U.S. Army Awards $982 Million Contract for HERO-120 Loitering Munition Systems

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The United States Army has awarded a significant multi-year contract worth $982 million to Mistral Inc. and UVision Inc. This contract represents a major investment in the future of unmanned warfare, specifically focusing on the HERO-120 loitering munition system. The program covers procurement, training, deployment, and long-term maintenance of these advanced tactical drones.

HERO-120. Photo: uvisionusa.com

Implementation Timeline

According to the agreement, the first deliveries of the HERO-120 systems are scheduled to begin in early 2026. This timeline allows for adequate preparation, training, and integration into existing U.S. Army operations. The gradual rollout ensures that soldiers will be fully equipped and trained to maximize the system’s potential on the battlefield.

Role of Mistral Inc.

Mistral Inc. will serve as the prime contractor for this ambitious program. The company is tasked with overseeing system integration, managing weapon packages, and ensuring program efficiency. Additionally, Mistral will provide sustainability support, ensuring that the HERO-120 remains reliable and effective throughout its service life.

The HERO-120 Loitering Munition System

The HERO-120 is a versatile loitering munition designed to provide frontline forces with both intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities as well as precision firepower. Unlike traditional munitions, it can loiter in the air, identify targets, and strike with accuracy when commanded. This dual role makes it a valuable asset for modern combat scenarios where flexibility and precision are essential.

HERO-120. Photo: uvisionusa.com

Portability and Deployment Options

One of the key advantages of the HERO-120 is its portability. The system is man-portable, allowing soldiers to carry and deploy it with relative ease in the field. Beyond individual use, it can also be launched from vehicles, naval vessels, and even helicopters, making it adaptable to multiple combat environments.

HERO-120. Photo: uvisionusa.com

HERO-120. Photo: uvisionusa.com

HERO-120. Photo: uvisionusa.com

Payload Capabilities

The HERO-120 carries a 4.5-kilogram warhead that can be configured for different mission requirements. It can be equipped for anti-armor operations, anti-personnel missions, or enhanced blast effects depending on the tactical need. This flexibility ensures that the system can be tailored to a wide range of battlefield scenarios.

Technical Specifications

The drone measures approximately 1.34 meters in length and has a wingspan of 1.41 meters from tip to tip. With its canister, the system weighs around 18 kilograms, making it manageable for transport and deployment. It can reach speeds between 90 and 260 kilometers per hour, has a range of up to 60 kilometers, and can remain airborne for as long as 60 minutes.

Advanced Aerodynamic Design

The HERO-120 features a cruciform aerodynamic configuration that provides exceptional maneuverability. This design allows it to perform precision top-attack strikes on both stationary and moving targets. Importantly, the system includes a “last second” abort capability, giving operators the ability to cancel an attack if conditions change.

Rapid Deployment and Sensor-to-Shooter Capability

The system is designed for rapid deployment, enabling soldiers to respond quickly to emerging threats. Its sensor-to-shooter capability allows operators to locate and engage targets independently, reducing reliance on external support. This independence enhances battlefield responsiveness and operational efficiency.

Stealth and Survivability

Equipped with a soundless electric engine, the HERO-120 is both quiet and efficient. It has low visual, acoustic, thermal, and radar signatures, making it difficult for adversaries to detect. These stealth features increase its survivability and effectiveness in contested environments.

Mission Flexibility

The HERO-120 can follow pre-programmed routes, but operators also have the ability to change its course mid-mission. This flexibility allows for dynamic adjustments during combat operations. Whether engaging pre-planned targets or responding to unexpected threats, the system adapts to evolving battlefield conditions.

Real-Time Intelligence and Targeting

The drone provides real-time live video imagery to its fire control unit. It is equipped with a gimbaled, compact, stabilized electro-optical payload that functions both day and night. With an onboard auto-tracker, operators can identify targets visually or through geolocation, and they can also engage targets of opportunity as they arise.

Safe and Low-Signature Launch

The HERO-120 is launched using an electrically powered, non-pyrotechnic booster. This method ensures a safe and low-signature launch from storage or transport. By minimizing launch signatures, the system reduces the risk of detection during deployment.

Automation and Ease of Use

The system is highly automated and features an intuitive user interface. This design makes it easier for operators to learn and control the drone effectively. The combination of automation and simplicity reduces training time while increasing operational efficiency.

Strategic Importance for the U.S. Army

HERO-120. Photo: uvisionusa.com

The acquisition of the HERO-120 loitering munition system marks a significant step forward in the modernization of U.S. Army capabilities. By integrating advanced unmanned systems, the Army enhances its ability to conduct precision strikes while minimizing risks to personnel. This investment reflects a broader trend toward leveraging unmanned technologies in modern warfare.

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