US Awards Contract for Advanced Loitering Munitions to UVision and Mistral.

On June 5, 2024, the U.S. Government awarded a $73.5 million contract to UVision Inc. and Mistral Inc. for the supply of Hero-120SF loitering munitions to the U.S. Special Operations Command. The contract, expected to be completed by May 2029, includes not only the munitions themselves but also spare parts, engineering change proposals, new equipment training, and the conversion from organic precision fires-mounted to medium-range precision strike systems.
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The Hero-120SF is a mid-range, anti-tank loitering munition system designed for heavy strikes against armored targets. (Picture source: UVision)

The Hero-120SF is a mid-range, anti-tank loitering munition system designed for heavy strikes against armored targets such as tanks and vehicles. With minimal collateral damage and equipped with a variety of multi-purpose warheads, the Hero-120SF offers a highly effective engagement solution. Its design is tailored for Special Forces operations, featuring enhancements in payload capacity, guidance systems, and deployment flexibility.

Major General (Ret.) Avi Mizrachi, Chairman of the Board of Directors of UVision USA, commented on the contract, stating, "This significant contract with the U.S. Special Operations Command, supported by our strong partnership with Mistral, underscores the commitment of UVision and Mistral to provide cutting-edge technology and operational expertise to protect U.S. national security."

Production will be carried out at UVision USA's facilities in Virginia and the newly opened SAIC plant. Mistral Inc., acting as the prime contractor and exclusive representative of UVision in the USA, will oversee the industrial and commercial aspects of the contract, ensuring that the Hero series meets the exacting standards of the U.S. military.

The work under this contract highlights the continuing evolution and enhancement of U.S. defense capabilities, particularly in the realm of unmanned aerial loitering munitions.

The Hero-120SF can fly for up to 60 minutes and cover a maximum distance of 60 kilometers. It is designed for heavy strikes, combining an anti-armor and anti-personnel enhanced blast warhead, making it particularly effective against armored targets and enemy troops.

Weighing 18 kilograms with its canister, the Hero-120SF is easily transportable by a single person, making it ideal for Special Forces operations. It can operate at typical altitudes between 1200 and 3000 feet above ground level and is electrically powered, ensuring quiet and discreet performance.

The system is equipped with three gimbal cameras (electro-optical/infrared) for advanced intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, tracking, and attack capabilities. For launch, the Hero-120SF can be deployed from a single canister, either tactically or platform-mounted, via pneumatic launch. It can also be launched from a multi-canister launcher containing between 4 and 12 munitions.

Another advantage of the Hero-120SF is its compatibility with other operating equipment within the family of loitering munitions, allowing for increased flexibility and efficiency on the battlefield. Additionally, it offers a "top attack" capability, enabling precise strikes on vulnerable targets located on the upper parts of vehicles and structures.

UVision USA specializes in combat-proven Unmanned Aerial Loitering Munition (ALM) Systems, providing precise and effective operational attack capabilities. Their innovative and cost-effective 'HERO' series of Aerial Loitering Munitions are based on advanced technology and extensive field experience, offering high-precision strike capabilities with unique aerodynamic platforms designed for extreme flight and attack profiles.

Mobile launch platform for the Hero-120SF. (Picture source: UVision)