Mistral and UVision Partner to Deliver HERO-90 for U.S. Army's LASSO Initiative
In a significant development within military technology, Mistral Inc. and its partner UVision Inc. have announced that their advanced loitering munition, the HERO-90, has been officially selected by the U.S. Army for its LASSO (Low Altitude Strike and Attack) program. This initiative aims to equip dismounted combat units with portable, precise munitions to effectively counter armored threats.
The HERO-90 is designed to provide an extended range anti-armor capability while being highly portable and quick to deploy. As noted in the announcement from Bethesda, Maryland, this agile munition can be launched by a single operator in under two minutes. Equipped with configurable warheads, including anti-armor and high-explosive options, the HERO-90 also features abort/re-engagement capabilities and secure beyond line-of-sight communication, making it a strong asset on modern battlefields.
The selection of the HERO-90 highlights the U.S. Army's focus on enhancing portability, lethality, and integration aligned with the Modular Open Systems Approach (MOSA). Yoav Banai, Senior Vice President of Mistral, stated, “By supporting the Precision Targeting Devices Program Manager, we ensure that our solution integrates seamlessly across the Brigade Combat Team (BCT) destruction chain.” These strategies aim to deliver rapid and effective responses to emerging threats faced by U.S. troops.
Jarmin Blanton, the Vice President of Business Development at UVision, emphasized the urgency of this program, remarking that the LASSO initiative is transforming anti-armor capabilities for dismounted units. He highlighted the HERO-90’s design to be rapidly deployable and lethal at a distance, tailored for open architecture deployments, showcasing their commitment to supporting U.S. soldiers.
About HERO-90
The HERO-90 marks a breakthrough in the evolution of loitering munitions, specifically engineered for anti-armor missions. Its versatile warhead configurations cater to a range of operational needs, featuring advanced human-in-the-loop control, mission abort options, and re-engagement capabilities. All these contribute to its effectiveness in dynamically controlled environments.
This lightweight backpack launcher further enables quick deployment by individual operators, a critical aspect for engaging threats swiftly. Coupled with artificial intelligence-assisted tracking and electro-optical/infrared sensors, it offers high accuracy in complex scenarios.
Background on Mistral Inc.
Mistral Inc., a U.S.-based defense technology firm, specializes in soldier-centric solutions for precision targeting, advanced sensors, and integrated fire control systems. With extensive experience in supporting U.S. and allied forces, Mistral provides interoperable and modular platforms that meet MOSA standards, thereby streamlining sensor-to-shooter timelines effectively.
Background on UVision
UVision stands out as a global leader in loitering munition systems. Through their HERO family of products, they cater to tactical, operational, and strategic missions worldwide, gaining recognition for reliability, precision, and adaptability in land, air, and maritime domains. Their focus on innovation, mission flexibility, and operational security empowers modern forces to excel in multifaceted environments.
In conclusion, the collaboration between Mistral and UVision in delivering the HERO-90 loitering munition is set to significantly enhance the operational capabilities of the U.S. Army, poised to meet the evolving demands of military engagements in contemporary combat scenarios.