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The war in Ukraine has shown how important kamikaze drones are. And Germany, as a country that is very worried about being affected by conflict, has disbursed a military budget of 100 billion euros in 2022. In addition to procuring long-range Hanud missiles and F-35A Lightning II stealth fighter jets, Germany has also decided to produce kamikaze drones (loitering munitions) in territory.
Because it requires a relatively fast procurement process, while the reference Kamikaze drone specifications must be battle proven, the German government must cooperate with foreign partners.
Quoted from Israeldefense.co.il (16/7/2023), it was stated that MBDA Deutschland GmbH had signed an agreement with Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) to co-produce kamikaze drones in Germany.
In this agreement, IAI offered a German company to produce the entire portfolio of kamikaze drones that IAI had released. With this cooperation, Germany will be able to fill capability gaps in the Air Force, Army and Navy with Israeli drones. Some of the kamikaze drones produced by IAI that will be produced include the Harpy, Mini Harpy, Harop and Rotem kamikaze.
Thomas Gottschild, Managing Director of MBDA Germany said, “We have announced our partnership with IAI in 2021 and are now pleased to continue our strategic partnership through this agreement. The Ukrainian war and the Azerbaijani-Armenian conflict have shown the importance of drones in combat missions."
"Our companies have agreed to cooperate in the preparation, production, marketing and implementation of all necessary work related to kamikaze drones for the benefit of the German Armed Forces," Gottschild said.
One of the kamikaze drones produced by IAI and which has the battle proven title is the Harpy. This drone is expected to attack radar installations and suppress enemy air defense systems. In carrying out its mission, the Harpy carries a high explosive warhead.
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From the specifications, the Harpy is powered by a UEL AR731 Wankel rotary engine which has a power of 38 hp. Harpy can go at a speed of 185 km per hour and a cruising range of 500 km. Having a length of 2.7 meters and a wingspan of 2.1 meters, the Harpy can carry a payload in the form of a high explosive warhead weighing 32 kg.