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French Firm Alta Ares Starts Producing X-Wing Interceptor Drone Proven in Ukraine Against Shahed Drones
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Starting October 30, the French defense technology company Alta Ares will commence the mass production of its X-Wing Interceptor drone at a confidential manufacturing site in France, according to Intelligence Online on October 29.
This vertical takeoff and landing drone is specifically engineered to intercept conventional propulsion suicide drones, such as Russian mid-range Shaheds, particularly in challenging operational theaters where traditional launches are difficult.
The X-Wing is already operational and has been deployed in real-world interception missions in Ukraine, collaborating closely with Ukrainian air defense units. Primarily utilized during nighttime operations, it has successfully engaged various models of Shahed drones, including those deployed in saturation tactics alongside Gerbera-type decoys intended to overload radar systems.
According to Intelligence Online, these operational missions provided crucial data, allowing the company to refine the drone’s onboard algorithms for better performance against evasive and jammed targets.
The success of the X-Wing is powered by Alta Ares's proprietary Pixel Lock algorithm. This advanced system is directly embedded in the interceptor's onboard computer, enabling real-time detection and automatic recognition of enemy drone profiles. This allows the X-Wing to autonomously lock onto targets without requiring continuous human intervention, Intelligence Online reported.
The Pixel Lock system is also central to the interceptors' designed interoperability, allowing them to integrate seamlessly into the Integrated Air and Missile Defenіe architecture utilized by NATO allies.
Beyond the X-Wing, Alta Ares is developing another interceptor, the Black Bird, which remains in the prototype phase. This model is equipped with a turbojet engine and is designed for long-range interception of high-speed targets, including the latest jet-powered Geran-5 drones reportedly mass-produced in Russia’s Yelabuga site. Alta Ares has indicated that the Black Bird will soon undergo testing in Ukraine.
Earlier, Russian leader Vladimir Putin announced that Moscow had successfully tested the “Poseidon” nuclear-powered unmanned underwater vehicle. He further claimed that this new system surpasses Russia's Sarmat Intercontinental Ballistic Missile in terms of both power and overall performance.
