Paris Air Show 2025: Israel debuts air-launched Hero-120 loitering munition

Shown for the first time ahead of the Paris Air Show 2025, the new modular launch rack for the Hero-120 is designed to enable the loitering munition to be easily and readily carried by helicopters. (UVision Air)

Israel's UVision Air has showcased a new air-launched delivery method for its Hero-120 loitering munition at the Paris Air Show 2025, held in Le Bourget from 16 to 22 June.

Details and imagery released ahead of the event showed the new modular launch rack to be suited to carrying munition from both utility and dedicated attack helicopters without the need for prior integration.

“The new launch configuration allows rotary-wing platforms to deploy the Hero-120 without the need for deep integration into the aircraft's avionics or fire-control systems. This modular approach enables rapid adaptation and deployment and reduces both cost and integration time, making the system suitable for a wide array of current helicopter models as well as future vertical lift programmes, including those led by [the] US government,” UVision Air said, pitching its system at the Bell MV-75 Valor tiltrotor for the US Army, among others.

“The new helicopter launch capability provides a range of tactical benefits, including the ability to hand over control of the Hero loitering munitions to ground forces for beyond-line-of-sight, enhanced target engagement, and improved interoperability between air and land units. The system supports swappable warheads and payloads, enabling on-the-fly mission adaptation for anti-armour; soft-target; or intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) operations. Additionally, it is compatible with a wide variety of Western and NATO-standard helicopters, from legacy platforms to next-generation rotorcraft, allowing for broad operational integration without requiring major aircraft modifications,” the company added.