Loitering munitions — often referred to as roaming or wandering ammunition — are intelligent strike systems capable of flying over a target area for an extended period before selecting and engaging a target at the optimal moment. Combining the reconnaissance ability of a UAV with the destructive power of a guided missile, these systems provide a hybrid battlefield capability that has transformed modern warfare. Their ability to wait, observe, identify opportunity targets, and strike with precision makes them especially valuable in dynamic combat environments.

Technically, loitering munitions are equipped with electro-optical sensors, real-time data links, automatic target recognition technologies, and precision guidance mechanisms. Lightweight and portable, they can be launched from ground units, fixed ramps, or even UAV platforms. Depending on the model, they can operate from a few kilometers to dozens of kilometers away, maintaining a loitering profile — circling above the target zone — to give operators additional decision time. This capability makes them highly effective against low-signature assets, mobile units, and time-sensitive targets. Today, many military forces integrate loitering munitions for both tactical missions and asymmetric warfare scenarios due to their cost-effectiveness, precision, and operational flexibility.