuring a significant number of loitering munitions, also known as suicide drones.
According to Globes, Israel is currently the world leader in supplying suicide drones. The outlet noted that the Israeli company UVision is working with Rheinmetall, a German company, to develop the Hero series of suicide drones.
Globes reported that the Hero series of suicide drones include the Hero 120, which has a range of between 25 and 38 miles, is capable of one hour of flight, and can carry a roughly 10-pound warhead. Additionally, Globes reported that the Hero 1250 has a range of over 125 miles, is capable of up to 10 hours of flight, and can carry a 110-pound warhead.
According to Globes, the Hero suicide drones feature electro-optical and infrared cameras that allow drone operators to monitor situations on the battlefield, make slight adjustments to the drones' flight paths, and remotely cancel drone missions. The outlet noted that the suicide drones can be launched directly at enemy targets, can autonomously conduct operations, and can be transferred to ground forces for greater military coordination.
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In addition to the collaboration between UVision and Rheinmetall, Israel Aerospace Industries is partnering with MBDA, a European missile corporation, to advance the Harop suicide drone. Globes reported that the Harop suicide drone has a range of 125 miles, is capable of nine hours of flight, and can carry a 35-pound explosive.
According to Globes, the recent announcement by Germany's Ministry of Defense represents a significant change in its strategy of acquiring military equipment. The outlet noted that instead of launching smaller pilot programs with the Israeli defense firms, the German military (the Bundeswehr) is planning to quickly deploy a significant number of suicide drones to be tested by frontline units.
Globes reported that the German military has realized the importance of suicide drones by observing the impact of suicide drones in Israel's war against Hamas and the war between Russia and Ukraine. Commenting on the importance of suicide drones, German Chief of Staff General Carsten Breuer said, 'This is a game changer.'
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