An unnamed NATO ally has made a significant procurement, ordering several hundred HERO loitering munition systems from Rheinmetall. With deliveries anticipated to commence in early 2026, this move highlights the increasing reliance on advanced drone technology to enhance military effectiveness.
The production of these systems will occur at Rheinmetall’s facility in Italy, RWM Italia, with essential support from partner UVision Air. The order encompasses Rheinmetall’s latest generation of anti-tank warheads, which are expected to bolster precision strike capabilities on the battlefield.
Valued in the low three-digit-million euro range, this contract emphasizes NATO’s shift towards suicide drones as crucial assets capable of providing enhanced flexibility and precision in various combat scenarios. The HERO systems come in multiple variants designed for different operational requirements. The HERO 30, for instance, is a more compact and portable option optimized for infantry deployment. Meanwhile, the HERO 120 and HERO 400 cater to medium and long-range precision strikes against a variety of targets, including armored vehicles and fortifications.
Rheinmetall’s Italian production facility is currently operating at full capacity to meet the heightened demand generated by this recent order, ensuring timely production and delivery of the systems.
In terms of global deployment, Hungary has been an early adopter of the HERO systems, having signed a contract in July 2023 for a similar number of units, also valued in the low three-digit-million euro range. This agreement not only aims to enhance infantry capabilities but also looks to integrate the systems with Hungary’s new Lynx Infantry Fighting Vehicle (IFV) fleet, effectively embedding loitering munition capabilities into future combat operations.
Moreover, in 2025, Hungary showcased the HERO 30 system in a public demonstration, marking the first operational display of its tactical precision-strike capability as part of its ongoing defense modernization efforts. This indicates a growing trend among NATO allies to invest in advanced unmanned Systems that can significantly enhance their combat effectiveness and operational readiness on the battlefield.
