U.S. Military Selects Israeli HERO-90 Loitering Munition for Infantry Forces
Lightweight, precision-guided system enables a single soldier to strike armored and fortified targets autonomously, reflecting growing trust in Israeli defense technology
By Dan Arkin, Israeldefense,co.il, 18/01/2026
https://www.israeldefense.co.il/en/node/67495
Photo by uvisionuav.com
Developed by the Israeli company UVision, the system was chosen as part of a rapid acquisition program designed to give soldiers on the ground the ability to strike armored and fortified targets with precision. This represents a paradigm shift in which a single soldier becomes a significant firepower asset, capable of neutralizing heavily armored threats without relying on external artillery or air support, while maintaining high mobility and a low signature.
Photo by uvisionuav.com
Following the report at the end of last September regarding the contract award, a recent update from the defense media outlet Defense Industry Europe confirmed that the American company Mistral, UVision’s strategic partner and the lead for technological integration for the U.S. Department of Defense, announced the system’s selection in the procurement competition.
According to the report, the HERO-90 was chosen as the optimal solution for the U.S. military’s requirements for a lightweight, portable, precision “suicide” munition suited for dynamic missions. The choice reflects the high level of trust the U.S. defense establishment places in Israeli technology, which has proven effective in complex combat scenarios requiring both extended range and focused destructive power.
The system was carefully designed for simple and rapid operation under stress, carried entirely by a single soldier, and ready to launch in under two minutes. Yoav Banai, Senior Vice President at Mistral, emphasized that the selection of the HERO-90 demonstrates the U.S. military’s focus on portability and uncompromising lethality. He added that the collaboration between the companies ensures U.S. infantry soldiers are equipped with cutting-edge technology, enabling engagement of targets beyond line of sight while retaining the ability to abort missions in real time if conditions change.
The technological superiority of the HERO-90 is evident in its integration of electro-optical and infrared (EO/IR) sensors with AI-based processing capabilities. This technology allows for autonomous target detection and tracking while maintaining a “man-in-the-loop” principle to ensure human oversight in firing decisions and prevent collateral damage.
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