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Xer Technologies has launched the X8 PRO, a long-endurance hybrid-electric unmanned aircraft system designed for demanding defence and commercial missions, alongside an expanded tactical solutions portfolio.
The new European-built system replaces the X8 as the company’s sole production platform. Designed to bridge the gap between conventional battery-powered multicopters and full-scale crewed platforms, the X8 PRO carries up to a 10 kg payload and delivers up to 3 hours of flight endurance. It operates across a 50+ km mission radius and can be deployed from a vehicle in under 3 minutes. The system is engineered to remain stable in winds up to 35 knots and temperatures ranging from −20°C to +45°C, providing operational capability in conditions that typically ground conventional battery-powered multicopters.
Through the expanded Xer Tactical Solutions portfolio, the platform supports three core mission sets: airborne SIGINT and counter-UAV operations, mine and UXO detection, and persistent maritime operations. It is designed to deliver the endurance and reliability required for persistent ISR, SIGINT collection, counter-UAV missions, and maritime surveillance at a fraction of the operating cost and carbon footprint of conventional airborne systems.
To facilitate rapid field reconfiguration, more than 25 payloads are integrated and hot-swap enabled. For defence interoperability, the platform is STANAG 4817 and STANAG 4609-compliant for full NATO C2 interoperability, and it supports operations in GNSS-denied environments through alternative PNT solutions.
Erik Herlyn, CEO of Xer Technologies, stated, “The future of autonomous capability will be defined by platforms that combine endurance, adaptability, and seamless operational integration across multiple mission environments. Europe is moving decisively in that direction — and Xer is building for that future.”
Following the launch, the company is scheduled to present its technology at AOC Europe 2026 in Helsinki, the STA General Assembly in Thun, and DroneVation & Defence 2026 in Vienna.
