SkyStriker

SkyStriker is an electrically propelled loitering munition developed by Elbit Systems of Israel, unveiled in the summer of 2017 ahead of that year's Paris Air Show. It is designed to locate, track and engage operator-designated targets, with the option to abort or re-engage, and can operate in a human-in-the-loop mode even where GPS and communications are denied or degraded.

Overview

Elbit Systems built SkyStriker as a tactical loitering munition launched from a canister on ground or aerial platforms, carrying one of several warhead options inside its fuselage. The system is designed around single-truck mobility and single-operator use, and the manufacturer markets its electric propulsion as giving the aircraft a low acoustic and thermal signature for covert approach. Azerbaijan became the first country confirmed to have operationally used SkyStriker, roughly a year and a half after its 2017 unveiling. The Indian Army ordered 100 units in September 2021, and in September 2023 Elbit announced a $95 million contract to supply several hundred canister-configuration units over two years to an undisclosed European country.

Design and capabilities

SkyStriker carries a modular warhead of up to 10 kg; Elbit's materials describe 5 kg and 10 kg warhead options. Endurance is up to two hours with the lighter 5 kg warhead or about one hour with the 10 kg warhead, and the manufacturer quotes a range of up to 100 km, with the aircraft able to cover 20 km in about ten minutes in transit. Elbit gives a maximum diving speed of 300 kn (about 556 km/h) during the terminal attack phase and says the system maintains targeting accuracy in winds up to 40 kn. Guidance uses a gimbaled dual CCD-plus-infrared seeker with a synchronised dual tracker and an automatic video tracker for day and night target acquisition, backed by GPS-independent navigation. An operator can abort a strike up to two seconds before impact, and the system supports go-around, re-engagement and optional recovery of the airframe.

Operational history

Azerbaijan is the first country Elbit has confirmed to have used SkyStriker operationally, roughly 18 months after its 2017 unveiling. The Indian Army ordered 100 units in September 2021. In September 2023, Elbit announced a $95 million contract with an undisclosed, non-NATO European customer for several hundred canister-configuration SkyStrikers over two years, which Elbit did not publicly name.

Frequently asked questions

What is the range of SkyStriker?

Elbit quotes a range of up to 100 km.

How big is SkyStriker's warhead?

Up to 10 kg; Elbit also offers a lighter 5 kg configuration, which extends endurance to about two hours versus roughly one hour with the 10 kg warhead.

Who operates SkyStriker?

Azerbaijan is the first confirmed operational user. The Indian Army ordered 100 units in 2021, and an undisclosed European country ordered several hundred more in 2023.

When was SkyStriker introduced?

Elbit unveiled it in the summer of 2017, ahead of that year's Paris Air Show.

How is SkyStriker launched?

From a canister, on either ground-based or aerial launch platforms.