Israeli-German Partnership Secures Major NATO Deal for Hundreds of HERO Suicide Drones

Rheinmetall has secured a significant contract from multiple NATO member states to supply several hundred HERO loitering munition systems, widely known as suicide drones, strengthening Europe’s expanding defense capabilities.

The deliveries are scheduled to commence in the first quarter of 2026 and conclude by the end of the year. Production will be carried out by RWM Italia in collaboration with Israeli defense company UVision Air Ltd., developers of the HERO family of loitering munitions.

According to Rheinmetall, the ordered systems will feature the latest generation of high-performance anti-tank warheads. While the company confirmed that several NATO nations in Europe placed the orders, it did not reveal the specific countries involved.

The Israeli-German partnership, first established in 2021, continues to deepen as European militaries seek advanced precision-strike capabilities amid evolving security challenges.