PRAGUE, — Czech defence manufacturer KBP International has unveiled its new GRYF unmanned aircraft, designed to carry interceptor drones and lightweight missiles to engage hostile unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). The system was presented at the 16th Future Forces Forum at PVA Expo Prague in the presence of Czech President Petr Pavel and military officials.
GRYF Designed for Long-Endurance Counter-Drone Operations
Unlike conventional strike drones, GRYF operates as a flying weapons carrier that can remain airborne for extended periods and deploy counter-drone interceptors against incoming threats. The platform is intended to support a layered air defence approach by positioning interceptors near protected areas.
According to specifications provided by the manufacturer, GRYF has an endurance of up to 12 hours, an operational range of 500 kilometres and a cruising speed of 150 km/h. It is powered by a four-cylinder internal combustion piston engine.
The aircraft features four hardpoints and a maximum payload capacity of 50 kg, allowing it to carry lightweight interceptor missiles weighing approximately 5 kg each.
At the Prague exhibition, KBP displayed GRYF in two configurations: one equipped with small interceptor missiles and another carrying interceptor drones. Its modular design allows operators to change payloads according to mission requirements.
Focus on Cost-Effective Air Defence
KBP presented GRYF as a potential solution to the growing demand for more affordable counter-drone capabilities. By remaining on patrol near critical infrastructure, the aircraft can position interceptors to engage hostile drones, potentially reducing the cost per engagement compared with conventional ground-based air defence missiles.
Its airborne deployment concept could also extend defensive coverage beyond the reach of fixed launch sites.
KBP Expands Drone Manufacturing Capabilities
GRYF builds on KBP Group’s more than 30 years of experience in composite aircraft structures. The company manages the design and manufacturing of unmanned aircraft, piston aero engines and key structural components in-house, covering processes from initial design and prototyping to series production.
KBP is expanding its production facilities to increase manufacturing capacity for its own products and support cooperation with other European aerospace and defence companies.
TARON and SABRE Also Presented
Alongside GRYF, KBP introduced two other unmanned aircraft at the exhibition.
The TARON is a piston-powered target and one-way attack drone with an endurance of 30 minutes, a range of 70 kilometres and a maximum flight altitude of 1,500 metres.
The SABRE is a jet-powered drone designed for high-speed operations. It can reach speeds of 400 km/h, has a range of 400 kilometres and carries a payload of 30 kg. It is designed for launch from mobile catapults to support flexible field operations.
KBP International served as a main partner of the 16th Future Forces Forum, which ran from October 21 to 23, 2026, bringing together approximately 530 exhibitors and official delegations from 65 countries.
The company has not yet announced production timelines or initial customers for the GRYF system.
Main Sourec : Militarnyi
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