U.S. Army Awards $982 Million Contract to Mistral and UVision for HERO 120 Loitering Munitions
The U.S. Army announced a multi-year contract worth $982 million to Mistral Inc. and UVision Inc. under the Lethal Unmanned System (LUS) program. The HERO 120 is a mid-range “kamikaze” drone designed for precision strikes against armored and other high-value targets. Developed by Israel’s UVision Air Ltd., the parent company of UVision Inc., the HERO 120 provides organic surveillance and strike capabilities. In this contract, Mistral, the Bethesda-based prime contractor, will handle system integration, lethality packages, program management, and lifecycle support. The award reflects a broader Pentagon effort to field advanced unmanned weapons and underscores the Army’s focus on precision strike capabilities and operational effectiveness.
The HERO 120 loitering munition provides U.S. forces with a unique combination of reconnaissance and guided-weapon capabilities. It can loiter over a battlefield until operators identify a target and then dive in to detonate on impact. UVision’s CEO Dr. Ran Gozali noted that smart loitering munitions like the HERO 120 enable modern armed forces with unmatched operational flexibility, precision, and survivability. Initial tests have demonstrated that the HERO 120 improves soldiers’ situational awareness and target tracking. Its modular open architecture makes it suitable for both conventional and asymmetric operations.
The contract is expected to last approximately five years and the first deliveries of the HERO 120 system are scheduled to begin in early 2026. Defense industry reports confirm the Army finalized the sole-source award on September 29, with an estimated completion date of September 29, 2030. The award is structured with a mix of fixed-price and cost incentives and was justified as a public-interest sole-source procurement. It covers not only hardware but also training for soldiers and long-term sustainment, ensuring that the systems remain mission-ready throughout the contract term.
Company executives have praised the partnership. Yoav Banai (Senior Vice President at Mistral) called the contract a significant milestone in the company’s collaboration with UVision and the U.S. Army. Dr. Gozali emphasized that the award reflects growing demand for loitering munitions and validates the operational value of the HERO family.
Mistral Inc. has established a reputation as a reliable U.S. defense systems integrator. This program brings 37 years of experience delivering combat-proven solutions to the Pentagon. UVision Inc., the U.S. arm of Israel’s UVision Air, is a global leader in loitering munitions and smart weapon systems. Together, the companies leverage UVision’s innovative drone technology and Mistral’s integration expertise to bolster the Army’s unmanned warfare capabilities. This latest contract positions the HERO 120 as a key precision-strike asset in the U.S. Army’s arsenal.