LANDEURO 2025 – XTEND Defense Scorpio 500 UAV advanced tactical UAV for military and security operations

The Scorpio 500 UAV, developed and manufactured by XTEND Defense of Israel, is a latest-generation tactical UAV designed primarily for military and security missions. It specialises in close reconnaissance (indoor and outdoor), interception of other UAVs, target illumination and engagement, and support for special operations, including precision strikes with small payloads

Its high manoeuvrability and artificial intelligence-based capabilities make it suitable for use in complex environments, such as urban areas or confined spaces. It can be launched from the ground, by hand, or even in flight from another aircraft, and is capable of operating in swarms of several coordinated drones for dynamic missions.

A quadcopter which rotors, powered by electric motors, are protected by a cage-like structure to ensure safe operations in indoor scenarios, the Scorpio 500 has a mass of 2.1 kg, carries a 0.5 kg payload, and its dimensions are 430x448x147 mm. It can reach a maximum speed of 40 km/h, it can withstand winds up to 28 km/h; it has an endurance of 15 minutes and an operational range of 4.8 km. The UAV can be made ready to flight in less than 40 seconds and is fitted with an FPV camera for navigation.

Communications with the ground control station are ensured by the 1.98-2.7 GHz link with AES 256 encryption; it command and control system is compatible with ATAK (Android Team Awareness Kit) and RSTP (Real-Time Streaming Protocol). The Scorpio 500 features an automatic recovery system, while its cage protection allows it to bounces off the walls and glides along the ground when operating indoor. Its built-in AI algorithms ensure target analysis, navigation and obstacle avoidance. Each Scorpio 500 kit is made of three UAVs and one ground control station.

Thanks to its versatility, it can be used for reconnaissance, precision attack, distraction and neutralisation of enemy UAVs, and can operate in GPS-denied and radio-frequency-disturbed environments. The Scorpio 500 pushes back the limits of UAV use for small tactical groups, combining the power of AI with operational efficiency on the ground.

Photos courtesy XTEND Defense and J. Roukoz