X-Bow Systems unveils sub-$100K Buckler supersonic drone interceptor

Published Jul 20, 10:27 PM UTC

X-Bow Systems, a solid rocket motor and small launch vehicle manufacturer, has unveiled the Buckler, a low-cost supersonic drone interceptor priced under $100,000 per unit. Designed to defeat Group 3 drones such as Iran's Shahed-136, the Buckler can also engage subsonic cruise missiles, low-flying aircraft, and helicopters. The company completed a successful flight test demonstrating propulsion and flight characteristics. The Pentagon has requested a briefing on the interceptor. X-Bow aims to address the U.S. military's short-range air defense gap, offering an affordable alternative to costly legacy missiles like the Stinger ($100,000-$400,000) and AIM-9X Sidewinder (~$500,000). The Buckler competes with systems like Raytheon's Coyote (~$100,000) and AeroVironment's Freedom Eagle-1 ($150,000-$200,000), but offers higher speed and responsiveness.