Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) and firearms manufacturer SIG Sauer have completed a live-fire trial of the FIRE STORM 250, a vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) tactical unmanned aerial system armed with a machine gun, according to company announcements made in mid-October 2026 ahead of the Association of the United States Army (AUSA) exhibition in Washington, D.C.
During the test, the system hovered over a simulated battlefield, used its onboard camera to identify targets, and engaged them in both single-shot and semi-automatic modes from varying distances and altitudes. The companies reported that the trial demonstrated operational flexibility, integrated safety features, and accuracy.
The FIRE STORM 250 combines an IAI VTOL drone platform (based on the Apus 60) with SIG Sauer’s MICROLIGHT remote controlled weapon station fitted with the company’s M250 light machine gun. It is designed to remain airborne for up to three hours while carrying 200 rounds of ammunition. The complete combat-ready weapon assembly, including the station, gun, and ammunition, weighs approximately 53 pounds (24 kilograms), which SIG Sauer describes as the world’s lightest airborne remote weapon station.
The aircraft requires no runway. Its VTOL design allows launch and recovery from forward positions, and it is powered by a multi-fuel internal-combustion engine that enables rapid field refueling. Sensor data and fire-control information are fused into a unified targeting picture for the operator.
Company officials emphasized that a human remains fully in control of engagement decisions. An operator receives real-time imagery and tracking data and must authorize every shot; the system does not decide to fire autonomously.
“The future of the battlefield will be determined not only by the power of weapon systems, but also by the ability to connect intelligence, technology, and operational strength into a single precise, efficient, and effective response,” said Guy Bar Lev, CEO of IAI. Moshe Levy, vice president and general manager of IAI’s Military Aircraft Group, added that the system expands operational reach while “strictly preserving full human control over engagement decisions.”
Sali Okanin (also referred to as Oknin), CEO of SIG SAUER Israel, highlighted the M250’s combat-proven technology, extended range, and weight savings, which make drone integration practical. SIG Sauer representatives noted that the concept aims to keep soldiers out of exposed positions such as vehicle turrets by allowing them to control the weapon through an interface.
The system is intended for small tactical units conducting missions including persistent overwatch, intelligence gathering, force protection, border security, close support for maneuvering forces, and special operations. Multiple aircraft could potentially provide continuous coverage.
The development was first showcased around AUSA 2025 and advanced to the successful live-fire demonstration roughly a year later. The X account @MarioNawfal summarized the system’s capabilities in a November 9, 2026 post that highlighted its ability to deliver aerial firepower to ground forces without placing a pilot in the air, while noting the retained human control over the trigger.
The trial marks a step in integrating stabilized machine-gun fire with reusable VTOL drones for organic tactical use, reducing reliance on larger crewed aircraft or one-way systems for certain overwatch and support roles.