Serbian Stršljen loitering munition adds surveillance and strike from Isuzu pickup at Partner 2025.

Serbia unveiled the Stršljen system at the Partner 2025 defense exhibition in Belgrade (May 2025), showing it as a full package with a loitering UAV, multitube launcher and ground station mounted on a modified Isuzu pickup.

Presented by the Voïnotechnički Institut at the Partner 2025 exhibition in Belgrade in May 2025, the Stršljen is shown as a complete package combining a single-use unmanned aerial vehicle, a multitube container launcher, and a ground control station, all integrated on a modified Isuzu pickup. This information comes from the exhibitor’s documentation displayed at the stand and is dated May 2025. The visual and technical assembly highlights an approach oriented toward tactical mobility and rapid deployment of loitering munitions across varied operational settings.
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The Stršljen is described as a 16-kilogram launch weight aerial munition powered by an electric motor, capable of reaching 160 km/h and operating up to 500 meters altitude, with endurance exceeding one hour and a range greater than 50 kilometers. (Picture source: Army Recognition)

The Stršljen is described as a 16-kilogram launch weight aerial munition powered by an electric motor, capable of reaching 160 km/h and operating up to 500 meters altitude, with endurance exceeding one hour and a range greater than 50 kilometers. It carries a warhead of more than five kilograms, combining a shaped charge and fragmentation elements and embeds an electro-optical sensor that enables target search, detection of movement, and autonomous engagement. Flight control is provided by an onboard computer developed by the Military Technical Institute, and the solution is presented as interoperable with other national unmanned platforms such as the Vrabac, Osica and the Senka system. The complete set comprises four air vehicles, a ground control station and four containers used both for storage and launch.

From an operational standpoint, integration on a modified Isuzu pickup is presented as a response to mobility requirements. Choosing a commercial light vehicle allows modular employment, transport on secondary roads and simplified logistics, while reducing the need for dedicated infrastructure. The multitube container mounted in the cargo bed facilitates reloading and launch from march positions, and the vehicle’s ability to move quickly between positions limits the exposure time of crews. These features make the package suitable for units that require rapid projection, limited heavy logistics, and the ability to operate from unprepared sites. It should be noted that using a commercial vehicle imposes constraints regarding ballistic protection and performance on very rough terrain, aspects not addressed in the exhibitor’s public materials.

The operational role expected for loitering munitions such as Stršljen centers on neutralizing tactical, mobile and point targets, disrupting enemy movements and supporting infantry manoeuvres. Their relatively low cost compared with traditional munitions and their capacity to strike light armored vehicles, improvised command posts or troop concentrations make them tools for short-range precision strikes when air or artillery support is unavailable. The onboard electro-optics and autonomy reduce dependence on external guidance for isolated strikes, although the acceptance of autonomous engagement raises operational and legal issues that the technical documentation does not detail.

In contemporary conflicts, the large-scale use of small drones and loitering munitions contributes to the saturation of air defence systems. Swarms of small aerial vehicles can force defenders to disperse assets, increase the number of engagements and exhaust interceptor munitions, creating opportunities for heavier or higher-value vectors to reach their objectives. This saturation effect, combined with the low unit cost of these systems, can produce disproportionate impacts on mobile formations and infantry, prompting commanders to rethink convoy protection, forward base defence, and safeguarding of sensitive infrastructure. The exhibitor does not provide an operational doctrine for swarm employment or coordinated use with other capabilities.

The development of Stršljen by the Military Technical Institute and its integration on an Isuzu pickup reflect the current industry trend toward turnkey solutions that combine the aerial munition, launch means and ground mobility. The manufacturer positions a national offering that covers design, avionics and logistical integration, although the public documentation omits details on export conditions, employment restrictions and associated safety procedures. The spread of this category of systems on regional and international markets continues to fuel debate on regulation, operator training and doctrinal adjustments needed to mitigate proliferation risks and prevent indiscriminate use.