Nearthlab has launched XAiDEN, a swarm autonomous flight attack drone which utilizes AI capabilities to perform dynamic defense missions, such as cooperative reconnaissance, autonomous tracking, and precision strikes.
XAiDEN can precisely target drones, large moving vehicles, and multiple targets, using Nearthlab’s swarm control system. Approximately 10 drones are stored together, which then separate individually to execute coordinated flights when a mission command is given. Typically, a squadron consists of 10 drones flying together, and a single operator can control up to 10 such squadrons simultaneously.
The interior of the XAiDEN airframe is developed by default to carry a 60 mm mortar shell, removing the need to produce separate weapons. This means that defense forces can quickly and efficiently adopt the system. Nearthlab also intends to design XAiDEN’s interior in a cartridge format, allowing for the loading of different types of shells.
Due to the drone’s AI capabilities, Nearthlab claims XAiDEN has a mission completion rate close to 100%. The company emphasizes that even if one drone’s attack fails, the wider drone swarm can immediately launch additional aerial strikes completely eliminating the target.
The advanced AI technology means XAiDEN can complete missions even if communication or satellite navigation signals are disrupted during wartime. It also offers greater autonomy and accuracy compared to conventional drones, meaning XAiDEN can independently identify targets, set routes, and perform swarm flights.
XAiDEN is highly cost-effective, as just one leader drone out of a total of 10 is fitted with communication functions, with the remaining nine drones following the leader to attack. The drone itself was introduced following the release of KAiDEN, Nearthlab’s high-speed interceptor defense drone specialized in eliminating unidentified drones in the sky.
Choi Jae-hyuk, CEO of Nearthlab, stated, “AI drones are closely related to national defense, so it is more important than any other field to secure true ‘sovereign’ technology. As a company that produces and develops national strategic materials, we will fulfill our responsibilities.”
The company intends to continue strengthening its technological capabilities in the defense drone sector, developing second-generation versions of KAiDEN and XAiDEN.
