Hungary has signed a deal with Rheinmetall for the supply of the Hero-120 loitering munition system. The contract, worth 140 million euros, was signed on July 20 and includes the delivery of 40 Hero-120 systems and 400 munitions, as well as training and support services.
The Hero-120 is a small, electric-powered drone that can carry a 3.5 kg warhead and fly for up to an hour at a speed of 200 km/h. It can be launched from a ground station or a vehicle-mounted launcher and can operate autonomously or under human supervision. The Hero-120 can detect, identify and engage targets with high precision, using its electro-optical/infrared (EO/IR) sensor and advanced image processing algorithms. It can also abort an attack at any stage and return to its base for reuse.
The Hero loitering munition system is designed to provide ground forces with a cost-effective and lethal capability to strike time-sensitive targets in complex and contested environments. It can be used for a variety of missions, such as intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR), close air support (CAS), suppression of enemy air defences (SEAD), and counter-terrorism.
Rheinmetall is the prime contractor for the Hero system in Europe and has partnered with UVision Air Ltd, an Israeli company that developed the Hero family of loitering munitions. Rheinmetall and UVision have established a joint venture, Rheinmetall UVision GmbH, to market and produce the Hero system in Germany and other European countries.
The Hungarian order is a significant milestone for Rheinmetall and UVision, as it demonstrates the growing demand for loitering munitions in Europe and the world. The Hero system is expected to enhance the operational capabilities and effectiveness of the Hungarian Defence Forces.
