IDET 2025: Czech firm Granta Autonomy presents X Wing VTOL loitering munition for precision strikes
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On May 28, 2025, during the International Defence and Security Technologies Fair (IDET) 2025 in Brno, Czech Republic, Granta Autonomy, an innovative Czech defense technology company, unveiled its new X-Wing VTOL loitering munition system. This next-generation precision strike asset is designed to enhance tactical operations across modern battlefields. Follow Army Recognition on Google News at this link
Granta Autonomy’s unveiling of the X-Wing loitering munition at IDET 2025 highlights a critical advancement in the tactical loitering munition landscape (Picture source: Army Recognition Group)
The X-Wing loitering munition is an autonomous air-to-ground strike system featuring a VTOL (Vertical Take-Off and Landing) design and cruciform wing configuration. Measuring approximately 100 cm x 98 cm x 94 cm and carrying a 4 kg multi-purpose fragmentation payload, the X-Wing offers a tactical strike range of up to 60 km. The system employs electric-powered contra-rotating propellers for vertical launch and efficient horizontal flight, enabling rapid deployment from confined or urban environments. Its modular and portable architecture ensures seamless integration into infantry or special forces units, allowing flexible battlefield application.
The development of the X-Wing began in response to increasing demand for cost-effective precision strike solutions suitable for asymmetrical conflicts and contested environments. Granta Autonomy leveraged expertise from its existing autonomous UAV portfolio and adapted advanced control algorithms to enhance operational reliability and autonomy. The current iteration was showcased at IDET 2025 as a fully operational prototype ready for live demonstration trials. The product has not yet seen operational deployment but has reportedly attracted interest from regional defense customers in Central and Eastern Europe.
Compared to established systems such as the Israeli IAI Harop or the American AeroVironment Switchblade 600, the X-Wing offers distinct advantages in its VTOL capability, which removes the need for complex launch equipment. Its compact size and modularity enable frontline forces to deploy precision-guided effects with minimal logistical footprint. Historically, loitering munitions evolved from target drones in the late 1990s into highly autonomous precision strike platforms. The X-Wing represents this latest evolution, prioritizing flexibility and tactical relevance for networked warfare.
The introduction of the X-Wing holds notable strategic implications. In the current geopolitical climate, where hybrid warfare and gray-zone operations increasingly dominate military planning, affordable and easily deployable loitering munitions like the X-Wing provide states and allied forces with an asymmetric deterrent. This system enhances force projection and lethality in contested zones without the need for traditional air superiority. For smaller nations or those lacking large-scale manned airstrike capabilities, the X-Wing offers a cost-efficient precision engagement tool.
Granta Autonomy has so far not announced any confirmed defense contracts for the X-Wing. However, discussions with potential customers were ongoing at IDET 2025, particularly among NATO member states seeking affordable VTOL loitering options. With its compact design and multi-role capability, the X-Wing fits well within the budget frameworks of both regular armies and special operations forces. The company is actively pursuing first export contracts and aims to initiate serial production following successful field trials scheduled later in 2025.
Granta Autonomy’s unveiling of the X-Wing loitering munition at IDET 2025 highlights a critical advancement in the tactical loitering munition landscape. As modern armed forces seek more agile, precise, and adaptable strike options, systems like the X-Wing are poised to shape the future of battlefield engagements, offering unmatched flexibility for both conventional and unconventional conflict scenarios.
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On May 28, 2025, during the International Defence and Security Technologies Fair (IDET) 2025 in Brno, Czech Republic, Granta Autonomy, an innovative Czech defense technology company, unveiled its new X-Wing VTOL loitering munition system. This next-generation precision strike asset is designed to enhance tactical operations across modern battlefields.
Follow Army Recognition on Google News at this link
Granta Autonomy’s unveiling of the X-Wing loitering munition at IDET 2025 highlights a critical advancement in the tactical loitering munition landscape (Picture source: Army Recognition Group)
The X-Wing loitering munition is an autonomous air-to-ground strike system featuring a VTOL (Vertical Take-Off and Landing) design and cruciform wing configuration. Measuring approximately 100 cm x 98 cm x 94 cm and carrying a 4 kg multi-purpose fragmentation payload, the X-Wing offers a tactical strike range of up to 60 km. The system employs electric-powered contra-rotating propellers for vertical launch and efficient horizontal flight, enabling rapid deployment from confined or urban environments. Its modular and portable architecture ensures seamless integration into infantry or special forces units, allowing flexible battlefield application.
The development of the X-Wing began in response to increasing demand for cost-effective precision strike solutions suitable for asymmetrical conflicts and contested environments. Granta Autonomy leveraged expertise from its existing autonomous UAV portfolio and adapted advanced control algorithms to enhance operational reliability and autonomy. The current iteration was showcased at IDET 2025 as a fully operational prototype ready for live demonstration trials. The product has not yet seen operational deployment but has reportedly attracted interest from regional defense customers in Central and Eastern Europe.
Compared to established systems such as the Israeli IAI Harop or the American AeroVironment Switchblade 600, the X-Wing offers distinct advantages in its VTOL capability, which removes the need for complex launch equipment. Its compact size and modularity enable frontline forces to deploy precision-guided effects with minimal logistical footprint. Historically, loitering munitions evolved from target drones in the late 1990s into highly autonomous precision strike platforms. The X-Wing represents this latest evolution, prioritizing flexibility and tactical relevance for networked warfare.
The introduction of the X-Wing holds notable strategic implications. In the current geopolitical climate, where hybrid warfare and gray-zone operations increasingly dominate military planning, affordable and easily deployable loitering munitions like the X-Wing provide states and allied forces with an asymmetric deterrent. This system enhances force projection and lethality in contested zones without the need for traditional air superiority. For smaller nations or those lacking large-scale manned airstrike capabilities, the X-Wing offers a cost-efficient precision engagement tool.
Granta Autonomy has so far not announced any confirmed defense contracts for the X-Wing. However, discussions with potential customers were ongoing at IDET 2025, particularly among NATO member states seeking affordable VTOL loitering options. With its compact design and multi-role capability, the X-Wing fits well within the budget frameworks of both regular armies and special operations forces. The company is actively pursuing first export contracts and aims to initiate serial production following successful field trials scheduled later in 2025.
Granta Autonomy’s unveiling of the X-Wing loitering munition at IDET 2025 highlights a critical advancement in the tactical loitering munition landscape. As modern armed forces seek more agile, precise, and adaptable strike options, systems like the X-Wing are poised to shape the future of battlefield engagements, offering unmatched flexibility for both conventional and unconventional conflict scenarios.
