On August 11, 2025, Brighton-based defense technology firm SkyDefense LLC unveiled its latest innovation — the CobraJet, an advanced aerial interceptor designed to counter the rising threat of hostile unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). Built for immediate reaction in high-threat situations, CobraJet aims to defend critical infrastructure, secure borders, safeguard forward bases, and protect sensitive public spaces. Its design emphasizes speed, adaptability, and precision to neutralize modern aerial threats.
The platform uses high-density Amprius solid-state lithium batteries, extending flight endurance while minimizing noise and heat signatures — making detection difficult even near contested airspace. Its Auterion AI autopilot integrates Teledyne FLIR EO/IR sensors and embedded NVIDIA processors, enabling instant target recognition and engagement calculations. Weapon options include short-range air-to-air interceptors, micro-missiles, fragmentation projectiles, and mission-specific payloads such as precision-guided glide bombs or loitering munitions for maritime and ground targets.
CobraJet is operated through SkyDefense’s proprietary Visual Realtime Area Monitoring (VRAM) system, combining AI-driven image analysis with secure, low-latency communications. It can function fully autonomously or with human oversight, and when deployed in groups, it operates as an AI-coordinated swarm capable of sharing sensor data and executing synchronized interception patterns. SmartVision navigation with anti-jamming protection ensures mission capability even in GPS-denied environments. Its modular structure allows quick upgrades and integration with allied defense networks.
Tactically, CobraJet addresses a growing vulnerability in layered air defense: the difficulty of economically intercepting small, agile drones. Capable of launching in seconds, it can neutralize multiple inbound threats before they reach their targets. In cities, it can be deployed from rooftops to secure public venues; on the battlefield, it can escort armored units or prevent enemy UAV reconnaissance; at sea, its VTOL capability allows operation from small vessels or offshore platforms.
Potential users include military forces seeking an affordable anti-drone layer, homeland security agencies protecting airports and power plants, border patrol units covering remote areas, special operations teams securing forward positions, and naval forces defending against reconnaissance or weaponized drones in coastal waters. Defense integrators could also embed CobraJet into broader air defense systems.
The system’s debut comes amid global lessons from conflicts such as the war in Ukraine, where UAVs have proven critical in reconnaissance and strike roles. The demand for AI-powered counter-drone systems has surged, with CobraJet representing a new class of fast, precise, and scalable aerial defense solutions. According to SkyDefense President Nick Verini, CobraJet squadrons can be scaled for both isolated and swarm drone threats at a fraction of traditional engagement costs. Field trials at the Pendleton UAS Test Site later in 2025 will evaluate its performance under realistic combat conditions.
