Washington DC. Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) and SIG SAUER have completed a firing test of FIRE STORM 250, an innovative tactical unmanned system (UAS) equipped with a SIG SAUER MICROLIGHT Remote Controlled Weapon Station (RCWS) mounted with a M250 machine gun. The successful test demonstrated the system’s ability to combine airborne surveillance, target identification and precision firepower in a realistic battlefield scenario, providing tactical forces with an organic airborne capability for missions including Close Air Support (CAS), border security, suppressive fire and homeland security.
Guy Bar Lev, President and CEO of Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI), stated, “The future of the battlefield will be determined by the power of weapons systems, and by the ability to integrate intelligence, technology, and operational capabilities into a single, precise, and effective solution. The successful test demonstrates our vision of developing integrated solutions that provide forces in the field with an operational advantage, expand their capabilities, and enable them to address the evolving challenges of the modern battlefield. Our collaboration with SIG SAUER reflects the importance we place on strategic partnerships with leading companies worldwide, bringing together complementary capabilities to deliver innovative solutions to the market. We will continue to lead the next generation of unmanned systems, driven by our commitment to strengthening Israel’s security and meeting the needs of our customers and partners around the world.”
Moshe Levy, EVP and GM of IAI’s Military Aircraft Group, said, “The next generation of unmanned systems will be defined not only by autonomy, but by how effectively they integrate sensing, decision-making and action within the operational environment. FIRE STORM 250 brings these capabilities into a single operational loop, enabling tactical forces to extend their reach and maintain continuous awareness while retaining human control over engagement decisions. The firing test demonstrates the potential of this approach in a realistic operational scenario.”
During the test, FIRE STORM 250 system hovered over the simulated battlefield, identified targets using its onboard camera and engaged them in both single-shot and semi-automatic firing modes. Firing was conducted from varying distances and altitudes, demonstrating the system’s operational flexibility, integrated safety and accuracy under different conditions.
FIRE STORM 250 is designed to put persistent surveillance and firepower directly in the hands of tactical forces. The system can remain airborne for up to three hours while carrying 200 rounds of ammunition, and its VTOL configuration enables takeoff and landing from forward areas without requiring a runway or dedicated aviation infrastructure.
The system integrates the SIG SAUER RCWS, the world’s lightest aerial RCWS. With a complete combat-ready weight of only 53 pounds, including the RCWS, the M250 machine gun, and 200 rounds of ammunition, the system delivers stabilised precision fire. Sensor information and fire-control data are combined into a unified targeting solution, giving the operator a continuous operational picture and supporting a rapid sensor-to-shooter cycle.
Sali Okanin, Israel General Manager for SIG SAUER, commented, “FIRE STORM 250 brings together the most advanced technologies in the world including IAI’s drone platform and SIG SAUER’s MICROLIGHT RCWS mounted with the M250 machine gun to deliver a new level of operational flexibility. We’re proud of the new SIG SAUER M250, which is combat-proven technology. It is a belt-fed platform with greater range than legacy systems and weight savings that not only provide squad-level benefits but also make drone capabilities possible.”
FIRE STORM 250 maintains a human-in-the-loop fire-control architecture, with the operator receiving real-time sensor imagery, target-tracking data and engagement options, while retaining control of the engagement process and authorising the use of fire. This combines advanced automation with human judgment and operational control.
Powered by a multi-fuel internal-combustion engine, the system can be refueled in the field using commonly available operational fuel, avoiding lengthy battery-charging cycles or specialised aviation infrastructure. The platform is rapidly deployable and designed to accompany tactical units with limited manpower and support requirements. It can support various missions including persistent overwatch for manoeuvring forces, intelligence gathering, force protection, border defence, protection of strategic sites and special operations.
Multiple systems can operate simultaneously to provide persistent day-and-night surveillance. At the same time, the system can also provide advance observation, identify threats along movement routes and maintain overwatch during operations and extraction.
FIRE STORM will be on display at the IAI booth (HALL C, Booth #3525) and the SIG SAUER booth (Hall E, Booth #8015) at AUSA 2026 in Washington, DC.
