US defense startup XDOWN has developed the PS Killer, a lightweight tactical drone designed for rapid deployment in combat. To launch, it needs to be turned on and thrown like a football.
US defense startup XDOWN has developed the PS Killer, a lightweight tactical drone designed for rapid deployment in combat. To launch, it needs to be turned on and thrown like a football.
The PS Killer is described as a «set it and forget it» drone. It is designed for special operations forces (SOF) and counter-terrorism missions, offering speed, stealth, and precision targeting, Defense Blog reports .
«Take it — turn it on — throw it,» the developers describe the launch of the drone. PS Killer begins to act within two seconds, after it is launched into the air like a quarterback throwing a football. The kamikaze drone has a radius of 64 km and a speed of 250 km/h.
XDOWN developed the PS Killer to enhance the ability of special operations forces to conduct high-value target engagement missions. The compact size, rapid deployment, and advanced capabilities of the drone swarm «are easily integrated into mission planning, giving operators a tactical advantage in dynamic environments.»
For counterterrorism operations, PSK offers precision strike capabilities while reducing collateral damage in urban environments. As XDOWN notes, innovations like PS Killer have the potential to redefine tactical operations for special forces and counterterrorism units around the world.
Recall that earlier the Japanese spherical drone from DIC Group won the CES Innovation Award 2025. It can both fly and roll on the ground.
