U.S. firm XDOWN’s throwable drone passes strike test

US defence startup XDOWN reported a successful strike demonstration of its STUD compact hand-launched unmanned aircraft after more than 500 hours of flight development. The Group 1 system is designed to fit in a soldier's pack and launch by hand, while the company also proposes a portable BLOOPER launcher for ground vehicles, surface vessels and fixed positions. The trial reportedly validated launch, flight control and terminal strike functions in an integrated configuration, and further military assessments are being prepared. XDOWN has outlined plans for possible European production from 2027, but no completed military procurement or mass-production order was announced.