Elbit Hermes 450

Elbit Hermes 450 overview

The Elbit Hermes 450 is a medium-size tactical unmanned aerial vehicle developed by Elbit Systems. In service since the early 2000s, the Hermes 450 has become one of the most widely deployed military drones in the world, serving as the workhorse of the Israeli Defense Forces for tactical ISR missions. The aircraft has a maximum takeoff weight of 550 kg, can carry a 150 kg payload, and offers endurance of up to 17 hours. It forms the basis for the British Watchkeeper WK450 program.

The Hermes 450 has been exported to numerous countries and has accumulated hundreds of thousands of operational flight hours across various conflicts and security operations. The platform features a modular payload architecture allowing integration of diverse sensor packages including EO/IR, SAR, communications intelligence, and laser designators. As of 2025, while being supplanted by the larger Hermes 900 in many roles, the Hermes 450 continues to serve extensively as a reliable and cost-effective tactical ISR platform. Its significance lies in establishing Elbit Systems as a major player in the global drone market and proving the viability of medium-size tactical UAS for persistent surveillance.

Armament

Spike missiles (optional)

Development and operational timeline

1. Jun 2001Hermes 450 enters operational service with IDF
2. Mar 2005UK selects Hermes 450 as basis for Watchkeeper program
3. Sep 2010British Army deploys Hermes 450 in Afghanistan
4. Apr 2018Cumulative fleet reaches 300,000 flight hours globally
5. Jan 2024Hermes 450 continues serving multiple armed forces worldwide