// UNMANNED SYSTEMS AND NEXT-GEN WARFARE TERM
Loitering Munition
A loitering munition is a type of unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) that can fly around a target area for an extended period, searching for targets, before autonomously or remotely striking one. It essentially combines the capabilities of a reconnaissance drone and a missile.
TECHNICAL DEFINITION
A loitering munition is an autonomous aerial munition integrating surveillance, reconnaissance, and precision strike capabilities, designed to 'loiter' over a target area for extended periods to detect and engage targets, functioning as a 'fire-and-forget' weapon system.
BACKGROUND
A loitering munition (LM) is a type of self-destructive unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) equipped with a warhead that is typically designed to remotely loiter by a human operator using electro-optical targeting sensors or camera suite and data-link until a target is designated, then crash into it and detonate. Anti-radiation (anti-radar) loitering munitions are a type of loitering munition that employ either an anti-radiation seeker by itself or in tandem with an electro-optical targeting system to locate enemy radar by loitering and destroy it after detection. Common terms like suicide drone, kamikaze drone, or exploding drone are used for both loitering munition and one-way attack drones. They enable attacks against hidden targets that emerge for short periods without placing high-value platforms near the target area. Unlike many other types of munitions, their attacks can be changed mid-mission or aborted. Loitering munitions are typically aerial platforms, but include some autonomous undersea vehicles with similar characteristics.
READ MORE ON WIKIPEDIASYNONYMS & ALIASES
- Suicide drone
- Kamikaze drone
- Loitering weapon
- Attack drone
- Killer drone
- Drone munition
USAGE NOTE
Loitering munitions are increasingly used for precision strikes against time-sensitive or elusive targets, providing a flexible 'sensor-to-shooter' capability in modern warfare.
DEVELOPERS
Organizations developing technology related to Loitering Munition.
A leading developer of unmanned aircraft systems and tactical missile systems, notably producing the Switchblade series of loitering munitions for various defense applications.
Specializes in advanced loitering munition systems, offering its Hero series of systems designed for various ranges and mission types for tactical forces.
A major Israeli aerospace and defense company, IAI develops a range of loitering munitions, including the Harpy and Harop systems, known for their anti-radar capabilities and precision strike.
An Israeli defense technology company known for developing the Spike Firefly (Tamuz) loitering munition, a miniature tactical system for close-range engagements.
A Turkish defense company that develops indigenous unmanned systems, including the Kargu rotary-wing and Alpagu fixed-wing loitering munitions.
A Russian company, part of Kalashnikov Concern, known for developing various unmanned aerial systems, including the Lancet series of loitering munitions.
An American defense technology company developing advanced autonomous systems, including its Altius family of Air Launched Effects which can be configured as loitering munitions for various missions.