U.S. Army Expands HERO 120 Order Under $982 Million Lethal Unmanned Systems Program
The U.S. Army is moving forward with the HERO 120 loitering munition under a major $982 million multi-year Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract awarded to Mistral Inc. and UVision Inc. The agreement falls under the Army’s Lethal Unmanned Systems (LUS) program and covers procurement, fielding, training, and long-term sustainment of the system.
HERO 120 Designed for Precision Engagement
Developed by UVision, the HERO 120 is a mid-range loitering munition designed primarily for precision engagement of armored and other high-value targets. The system combines surveillance and strike capabilities, allowing operators to search for targets before committing the munition to an attack.
The HERO 120 reportedly has an endurance of around one hour and an operational range of approximately 40–60 kilometers, depending on configuration and operating conditions. Its modular architecture allows different payload options to support different mission requirements.
Mistral Leads U.S. Integration and Sustainment
Under the Army program, Mistral Inc. serves as the prime contractor, with responsibilities including system integration, lethality-package development, program management and sustainment. UVision provides the HERO 120 technology and system expertise.
The contract represents a significant expansion of the Army's investment in loitering munitions. Rather than relying solely on traditional missile systems, the LUS program reflects the growing role of unmanned precision-strike systems that can provide tactical units with additional options against targets at extended ranges.
A Major Step for U.S. Loitering-Munition Capability
The $982 million agreement is structured as an IDIQ contract, meaning the announced value represents the maximum potential value rather than an immediate $982 million purchase. Actual quantities and spending will depend on individual orders placed under the contract.
The Army's adoption of HERO 120 highlights the increasing importance of loitering munitions in modern warfare, where forces are seeking systems that combine persistent surveillance, precision engagement and unmanned operation in a single platform.
Author: Kevin Macmellon
