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SkyDefense, Inc. has introduced its CobraJet™ counter-swarm interceptor jet, an autonomous tactical aircraft designed to protect critical infrastructure, borders, airports, military bases, and public venues from hostile drone threats.
The vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) multirole jet is engineered to detect, identify, track, and neutralize Group 1-2-3 UAVs, fiber-optic FPV drones, jet-powered drones, and fast-moving, evasive UAS swarms. Manufactured in the USA, the aircraft features a 3D-printed carbon-fiber modular nucleus core structure and is available in five trijet configurations: V4, V6, V8, V10, and VT10.
To achieve high agility, the platform utilizes thrust-vectoring nozzles alongside two distinct propulsion options. Short-range configurations rely on electric duct fan (EDF) motors powered by high-energy density solid-state batteries, reaching speeds of 360 kph (225 mph). Long-range or heavier payload missions utilize a hybrid gas-powered turbojet configuration that achieves speeds of 560 kph (350 mph).
Autonomous day and night operations in extreme weather are sustained via an AI-enabled autopilot paired with NDAA-compliant EO/IR cameras and advanced sensor arrays. For specific short-range operations, pilots can shift the aircraft into a manual remote-control mode featuring AI-assist. The larger 10-foot wingspan V10 and hybrid VT10 models offer extended flight times and increased payload capacities, allowing them to function as drone motherships that carry low-cost attritable interceptors within an internal weapons bay and on underwing hardpoints.
The aircraft’s on-board air-to-air armament is designed to minimize collateral damage through a selection of specialized munitions. These include the PYTHON electro-mechanical launcher firing 18mm COPPERHEAD rounds, patented 40mm CUDA Mach 0.5 guided rounds, and 45mm VIPER solid-propellant powered Mach 1.0 guided missiles equipped with kinetic or non-kinetic payloads.
Nick Verini, President of SkyDefense, Inc., said, “Our CobraJet™ on-board munitions are in fact low-cost attritable air-to-air drone interceptors that can be produced at scale in thousands per month using 3D printing and other efficient workflow methods without sacrificing quality.”
Mission management is handled via the Visual Realtime Area Monitoring (VRAM) Command System, a portable laptop operating interface that fuses AI-powered data analysis with a human-in-the-loop control protocol. To maintain operational capability within contested electromagnetic environments, the system utilizes SmartVision™ AI-assisted visual navigation and anti-jamming technologies, including satellite communication via Starlink and Starshield. The aircraft can deploy within minutes from mobile platforms such as trucks, ships, or auxiliary aircraft, and the VRAM architecture allows for direct integration with ground-based sensors and long-range Command-and-Control (C2) systems.
For comprehensive security, the platform integrates into a multi-layered defense architecture. Drones that bypass the primary distributed area defense can be targeted by secondary short-range systems, which include man-portable 40mm M32 or M79/M203 launched CUDA guided rounds, alongside surface-to-air 55mm RAPTOR Mach 1.0 solid-propellant powered guided missiles deployed from rail or tube launchers.
