Defense News: IAI and SIG SAUER Complete Live-Fire Trial of FIRE STORM 250 System

IAI and SIG SAUER Complete Live-Fire Trial of FIRE STORM 250 System

The tactical unmanned system combines a VTOL drone with SIG SAUER's MICROLIGHT remote weapon station armed with an M250 machine gun.

By Ami Rojkes Dombe, israeldefense.co.il, 14/10/2026

https://www.israeldefense.co.il/en/node/71748

     Image credit: IAI (https://www.iai.co.il), "FIRE STORM - IAI" (documented on 14 October 2026)

Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) and SIG SAUER have successfully completed a live-fire trial of the FIRE STORM 250, an advanced tactical unmanned aerial system equipped with SIG SAUER's MICROLIGHT remote weapon station armed with an M250 machine gun.

According to Bar Lev, the successful trial demonstrates the vision of developing integrated solutions that provide forces in the field with a distinct operational edge, expanding their professional capabilities and enabling them to successfully meet evolving challenges in combat. He added that the collaboration with SIG SAUER reflects the importance of international strategic partnerships that combine complementary capabilities to jointly lead the next generation of unmanned systems, strengthen national security, and provide tailored solutions to customers worldwide.

During the trial, the FIRE STORM 250 hovered over the simulated battlefield, identified targets using its camera, and engaged them in single and semi-automatic firing modes from various ranges and altitudes, demonstrating high operational flexibility, built-in safety measures, and maximum hit accuracy.

The system is designed to deliver continuous observation and effective firepower, with an endurance of up to three hours carrying 200 rounds. Its vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) configuration enables convenient operation from forward positions without requiring a runway or complex dedicated infrastructure.

The Fire Storm 250. (Israel Aerospace Industries)

The system features the world's lightest airborne weapon station, with the entire assembly—including the machine gun and ammunition—weighing only about 24 kg. Sensor data and fire control are optimally integrated, shortening the sensor-to-shooter cycle.

Sali Oknin, CEO of SIG SAUER Israel, emphasized that the belt-fed M250 machine gun is based on combat-proven technology and offers extended range alongside reduced weight. The system operates with a human-in-the-loop architecture, where an operator continuously receives situational updates and approves weapon release. The platform is powered by a multi-fuel internal combustion engine that enables fast, efficient field refuelling and is designed for rapid, simple deployment alongside tactical units.

 

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