At the DEFEA 2025 exhibition held in Athens, the Cypriot company Swarmly Aero unveils a new loitering munition drone, the X23 Ares, designed for precision strikes against armored, protected, or naval targets. This model belongs to a new generation of tactical drones equipped with powerful explosive payloads and advanced guidance systems, addressing the current operational needs of asymmetric warfare and high-intensity conflicts.
The warhead is equipped with a non-contact electronic detonator, allowing for precise activation tailored to the target type (Picture source: Army Recognition)
The X23 Ares is a 3.2 kg quadcopter equipped with a 1.1 kg RDX-based warhead. This warhead combines a shaped charge capable of penetrating up to 400 mm of rolled homogeneous armor (RHA) with a prolonged explosive effect, aimed at maximizing destructive impact against armored vehicles and fortified positions. Directly behind the warhead, a compartment houses 400 metal fragments, each weighing 3 grams, intended to cause further damage after the initial detonation. At the rear, the drone features an electronic subsystem that ensures communication with the launcher via a fiber optic connection.
The warhead is equipped with a non-contact electronic detonator, allowing for precise activation tailored to the target type. The system also incorporates a specialized initiation board featuring immediate and proximity fuzing options, along with a triple safety mechanism to prevent unintended detonation.
The X23 Ares has an operational range of up to 20 kilometers and flies at speeds between 70 and 90 km/h. It is guided by an electro-optical/infrared (EO/IR) system, and in its terminal phase, it employs artificial intelligence to assist in target engagement. The fiber optic control link between the operator and the drone prevents electronic jamming, ensuring a secure and undetectable connection throughout the mission.
The drone is launched from a portable container that can be reloaded in the field, providing a flexible deployment capability. The system is designed to carry various types of warheads depending on the mission, including high-explosive, fragmentation, single or dual anti-armor, thermobaric, and anti-ship payloads, with a maximum load capacity of up to 3.5 kg.
Swarmly Aero is a Cyprus-based company specializing in unmanned platforms. It became known for its VTOL Poseidon H10 drone, currently in service with Ukrainian forces. In 2023, the company also introduced the B5 Hydra, an unmanned surface vessel developed for naval operations. With the X23 Ares, the company expands its portfolio of remotely operated munitions, focusing on modular, precise, and low-signature solutions.
The spread of this category of lightweight loitering drones—designed to bypass conventional electronic defenses and deliver accurate strikes—reflects a growing trend in modern battlefields. The relative accessibility of such systems and the versatility of their payload options enhance their appeal to armed forces engaged in hybrid or conventional warfare. Swarmly Aero positions itself as an emerging player in the European market for armed unmanned aerial systems, developing compact and adaptable tools aligned with the evolving demands of contemporary military operations.