SkyStriker is an advanced, remotely operated electrooptical loitering munition (LM) developed by Elbit Systems, a military technology company.
The stealthy, undetectable, and unexpected attacker can autonomously detect, track, and engage diverse targets within tactical environments, providing unparalleled precision and dependability on the modern battlefield.
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The SkyStriker LM enhances lethality by integrating shared capabilities across ground and manned aerial vehicles.
It can be deployed from a range of ground and aerial platforms, including a dedicated canister on Elbit’s Precise and Universal Launching System rocket artillery systems.
SkyStriker autonomous loitering munition design and features
The Skystriker LM features a modular design that enables on-the-field interchangeability to meet operational requirements before flight.
The system can cover a distance of 20km in just ten minutes due to its rapid flight speed capability. It facilitates covert operations (endurance) lasting up to two hours and covering a range of 100km.
The tactical system features a dual warhead configuration and can deploy various warhead types. It is equipped with an automatic video tracker with day and night target acquisition capabilities.
The SkyStriker system offers various features, including cost-effectiveness, low acoustic signature, minimal thermal signature, minimal maintenance, easy one-man operation, and compact storage.
It also includes abort, go-around, and re-engage capabilities, single-truck mobility, and optional recovery capability.
For long-endurance operations, the loitering munition can be fitted with add-on jettison propulsion pods.
The system also offers substantial flexibility, including the ability to select any target, engage from any direction and at multiple angles (from shallow to steep).
Propulsion and navigation
The SkyStriker autonomous system is powered by an electric engine.
It features electrical propulsion for covert missions, and an advanced gimbaled dual charge-coupled device plus infrared seeker with synchronised dual tracker.
SkyStriker deploys automated navigation throughout its cruising and loitering stages.
When preparing to strike, the SkyStriker relies on its electrooptical lock on the target for navigation.
During the strike phase, it can dive at speeds reaching up to 300 knots and maintain operational accuracy even in winds up to 40 knots, experiencing only minor performance degradation.
Mission capabilities of SkyStriker loitering munition
SkyStriker enhances the capabilities of units on the field, enabling them to execute precise missions more effectively.
It provides manoeuvrable troops and special forces with direct-fire aerial precision capabilities, improving their situational awareness and survivability.
The fully autonomous loitering munitions can locate, acquire, and strike operator-designated targets with a 5kg or 10kg warhead housed within the fuselage, delivering high-precision performance.
After arriving at the designated area, the LM can remain on station and engage the target for a maximum of two hours when equipped with a 5kg warhead, or up to one hour with a 10kg warhead.
SkyStriker enables rapid deployment and equips the fighting force with the capability to survey and identify enemy targets before executing rapid, precise airstrikes.
The system can accurately hit targets while ensuring human oversight, even in situations where GPS and communication are unavailable.
Furthermore, the SkyStriker system allows the operator to cancel a strike up to two seconds before impact, re-engage if necessary, and command a safe return home if no authorised targets are available.
SkyStriker loitering munition orders
In September 2021, Elbit Systems and India-based Adani Group’s subsidiary Alpha Design joint venture secured a contract valued at more than Rs1bn ($12.3m) from the Indian Army for 100 SkyStriker systems.
Elbit Systems secured a $95m contract to provide SkyStriker LM to an undisclosed European nation in November 2023.
The company will supply several hundred SkyStriker units under the contract spanning two years.
