KIELCE, Poland — Polish aviation company Wojskowe Zakłady Lotnicze Nr 2 (WZL-2), part of the state-owned Polska Grupa Zbrojeniowa (PGZ), and private Polish technology company Blackfish P.S.A. presented the MAKO X1, a man-portable counter-drone launcher, at the MSPO 2026 International Defence Industry Exhibition in Kielce.
The system was presented during MSPO, which was held from September 8 to 11, 2026. According to information from the developers and reports from the exhibition, the MAKO X1 is designed to intercept one-way attack drones in the Shahed/Geran class, particularly in open terrain.
Single-Soldier Counter-Drone System
The MAKO X1 uses a single-use interceptor drone carried in a handheld launcher. The interceptor can operate in a kinetic configuration or carry a warhead.
The system is intended for Poland’s ground forces and special operations forces and is positioned as an alternative to conventional guided missiles for countering unmanned aerial systems. Its developers emphasize the interceptor's maneuverability and its ability to operate autonomously during the attack phase.
Blackfish developed the interception software in-house. Initial target detection is performed exclusively through an optical channel, rather than an active radar.
After launch, the interceptor is designed to conduct its attack autonomously. The developers state that the system is resistant to electronic interference during the attack phase, supporting operation in environments where electronic warfare can affect unmanned systems.
MAKO X1 Specifications
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Operator | 1 soldier |
| Maximum takeoff weight | 3 kg |
| Flight time | About 10 minutes |
| Maximum speed | Up to 400 km/h |
| Range | Up to 10 km |
| Service ceiling | 4,000 m |
| Target detection | Optical channel |
| Attack mode | Autonomous |
| Interceptor carried | 1 |
| Interceptor configuration | Kinetic or warhead |
The published specifications show a compact interceptor with a maximum speed of 400 km/h, a range of 10 km, a service ceiling of 4,000 meters, and approximately 10 minutes of flight time.
WZL-2 and Blackfish
WZL-2 is part of PGZ and is one of Poland's major aviation companies. Its activities include maintenance, repair and modernization of military aircraft, as well as work involving unmanned systems. The company was among the Polish defense firms presenting a range of unmanned and aviation-related technologies at MSPO 2026.
Blackfish is a privately owned Polish technology company involved in autonomous and counter-drone systems. For the MAKO X1, it developed the interception software and optical-based target-processing capability.
WZL-2 also displayed the SAR EVO5 WP bomber drone at MSPO 2026, configured with four payload-release mechanisms.
The MAKO X1 presentation reflects the growing focus on portable counter-UAS systems designed to give ground units a dedicated means of engaging attack drones. The developers have presented the system as a more maneuverable alternative to conventional guided missiles, while its stated specifications focus on short-range interception using an autonomous interceptor drone.
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