GM Defense to enhance tactical vehicle with Mistral loitering munition

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Agencies
20 May 2024 18:52

Combining GM Defense’s expertise in military mobility with Mistral's munitions and technology aims to meet the tactical needs of a "modernized force," a statement by the company read.

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Illustrative photo of the Hero-120 loitering munition

General Motors subsidiary GM Defense LLC announced on Monday that it will integrate France's Mistral loitering munition and other advanced technologies with its light tactical utility vehicle to bolster its capabilities.

"GM Defense, a subsidiary of General Motors, and Mistral Inc., a provider of high-performance, reliable, and innovative solutions to US defense and federal agencies, announced the integration of the innovative UVision and Mistral's Hero-120 loitering munition with GM Defense's light tactical utility vehicle," the statement said.

Combining GM Defense’s expertise in military mobility with Mistral's munitions and technology aims to meet the tactical needs of a "modernized force," according to the statement.

Key features of the collaboration include enabling the vehicle to endure sustained operations in austere environments and providing effective maintenance and customization options. These enhancements will allow for various adaptations to meet the requirements of both general-purpose and special operations forces.

The integration of the Hero-120 loitering munition will further enable the rapid and effective launch of multiple munitions and contribute to extending soldiers' operational scope and combat effectiveness, the statement notes.

"The Hero-120 is a mid-range, anti-tank system designed for high-precision strikes against various targets, including tanks and vehicles, in urban environments with minimal collateral damage," according to the manufacturer. It features a range of multi-purpose warheads.

They are manufactured by UVision, an Israeli company specializing in the development of innovative loitering munition systems for military and defense applications.

In March, UVision has partnered with Science Applications International Corp (SAIC) to produce the Hero-120 loitering munition system at SAIC's facility in South Carolina.

The collaboration is aimed at establishing an independent domestic supply chain, reducing dependency on international sources and ensuring faster delivery times. It also aims to provide local training and comprehensive post-sale support and maintenance for UVision's US clients.