Thailand Sukses Uji Coba Drone Kamikaze K-18M

06 September 2026

Drone Kamikaze K-18M (photos: RVConnex)

Kendaraan udara nirawak/unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) K-18M, yang dirancang untuk misi loitering munition dan serangan sekali pakai (one-way attack atau OWA), pertama kali diperkenalkan oleh perusahaan Thailand, RV Connex, dan dipamerkan dalam acara Royal Thai Army Innovation Day 2026 pada tanggal 22 Juli 2026.

Sebuah video yang dirilis pada 4 Agustus 2026 memperlihatkan UAV serangan bunuh diri K-18M melakukan penerbangan perdananya—diluncurkan menggunakan katapel—serta uji coba serangan terhadap target berupa kendaraan di lokasi dan waktu yang tidak diungkapkan.

Wahana ini memiliki berat lepas landas maksimum 55 kg, rentang sayap 2 meter, durasi operasional 5 jam, jangkauan lebih dari 600 km, kecepatan maksimum 100 knot, kecepatan jelajah 80 knot, serta mampu membawa hulu ledak seberat 5 kg.

Selanjutnya, pada 7 Agustus 2026, RV Connex juga mengumumkan kerja sama dengan Sammitr Motors Manufacturing PCL asal Thailand untuk merancang dan memproduksi sistem peluncuran katapel bagi berbagai ukuran sistem pesawat nirawak (UAS). 

Drone Kamikaze K-18M (video: RVConnex)

Hal ini menandai kemajuan signifikan dalam industri pertahanan Thailand.

(AAG)

Vietnam Tested BXL-01 Kamikaze UAV

26 Februari 2026

The XXL-01 kamikaze UAV (photos: TuoiTre, QPVN)

The BXL-01 kamikaze UAV, manufactured by the Z131 factory, achieved a top speed of nearly 174 km/h in a simulated target destruction test.

This result confirms Vietnam's high-tech weapon design and manufacturing capabilities, opening up a new direction for the development of asymmetric warfare doctrine.

(SiViNews)

EOS Australia Kini Memiliki Kapabilitas dalam C-UAS

23 November 2025

"Interceptor" kamikaze drone untuk counter unmanned aircraft system (C-UAS) (photo: Jane's)

Electro Optic Systems (EOS) yang berbasis di Canberra telah menandatangani perjanjian untuk mengakuisisi bisnis Interceptor milik produsen pertahanan MARSS Group yang berbasis di Inggris.

EOS mengumumkan pada 19 November bahwa kesepakatan yang diusulkan – senilai EUR5,5 juta (USD6,3 juta) – mencakup akuisisi semua aset sistem anti-pesawat nirawak (C-UAS) MARSS Interceptor, termasuk tim teknik yang bertanggung jawab atas pengembangan produk tersebut.

Penyelesaian akuisisi ini bergantung pada persetujuan yang diperlukan dan ketentuan umum, kata EOS.

Seorang juru bicara EOS mengatakan kepada Janes pada 20 November bahwa akuisisi ini memberi EOS "akses cepat ke kapabilitas yang sebelumnya membutuhkan waktu bertahun-tahun dan biaya yang signifikan untuk dikembangkan sendiri".

Interceptor counter UAS (photo: MARSS)

Menurut juru bicara tersebut, Interceptor akan melengkapi portofolio C-UAS berlapis EOS dan "mengisi ruang" antara sistem senjata jarak jauh (RWS) EOS dan Senjata Laser Berenergi Tinggi, menawarkan "efektor kolateral rendah yang cepat" dengan jangkauan yang ditingkatkan.

Sebuah versi Interceptor dapat dipasang secara samping (side-loading) ke RWS EOS, memberikan perlindungan kendaraan atau lokasi tetap terhadap kendaraan udara tak berawak (UAV) musuh, kata juru bicara tersebut, seraya menambahkan bahwa bentuknya yang ringkas dan mobilitasnya juga membuatnya cocok untuk digunakan secara mandiri.

Juru bicara tersebut mengatakan Interceptor dapat diintegrasikan dengan sensor dan sistem komando dan kendali (C2) yang digunakan di seluruh produk EOS.

Interceptor terhubung dengan sistem pertahanan udara NiDAR MARSS. Namun, juru bicara EOS mengatakan Interceptor bersifat agnostik dalam hal interkonektivitas dengan sistem C2 dan dapat bekerja dengan sistem yang sebanding meskipun dikembangkan dalam konteks NiDAR.

(Jane's)

Thailand Akan Memproduksi Amunisi Loitering KB Series

16 November 2025

Amunisi loitering KB-5E yang dikembangkan RTAF memiliki hulu ledak 5 kg (photo: Jane's)

Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) telah mengembangkan prototipe dua amunisi loitering baru yang dikenal sebagai drone kamikaze KB-10G dan KB-5E.

Amunisi keluarga KB/KB seres, yang akan segera diproduksi untuk penyebaran operasional, diresmikan pada pameran Defense & Security 2025 di Bangkok, yang berakhir pada 13 November.

RTAF menyatakan bahwa sistem ini dirancang untuk memberikan kemampuan dalam menjalankan misi penekanan pertahanan udara musuh/suppression of enemy air defence (SEAD) jarak menengah dan jarak jauh.

Target yang dituju untuk amunisi loitering, yang keduanya terintegrasi dengan sistem navigasi inersia/GPS gabungan (INS), meliputi sistem radar, kendaraan lapis baja, landasan udara, dan "lokasi militer penting lainnya", kata RTAF.

Senjata-senjata tersebut dikembangkan bersama oleh Research and Development Center for Space and Aeronautical Science and Technology RTAF; Direktorat Persenjataan, yang bertanggung jawab atas hulu ledak; dan para insinyur di akademi Navaminda Kasatriyadhiraj.

Seorang juru bicara RTAF mengatakan kepada Janes bahwa total 40 unit KB-10G/KB-5E akan diproduksi setelah serangkaian evaluasi yang dilakukan oleh RTAF selama setahun terakhir. Amunisi-amunisi tersebut telah dikembangkan selama sekitar tiga tahun.

Janes memahami bahwa amunisi loitering akan diproduksi oleh Thai Aviation Industries (TAI) milik RTAF, mulai Desember 2025.

KB-10G memiliki lebar sayap 1,7 m dan berat total 40 kg, termasuk hulu ledak 10 kg. Ditenagai oleh mesin piston berbahan bakar bensin, amunisi ini dapat mencapai kecepatan 120 km/jam dan jangkauan 500 km. RTAF menyatakan bahwa kecepatan terminal diving-nya adalah 220 km/jam dan memiliki kemungkinan kesalahan melingkar (CEP) kurang dari 3 m.

(Jane's)

The Thai Army Tests a Prototype Drone for Air Patrol, Threat Detection, and Air Strikes

20 September 2025

Testing prototype drone for Royal Thai Army (photos: RTA)

The Royal Thai Army is testing a prototype drone for air patrol, threat detection, and air strikes, complete with a Counter-Drone Systems system. 

This system aims to enhance national defense capabilities and protect national sovereignty. The Chief of Staff of the Army is on the scene! See for yourself!

General Manas Chandi, Chief of Staff of the Royal Thai Army, presided over a meeting to develop capabilities in modern military equipment, conducting research tests on prototype unmanned aerial vehicles (drones) in a military training area in Lopburi Province to enhance national defense capabilities and protect national sovereignty.

The UAV being tested this time is designed to have three main missions: air patrol to monitor movement in critical areas; threat detection with high-precision surveillance systems; and air strikes in situations where national defense is necessary.

The Royal Thai Armed Forces also demonstrated the use of Counter-Drone Systems, a key component in protecting against unwanted drone threats and enhancing security at both the strategic and tactical levels.

This test reinforces the Royal Thai Armed Forces' commitment to utilizing technology and innovation to strengthen national defense, ensuring they are prepared to effectively address all forms of threats, from the rear to the front lines.

(SiamRath)

The Royal Thai Air Force Tests a New Kamikaze Drone to Support Ground Forces

30 Agustus 2025

KB-2E/M Striker short-range suicide attack drone (photos: RTAF)

The Director of the RTAF's Aerospace Science and Technology Research and Development Center (ASST) Joins a Delegation Visiting the Kamikaze Drone Research and Development Project Air Chief Marshal Boonlert Andara, Director of the RTAF Aerospace Science and Technology Research and Development Center, visited the Kamikaze Drone Research and Development Project to support tactical operations for the Royal Thai Armed Forces Headquarters.

Presenting by General Manas Chandi, Chief of Staff, Royal Thai Armed Forces Headquarters, the Royal Thai Air Force, through the Navamindra Ksatriya Air Force Academy and the Royal Thai Air Force Ordnance Department, brought the KB-2E/M Striker short-range suicide attack drone research to the shooting range at the Artillery Center in Mueang District, Lopburi Province, on August 20-21, 2025.

The KB-2E/M Striker Kamikaze Drone represents a significant step forward in Thai research, reinforcing the readiness of the Royal Thai Air Force/Army to develop modern weapons and equipment through Thai craftsmanship. And ready to stand alongside warriors on every battlefield for national security.

(RTAF)

Royal Thai Army Closes Training Course for Tactical Bombing of UAV

25 Juli 2025

Royal Thai Army trained with quadrotor drone (photos: RTA)

Strengthening the claws. Commander of the Rajamanu Task Force, Naresuan Battalion, closes training course for unmanned aerial vehicles, tactical bombing, upgrading personnel capabilities.

On July 14, 2015, the Commander of the Rajamanu Task Force, Naresuan Force, presided over the closing ceremony of the 4th Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) Combat Drone Operator Training Course to enhance knowledge and skills, develop and expand results, and strengthen the capability to defend the country and provide security to our brothers and sisters along the border.

The trained personnel are capable of using drones for reconnaissance, surveillance, target designation, target identification, requesting fire support, checking bullet drop locations, and quickly adjusting fire, as well as accurately controlling UAVs to drop bombs.

This training helps to tangibly improve the capabilities of the personnel. The trained personnel have the capability to carry out tactical missions and attack important targets (HVT) effectively. They are an important combat power multiplier for the unit, can reduce risks, prevent losses, and result in the most efficient missions for the nation, religion, the king, and the people.

(Khaosod)

RTAF Successfully Tests Locally Produced Kamikaze UAV

08 Juli 2025

After Navy, RTAF also successfully tests suicide drone (photos: RTAF)

Kamikaze UAV is an unmanned aerial vehicle designed for suicide attacks with explosive force on targets with precision.

This research and testing was conducted by the cooperation of the Navamindradhiraj Air Force Academy, the Air Force Ordnance Department, and the Air Force Engineering Department. It passed the test by attacking and destroying medium-range targets with a high-destruction explosive warhead with an error value of less than 5 meters (target destroyed).

This success will be an important step in promoting the Kamikaze UAV project into production and into service to increase the capability with modern equipment to protect the sovereignty of the nation and the peace of the people.

"National security cannot be bought with money - it must be built by our own hands."

(RTAF)

Royal Thai Navy Tested the Capabilties of New Marcus-KK Drone

05 Juli 2025

New domestic MARCUS-KK (Kamikaze/Kill) loitering munition/aerial target conducted communication relaying in Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) training (photos: Royal Thai Navy)

The Naval Research and Development Office (NRDO) has further tested the capabilities of its new MARCUS-KK (Kamikaze/Kill) air target/suicide UAV, using it for real-time communications and situation reporting during the Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) training in Khanom District, Nakhon Si Thammarat Province, which is part of the annual Navy training 2025 on June 5, 2025.

Earlier the drone being used in a test as a flying target at the Khao Lampi-Thai Mueang Weapons Training Range, Thai Mueang District, Phang Nga Province, the area of ​​the 3rd Naval Area Command (3rd NAC: Third Naval Area Command) on May 8, 2025.

It can be seen that the MARCUS-KK air target/suicide drone is versatile and can be used for various purposes. It is also a work developed and produced in Thailand.

(AAG)

Mengenal Drone Kamikaze Vietnam EME31 (BXL.01)

03 Juni 2025

Drone kamikaze Vietnam EME31 atau disebut juga BXL.01 (photos: QPVN, Viet+)

Berikut ini adalah informasi lebih lanjut tentang desain pesawat nirawak kamikaze EME31 atau disebut juga UAV-BXL.01, yang mirip dengan ZALA Lancet buatan Rusia yang sangat efektif.

Drone kamikaze ini merupakan produk dari Factori Z131 milik Industri Pertahanan Vietnam/ Vietnam Defence Industry (VDI) yang juga dikenal juga sebagai EME31. BXL.01 dipandu oleh pencari EO/IR yang mampu mengenai target yang bergerak.

Sementara itu, hulu ledak BXL.01 seberat 1,2 kg pada dasarnya adalah amunisi B41 (RPG-7 Vietnam) yang telah diadaptasi dengan pendorong dan kerucut hidungnya dilepas agar pas dengan UAV kecil ini, yang cukup untuk menembus lapisan baja setebal 250 mm.

Dengan sayap yang dapat dilipat, MTOW 10 kg, jangkauan 10 km, dan kecepatan jelajah hingga 120 km/jam, UAV-BXL.01 akan menjadi upaya baru Vietnam untuk mengembangkan peperangan anti-tank.

(Viet+)

TDM Pamerkan FPV Drone Kamikaze Hasil Litbang

26 Mei 2025

Army Kamikaze Dron dengan kepala peledak RPG-7 (photos: TDM)

Projek KIK TD Hasil Integrasi Peralatan Lama dan Teknologi Moden

Pada Pameran Antarabangsa Maritim dan Aeroangkasa Langkawi (LIMA) 2025, Tentera Darat Malaysia (TDM) tidak melepaskan peluang untuk mempamerkan hasil projek Kumpulan Inovasi dan Kreativiti (KIK) TDM yang diketuai oleh Pengarah Strategik dan Inovasi Tentera Darat, Kolonel Ir. Ts. Dr. Mohd Ghazali bin Abdul Rahman iaitu Dron First Person View (FPV) RPG-7 yang diberi nama Army Kamikaze Dron. 

Dron ini direka untuk membawa kepala peledak RPG yang dipasang pada dron, membolehkannya terbang secara autonomi atau dikawal dari jauh untuk menyerang sasaran dengan tepat. Aspek paling menarik tentang projek ini adalah gabungan antara pelancar roket RPG-7 yang merupakan senjata ikonik dalam inventori TD dan dron FPV.

Gabungan kedua-dua elemen ini menghasilkan sistem serangan yang lebih fleksibel dan berkesan. Ianya turut mencerminkan warga TD mengambil langkah proaktif kepada arus perkembangan konflik global menggunakan teknologi terkini.

Penglibatan dron FPV RPG-7 dalam LIMA’25 ini menandakan satu langkah penting dalam transformasi TDM ke arah penggunaan teknologi tinggi dalam operasi ketenteraan. Dengan menggabungkan kepakaran tempatan dan inovasi teknologi, TDM menunjukkan komitmennya untuk terus maju dałam menghadapi cabaran peperangan moden. 

(TDM)

Unmanned Aerial System "Made in Vietnam" at Vietnam International Defense Expo 2024

23 Desember 2024

VU-R70 medium-altitude light reconnaissance UAV (photo: BaoQDND)

Vietnam's modern UAV fleet to appear at the 2024 International Defense Exhibition

At the Vietnam International Defense Exhibition 2024, units will introduce many modern equipment, including unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), thereby affirming Vietnam's defense technology potential and self-reliance capacity.

These products serve the missions of reconnaissance, target designation and precise attack, helping the force to operate proactively in all situations. At the exhibition, the booth of Viettel High Tech Industry Corporation has 3 types of UAVs, including  reconnaissance UAVs, suicide UAVs and multi-purpose UAVs. All of these UAV products are mastered by Viettel, researched, developed and manufactured 100% domestically. 

Among them, the VU-R70 medium-range light reconnaissance UAV stands out with its flexible day and night surveillance capabilities, long operating time and high speed. With a wingspan of 3.1m, a length of 1.7m and a maximum take-off weight of 26kg, the VU-R70 can operate continuously for 4.5 hours and reach a maximum speed of 120km/h. 

The integrated electro-optical camera system allows day/night observation, laser range measurement with HD resolution. 

VU-C2 suicide UAV (kamikaze UAV) (photo: VNExpress) 

The AI ​​technology integrated into the camera system also allows the VU-R70 to search, detect, and identify targets completely automatically, then indicate targets to the fire force and send information to the Command Center in real time. In particular, the VU-R70 is also equipped with the ability to take off and land completely automatically in the vertical direction (VTOL), increasing flexibility in mission deployment. 

In addition, the VU-R50 short-range light reconnaissance UAV is the optimal vehicle for fast and accurate reconnaissance missions. With a wingspan of 3.2m, a length of 2.2m and a maximum take-off weight of 26kg, the VU-R50 can operate continuously for 3 hours at a maximum speed of 120km/h. 

Like the VU-R70, the VU-R50's electro-optical camera system is also equipped with day/night observation capabilities, a laser rangefinder and high-resolution images. Its compact design and flexible operation make the VU-R50 an effective surveillance tool in tactical situations.

VU-QL1 vertical reconnaissance UAV (photo: BaoQDND)

Notable at this exhibition is the presence of the VU-C2 suicide UAV (cruise bullet) with the ability to precisely attack battlefield targets. 

The VU-C2 is equipped with an optical-electronic warhead and homing head, integrated with AI, allowing for fully automatic search, detection and locking of targets and attacking targets when ordered by the commander. T

his weapon has a wingspan of 1.5m, a length of 1.1m and a maximum take-off weight of 8kg, a continuous operating time of 40 minutes, reaching a maximum target attack speed of up to more than 130km/h. 

The entire system including the aircraft and the launch system is lightweight, can be quickly disassembled, making it easy for soldiers to deploy, carry and maneuver.

VU-MALE model long-range multi-purpose UAV (photo: tuoitre)

In addition, Viettel also introduced the VU-MALE long-range multi-purpose UAV model with the ability to operate at long distances in all weather conditions and carry many types of long-range attack and reconnaissance equipment. 

This product represents a technological breakthrough, opening up completely new combat capabilities for the military and the development potential of Vietnam's defense industry in the future.

At the outdoor exhibition area for UAV products researched and produced by Vietnam, the RAV-80 UAV was introduced with the ability to take off and land vertically, suitable for reconnaissance missions, combat support, infrastructure monitoring and search and rescue...

The RAV-80 has a wingspan of 2.5m, a length of 1.3m, a height of 0.2m and a maximum take-off weight of 15kg. This UAV has a cruising speed of 80-100km/h, a maximum speed of 120km/h, an operating range of 80km and a maximum continuous flight time of 150 minutes. The maximum flight ceiling of the RAV-80 is 3,500m, and is accurately guided by the GNSS and INS systems. 

RAV-80 VTOL UAV (photo: tuoitre)

Integrating modern equipment such as optical-thermal imaging systems, reflective lenses, infrared thermal decoys, smoke, etc., the RAV-80 is a testament to Vietnam's self-reliance in defense industry research and production, effectively meeting military and civilian requirements.

Meanwhile, the M400-CT2 UAV is designed as a flying target for training and testing medium- and short-range air defense equipment and missiles, while simulating various combat missions.

With a wingspan of 3.2m, a length of 2.8m, a height of 1.1m and a maximum take-off weight of 110kg, the M400-CT2 has a maximum effective payload of 10kg. This UAV has a cruising speed of 200-220km/h, a maximum speed of 260km/h, an operating time of 120 minutes and a ceiling of 3,500m. The GNSS and INS navigation systems ensure precise operation, along with the ability to take off and land on the runway.

In addition, the M400-CT2 can integrate optional equipment such as optical systems, thermal imaging, reflective lenses, infrared thermal decoys, smoke. With its flexibility and high performance, the M400-CT2 makes an important contribution to training and improving the combat capabilities of the Vietnam Air Defense - Air Force, affirming the development of the Vietnam defense industry.

M400-CT2 target drone (photo: BaoQDND)

Appearing at the outdoor exhibition area, the DIS-18 UAV is also designed as a flying target for training, testing and evaluating the effectiveness of medium- and long-range air defense systems and missiles. The DIS-18 has a wingspan of 2.8m, a length of 3.1m, a height of 1.3m, a maximum take-off weight of 102kg and a maximum effective payload of 5kg. 

This UAV has a cruise speed of 200-250km/h, a maximum speed of 360km/h, an operating radius of 100km, a flight time of 60 minutes and a ceiling of 5,000m. The GNSS and INS navigation systems ensure precise operation, along with the ability to take off and land on the runway.

In addition, DIS-18 is also equipped with optical systems, thermal imaging, reflective lenses, infrared thermal decoys, smoke. With its flexibility and high performance, DIS-18 is a testament to Vietnam's defense technology development capacity, well meeting the task of training and testing air defense weapons.

The DIS-18 UAV is also designed as a flying target for training, testing and evaluating the effectiveness of medium and long-range air defense weapon systems (photo: VNExpress)

Another product introduced at the exhibition is the MMD-01 multi-role UAV, designed to perform a variety of missions in the defense and civilian sectors. This UAV uses a combination of electric motors and internal combustion engines, providing flexible operation, fuel economy and suitability for many combat environments.

The products brought to this exhibition not only demonstrate Vietnam's research and development capacity in the field of defense technology but also contribute to building trust, promoting peace, stability and defense cooperation for the common interests of the region and the world. The Vietnam International Defense Exhibition 2024 promises to create a strong impression, affirming the message of Vietnam's proactiveness and increasingly strong defense potential.

(QDND)

Additional UAV Unveiled

BXL.01 and QXL.01 suicide bomber (kamikaze UAV) (photo: TuoitTre)

The pair of UAVs - BXL.01 and QXL.01, manufactured in 2024, are products designed and manufactured by Factory Z131, General Department of Defense Industry. This is a suicide combat propeller UAV, carrying a penetrating warhead to destroy tanks, armored vehicles, self-propelled artillery, radar stations and other types of armored technical vehicles in a fixed state with a wall thickness of no more than 250mm. 

Maximum take-off weight is 10kg, carrying a warhead weight of 1.2kg, flight ceiling of 1,000m, flight speed of 100-120km/h and continuous operation distance of 10km.

MMD01 Multi-rotor UAV (photo: TuoiTre)

The UAV model - MMD01 is a multi-rotor unmanned aircraft, using a combination of electric motors and internal combustion engines. 

It is used in reconnaissance, combat, search and rescue, and cargo transportation missions. Maximum flight speed is 60km/h and maximum take-off weight is up to 80kg

(TuoiTre)