Israeli firm Uvision and US-based Mistral Inc. secure nearly $1 billion Army contract, aiming for a lasting relationship through the LASSO program.
Washington, D.C. – Following a recent contract worth nearly $1 billion with the U.S. Army, Israeli company Uvision is setting its sights on a long-term partnership through the Army’s Low Altitude Stalking and Strike Ordnance (LASSO) program. The contract, awarded to a team-up between Uvision and US-based Mistral Inc., is for loitering munitions.
Combat-Proven Technology
Jarmin Blanton, vice president of Business Development, Sales and Marketing at Uvision, emphasized the combat-proven nature of the Hero 120 loitering munition. „The Hero 120 loitering munition is combat-proven and fielded, and we take those lessons learned around the world and they get fed back into the system and we continuously improve the capabilities,” Blanton said.
Multi-Million Dollar Contract
On October 3, Uvision and Mistral announced they had secured a multi-year $982 million Indefinite Delivery, Indefinite Quantity contract to procure, field, train, and sustain the HERO 120 under the Army’s Lethal Unmanned System program. While the initial contract is significant, Uvision believes the drone would be an ideal fit for the LASSO program, potentially making it a permanent fixture in U.S. Army operations.
LASSO Program
The LASSO program, managed by Program Executive Office — Soldier, aims to develop a „man-portable, tube-launched, lethal payload munition, unmanned aerial system,” according to a 2023 description.
Hero 120 Details
The Hero-120, previously acquired by US Special Operations Command (SOCOM) in a $73 million deal with Mistral and Uvision in 2024, resembles a missile with cruciform wings that deploy upon launch. The munition carries a 4.5 kg (nearly 10 pound) warhead, has a range of 40 to 60 km (25 to 37 miles), and can loiter for 60 minutes. Uvision describes the Hero 120 as a „mid-range loitering munition optimized for precision engagement of armored and high-value targets.” Blanton highlighted its portability, noting it is designed to defeat tanks and other targets at the infantry battalion and brigade level for Infantry Brigade Combat Teams (IBCT).
Growing Demand for Loitering Munitions
Ran Gozali, CEO of Uvision Group, noted that „this award reflects the growing demand for loitering munitions and validates the operational value of the HERO 120 and the HERO family of systems” in the company’s announcement.
Army’s Push for Unmanned Systems
The Army is aggressively pursuing unmanned systems, including loitering munitions, after observing their effectiveness on the battlefields of Ukraine.
Delivery Timeline
Uvision anticipates starting deliveries of the Hero 120 to the Army at the „beginning” of 2026, with subsequent deployment to infantry brigade combat teams, accompanied by hardware, training, logistics, and support.
Adaptability
Blanton emphasized the system’s adaptability, stating that Hero 120 is „combat proven and fielded, and we take those lessons learned around the world and they get fed back into the system and we continuously improve the capabilities.”
Modular and Plug-and-Play System
Like other Israeli systems, the Uvision family is designed to be modular and plug-and-play, „agnostic to radio, warhead and launcher.” Blanton said. The company aims to partner with customers to create a more robust supply chain, incorporating American technology.
Addressing Modern Battlefield Challenges
Uvision is also focused on addressing modern battlefield challenges, such as operating in GPS-denied or contested environments and incorporating swarming technology. The company is working on collaborative behaviors and systems that are less susceptible to jamming and interference.
