Elbit Systems and Diehl Defence Join Forces to Pitch SkyStriker Loitering Munition to Germany
Israeli defense giant Elbit Systems and German defense firm Diehl Defence have announced a strategic partnership to jointly market the SkyStriker loitering munition system to the German government. The agreement includes local manufacturing and assembly of the SkyStriker in Germany, aimed at supporting sovereign capability development and strengthening the German defense industrial base.
Highlights
- Elbit Systems and Diehl Defence have signed a strategic partnership agreement to jointly bid on a German government contract for the SkyStriker loitering munition system.
- The agreement includes local manufacturing and assembly of SkyStriker units within Germany, carried out by both companies.
- Germany has made domestic production a key condition for international weapons procurement following its defense policy overhaul after the Russia-Ukraine war.
- SkyStriker is an electrically powered loitering munition with extended loiter time and precision strike capability, already attracting interest from multiple NATO members.
- The deal marks the latest move by Israel's defense industry to penetrate the European market by teaming with local partners to navigate procurement and political barriers.
Israeli defense technology company Elbit Systems and German defense firm Diehl Defence have announced a strategic partnership to jointly market the SkyStriker loitering munition system to the German government.
Partnership Details
Elbit Systems stated that the cooperation agreement will cover local manufacturing and assembly of the SkyStriker system within Germany, to be carried out jointly by both companies. The move is intended to support "the development of sovereign capabilities and strengthen the German defense industrial base."
About the SkyStriker System
The SkyStriker is an electrically powered loitering munition developed by Elbit Systems. It offers extended loiter time and precision strike capability, allowing operators to continuously surveil a target during flight before executing an attack upon confirmation. The system has attracted significant interest from multiple NATO member states and is widely regarded as an important tool in modern asymmetric warfare.
Germany's Defense Procurement Context
In the wake of the Russia-Ukraine war, Germany has substantially revised its defense policy, actively expanding its military capabilities and promoting the development of its domestic defense industry. Berlin has repeatedly signaled its preference for international weapons procurement contracts to include local German manufacturing components, with the goal of enhancing industrial autonomy and creating jobs.
The collaboration model between Elbit and Diehl aligns directly with this policy direction, with localized production expected to improve the partnership's chances in the competitive bidding process.
Industry Implications
This partnership represents the latest example of the Israeli defense industry's aggressive push into the European market. By teaming up with a local partner, Elbit Systems can more readily navigate Germany's procurement system while also reducing political sensitivities and building a foundation for long-term cooperation. For Diehl Defence, the agreement also represents a significant opportunity to expand its loitering munition product portfolio.
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