Xer Technologies AG Reveals Upgraded Naval Hybrid Drone X12
At the Euronaval 2026 exhibition in Paris, Swiss company Xer Technologies AG introduced an advanced hybrid-electric naval drone, the X12. This latest version boasts a maximum takeoff weight of 70 kg, can carry payloads up to 30 kg, and offers a flight duration exceeding 7 hours—nearly double the 4-hour endurance of its predecessor showcased in October 2021.
Key Features and Operational Capabilities of the X12
Designed for a wide range of maritime missions, the X12 excels in:
- naval reconnaissance
- electronic warfare
- mine countermeasures
- tactical resupply operations
Its operational observation radius extends up to 200 km from naval vessels, with a maximum speed of 72 km/h. The drone operates at altitudes reaching 4000 meters and is equipped with maritime radar, EO/IR cameras, and signals intelligence (SIGINT) systems.
The X12 features twelve electrically driven propellers along with a heavy-fuel engine. Its foldable arms enable deployment in under three minutes. The primary control channel operates at 2.4 GHz with a minimum range of 15 km, while long-range missions utilize military radio frequencies, satellite links, or other communication channels. The drone can integrate multiple systems such as radio frequency direction finders and airborne radar, with SIGINT detection ranges up to 100 km in selected configurations.
Counter-drone capabilities are also incorporated, including:
- radio frequency detection
- geolocation
- optical identification
- tracking and classification
Its direction-finding equipment can pinpoint emitters operating on 2.4 GHz UAV channels, military radios, and cellular devices. The drone’s payload capacity supports transporting ammunition, medical supplies, batteries, or communication gear.
Also highlighted at the event was the Strato multicopter by Swiss firm Meteomatics, which set a record by reaching 10,438 meters altitude to collect atmospheric data. Strato is designed to measure temperature, humidity, air pressure, and wind speed across different atmospheric layers, becoming the first multicopter capable of gathering profiles from ground level up to the stratosphere.
The X12’s debut at Euronaval 2026 underscores the growing emphasis on unmanned systems within naval defense sectors worldwide.
With its extended flight time, enhanced payload, and integrated counter-UAV functions, the X12 stands out as a versatile asset for modern military operations. As drone technology rapidly advances and competition intensifies, innovations like these are poised to shape future defense strategies globally.
As advancements in drone technology continue to shape modern warfare, the recent unveiling of the X12 by Xer Technologies highlights a growing trend in maritime UAV capabilities. In a similar vein, BAE Systems and SURVICE Engineering's testing of the TRV-150 drone armed with laser-guided missiles demonstrates the increasing integration of advanced weaponry with unmanned systems, emphasizing the evolving landscape of aerial defense and interception strategies.