The German arms industry remains a key partner in the Hungarian land forces' modernization drive.Continue reading
One is getting the impression that the Hungarian Defense Ministry is systematically buying up the German arms manufacturer, Rheinmetall’s entire product catalogue. This time, it is their top-of-the range loitering munition that had found its way to our armed forces’ order books.
In their press release Rheinmetall AG of Düsseldorf have informed that they have secured an “important order from Hungary for Hero Loitering Munitions. Contracts to this effect have now been signed. The munitions are worth a figure in the low three-digit million-euro range. Delivery will begin in 2024 and is scheduled to end in 2025”.
Photo: Rheinmetall
Hero Loitering Munitions are single use, self-propelled guided bombs, which Rheinmetall fabricates in Europe under a cooperation agreement with UVision Air Ltd. of Israel. The weapon systems possess an autonomous target engagement capability, including reconnaissance, monitoring and recognition. It locates, tracks and engages emerging enemy targets with low signatures beyond the line of sight.
Hero Loitering Ammunition. Photo: Rheinmetall
The flying bombs circle over the target zone, locating and tracking the enemy and analyzing possible targets. They help to select high-value targets as well as suitable timing, direction and angle of attack before carrying out a high-precision strike. All Hero systems are designed to operate in complex battlefield conditions, including in environments without GPS reception or jammed radio connections. It is unknown which type of the Hero system Hungary is ordering, they vary from types with a range of 10 km up to 200 km. However, if they are intended to be integrated with the Lynx KF-41 IFVs, then it is most likely to be the latter, Hero 1250 with a range of 200km carrying a massive 50 kg warhead.
Lynx infantry fighting Vehicle of the Hungarian Armed Forces. Photo: Facebook/SZBK
Hungary has already ordered infantry fighting vehicles, self-propelled howitzers and ammunition, and negotiations are ongoing for further wheeled howitzers and air-defense systems manufactured by Rheinmetall. The German company is in the process of completing its manufacturing, development and testing facilities in Western Hungary’s Zalaegerszeg.
Featured Image: Rheinmetall