Diehl and Elbit test kamikaze drone for German military

Diehl Defence and Elbit Systems demonstrated their SkyStriker loitering ‘kamikaze drone’ system in a live test in early September 2026, the companies announced Sept. 14.

The demonstration focused on the weapon’s range and a “hand-over” function that worked at a distance of 80 km (50 miles).

SkyStriker was launched from a canister, located a target, tracked it, and then engaged it, the companies said. During the test, the munition also worked alongside Elbit’s SkyLark 1 electric vertical takeoff and landing reconnaissance drone, which fed it targeting information as part of a networked surveillance and strike setup.

SkyStriker is an electrically powered loitering munition. It can circle over an area for more than two hours before diving into a target, rather than following a fixed flight path like a traditional missile. The system has a range of more than 200 km (124 miles). Its electric propulsion also gives it a lower acoustic and thermal signature than fuel-powered alternatives, making it harder to detect.

The September test built on a partnership Diehl Defence and Elbit Systems signed in June 2026 at the ILA Berlin air show. Under that deal, the companies agreed to jointly offer SkyStriker to Germany’s Bundeswehr and produce it domestically if selected.

“The successful demonstration confirms the technological maturity and immense versatility of the SkyStriker system,” said Gunnar Pappert, senior vice president land systems at Diehl Defence.

“For Diehl Defence, it is a decisive step to demonstrate the synergies between our systems and the requirements of modern armed forces directly on-site. We are proud to work together with Elbit Systems to pave the way for highly advanced, local production in Germany, in order to sustainably strengthen European defense capabilities,” Pappert said.

“We are very pleased with the opportunity to demonstrate the capabilities of our SkyStriker here and to offer it to various nations to meet their individual needs,” said Marian Rachow, CEO of Elbit Systems Germany.

“Our system is already setting the standards for future long-range loitering munitions. This demonstration is another milestone for SkyStriker in Europe and on the path toward production in Germany,” Rachow said.

At the time of the June agreement, the companies said the munition can carry a warhead of up to 10 kg (22 pounds) and can be launched from the EuroPULS rocket artillery system used by Germany and other European militaries, among other platforms.

Elbit Systems is handling market development for SkyStriker under the partnership. Diehl Defence would take on manufacturing and integration work inside Germany if the countries move forward with a purchase.

SkyStriker has already seen combat use in other countries, according to the companies, though neither disclosed specific operators or engagement details in the announcement.

Diehl Defence, headquartered in Überlingen, Germany, employs about 6,000 people and reported annual sales of more than €2.5 billion (about $2.9 billion). The company did not say whether Germany has committed to a SkyStriker purchase or set a timeline for a production decision.

Independent reporting takes resources. Join us on Patreon.