Israel Aerospace Industries signs two loitering munitions deals
Rotem has been in service with four European countries and IAI has just signed a deal to supply unspecified loitering munitions. (Photo: IAI)
IAI has developed several loitering munitions or attack UAS including Harpy NG, Harop, Rotem and Mini Harpy. It has also been developing Point Blank, described as a 'hand-launched electro-optical guided missile' but much like the company's loitering munitions can dwell while confirming a target's nature.
Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) has signed two separate agreements with two countries to deliver long-range loitering munitions under deals worth a combined value of US$145 million.
The deal for unspecified systems to undisclosed users has followed contracts the company signed in June with three NATO countries worth several million dollars to supply Rotem loitering munitions which in turn followed a similar agreement a month earlier with Estonia for Rotems.
Two years earlier, IAI had secured contracts worth more than $100 million including winning an international tender for the sale of Rotem to a foreign country, sale of the naval Harop system to the navy of a country in Asia and sale of the ground version of the Harop to another customer in Asia.
The success of attack UAS, whether dedicated or opportunistically modified, by both sides in the Ukraine war has increased focus on IAI’s offerings and its heritage with the development of Harpy stretches back almost two decades.
While the systems sold under the current contract remained unknown, it was likely it could be Rotem which as a quadcopter system is better able to loiter, easier to retrieve if a mission is cancelled, safer to operate and has already been used by as many as six countries.
In July 2023, MBDA Germany announced that it had signed a cooperation agreement with IAI for the production, integration, sales and marketing of the latter's loitering munition products in Germany, explicitly aimed at filling capability gaps in the German Air Force, Navy and Army.
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Land Warfare
-
![DSEI 2025: ST Engineering kicks off export drive for new Bronco 3]()
DSEI 2025: ST Engineering kicks off export drive for new Bronco 3
The original Bronco was developed to meet the requirements of the Singapore Army and subsequently built in large numbers and many configurations.
-
![DSEI 2025: ST Engineering and ARIS discuss partnership to offer Bronco all-terrain carrier to Italian Army.]()
DSEI 2025: ST Engineering and ARIS discuss partnership to offer Bronco all-terrain carrier to Italian Army.
On the show floor at DSEI 2025, representatives from ST Engineering and ARIS, and retired Italian general Ivan Caruso outlined the background to the teaming agreement with land warfare expert Christopher F Foss.
-
![DSEI 2025: As more possible CV90 orders loom, BAE Systems confident on production rates]()
DSEI 2025: As more possible CV90 orders loom, BAE Systems confident on production rates
The company is investing in increasing production while major subcontractors also push to keep up with demand, with Sweden’s recent Request for Information potentially adding another 500 to the order book.
-
![DSEI 2025: Controp Discusses AI-Enabled Multi-Domain Surveillance Solutions]()
DSEI 2025: Controp Discusses AI-Enabled Multi-Domain Surveillance Solutions
At DSEI 2025, Controp representatives outline how artificial intelligence is being integrated with electro-optical payloads to improve decision-making and operational efficiency across land, air, and maritime domains.
-
![SCD highlights advances in infrared imaging for defence operations]()
SCD highlights advances in infrared imaging for defence operations
Infrared imaging manufacturer SCD outlines its approach to enhancing visibility for defence forces operating in complex environments.
-
![DSEI 2025: First mobility trials completed for British Army Challenger 3 tanks]()
DSEI 2025: First mobility trials completed for British Army Challenger 3 tanks
The mobility trials saw the Challenger 3 main battle tank (MBT) tested at a variety of locations in the UK, covering a combined 760km across a variety of terrains including road and cross country.
