Green Dragon

The Green Dragon is a man-packable tactical loitering munition developed by the Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI), a state-owned prime contractor based in Lod, Israel. Introduced in 2016, the system is designed to provide infantry and special operations units with precision strike capabilities and intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) assets. It fills a niche between heavy artillery and strategic drones, offering company-level forces the ability to loiter over a battlefield and engage targets with minimal collateral damage.

The munition is launched from a sealed, 1.7-meter-long canister, which allows for tube-launching from small vehicles or portable deployment. Each unit weighs approximately 15 kg and is equipped with an electro-optical/infrared (EO/IR) seeker for target acquisition. The system utilizes a silent electric motor, enabling it to approach targets undetected before striking with a 3 kg warhead. According to manufacturer specifications, the Green Dragon can loiter for up to 1.5 hours with a range of 40 to 50 km. The precision of the strike is designed to limit the blast radius to less than one meter, making it suitable for use in populated areas or near friendly forces.

Israel is the primary operator of the Green Dragon, integrating it into its ground forces to enhance fire support. The system has been combat-tested in various conflicts, allowing the Israel Defense Forces to utilize it for both offensive strikes and situational awareness. IAI markets the Green Dragon as part of a broader family of loitering munitions that includes the Harpy and Harop systems, emphasizing its role in providing battle damage assessment and reducing risks to infantrymen.

While specific variants and ongoing upgrades are not widely detailed in public sources, the Green Dragon remains in service as a key component of Israel’s tactical unmanned systems portfolio. Its design prioritizes portability and precision, distinguishing it from larger, longer-endurance loitering munitions used by other nations. The system’s ability to be deployed quickly and operate with a small footprint makes it a versatile tool for modern infantry engagements.