Modified Shipping Container Can Launch Swarm of Kamikaze Drones

German defense contractor Rheinmetall has introduced a new containerized launcher system for the Hero family of loitering munitions, better known as kamikaze drones.

A rendering shared by The War Zone shows the system as a modified shipping container equipped with 126 launch cells, arranged in three 42-cell arrays. This configuration offers significant flexibility and can be deployed from various platforms.

The container’s modular design allows it to be adapted to different sizes (10, 20, and 40-foot containers), enabling deployment from both land and sea platforms.

The drones can hover over target areas, gathering real-time intelligence and delivering precise strikes when necessary. They feature advanced electro-optical and infrared sensors for high-resolution imaging and accurate targeting. Additionally, the drones can abort missions mid-flight and reassign targets, reducing collateral damage and enhancing tactical flexibility.

The containerized launcher is part of a strategic partnership between Rheinmetall and Israeli company UVision, aimed at meeting the increasing demand for precision-guided munitions in modern warfare. The collaboration has already led to several major contracts, such as a multi-million-euro deal with Hungary for Hero drones.

The Hero family of kamikaze drones include several models, such as the Hero-30, Hero-120, and Hero-400, each designed for specific operational needs. These munitions are equipped with various warheads, including high-explosive and fragmentation types, allowing them to engage a wide range of targets.

The Hero-120 can travel 37 miles, stay airborne for up to an hour and carry a 10-pound warhead, making it effective against armored vehicles and other high-value targets.

A single container with 126 launch cells, and potentially more depending on the system’s scalability, would allow a relatively small force to flood a large area with a swarm of such drones.

The U.S. Marine Corps has integrated the Hero-120 into their Long Range Unmanned Surface Vessel (LRUSV) program. Various methods are available for deploying Hero drones, including man-portable single-tube launchers and multi-cell launchers mounted on armored vehicles and watercraft.

Kamikaze drones in Ukraine

Highly maneuverable first-person view (FPV) kamikaze drones have become a significant factor on both sides of the battlefield in Ukraine. The drones, piloted by an operator throughout their flight, have shown remarkable effectiveness, providing Ukrainian forces with a versatile and relatively low-cost weapon against Russian positions.

FPV drones also offer several tactical advantages over traditional weaponry. They are relatively inexpensive, with decent quality models starting at around $600 to $700 and higher-end models priced at about $3,000.

Mykhailo Fedorov, Ukraine’s digital minister, recently emphasized the country’s strategic use of drones, revealing plans to manufacture thousands more for deeper incursions into Russian territory. Often equipped with explosives, they pose a persistent threat due to their ability to strike from distances up to 13 miles.

The severity of the drone threat has led some Russian soldiers to desperately seek shotguns, given that their more sophisticated air defense systems are lagging behind. Estimates indicate Ukraine’s use of FPV kamikaze drones increased by at least 25 times between February and September 2023.