At DSEI 2025 in London, a new loitering munition jointly developed by Czech and Ukrainian defense firms debuted under the name MACE. This compact UAV blends reconnaissance capabilities with kinetic strike potential while emphasizing resilience against electronic warfare (EW). The system reflects battlefield lessons from Ukraine and aims to provide NATO-compatible forces with a flexible tool for contested environments.
Joint Development Reflects Battlefield-Driven Innovation
The MACE loitering munition is the product of collaboration between Czech firm Excalibur Army (part of Czechoslovak Group) and Ukrainian partners including NGO Aerorozvidka. The design is heavily influenced by operational experience in Ukraine’s ongoing defense against Russian aggression. According to representatives at DSEI 2025, the system was conceived to address two critical gaps observed in FPV drone operations on the frontlines: vulnerability to jamming and lack of real-time targeting flexibility.
MACE integrates both ISR (intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance) functionality and a kinetic strike role in a single airframe. Unlike simpler FPV drones used en masse in Ukraine—which are often one-way kamikaze platforms—MACE can conduct target acquisition before committing to an attack. This dual-role capability mirrors trends seen in higher-end Western loitering munitions like AeroVironment’s Switchblade 600 or Israel’s Hero series but at a lower cost tier.
Airframe Design and Modular Payload Options
The MACE airframe features a fixed-wing configuration with vertical takeoff capability via quadrotors—making it a hybrid VTOL drone optimized for forward deployment without launch rails or catapults. The wingspan is estimated around 1.2 meters with an endurance of up to 45 minutes depending on payload configuration.
Payload modularity is central to the design philosophy. At DSEI, two primary payload modules were showcased:
- ISR Module: Equipped with EO/IR sensors capable of day/night target identification out to several kilometers; includes onboard video processing for object tracking.
- Kinetic Module: A shaped-charge warhead designed for anti-armor or anti-personnel effects; reportedly derived from PG-7VL-class munitions used in RPG systems.
The modular bay allows rapid reconfiguration between reconnaissance-only missions or lethal strikes depending on mission requirements. Developers also hinted at future payloads including electronic support measures (ESM) or decoy/jammer modules.
Electronic Warfare Resilience as Core Feature
A standout feature of MACE is its hardened communications suite designed specifically for operations in GPS-denied or RF-contested environments—a direct response to Russia’s extensive use of electronic warfare systems such as Krasukha-4 and Zhitel.
The UAV employs frequency-hopping spread spectrum (FHSS) datalinks combined with directional antennas to reduce detectability and resist jamming. A backup inertial navigation system (INS) ensures basic flight control even when GNSS signals are degraded or spoofed. According to Excalibur Army engineers present at DSEI, field trials conducted near Kharkiv validated stable telemetry links under simulated jamming conditions up to -80 dBm interference levels.
MACE also supports autonomous waypoint navigation with dynamic rerouting based on operator input—critical for maintaining control when line-of-sight links are disrupted by terrain or EW activity.
Tactical Role and Operational Integration
MACE is intended for platoon-to-battalion level deployment where organic ISR-strike capability can enhance situational awareness without relying on centralized assets like Bayraktar TB2s or manned aircraft. Its VTOL design allows launch from confined urban areas or forested positions—ideal for decentralized operations typical of modern peer conflict zones.
In Ukrainian service trials during Q3 2024 (under undisclosed unit designations), MACE was reportedly used against Russian logistics nodes near Kupiansk using pre-programmed flight paths followed by operator-guided terminal attack phases. Operators praised its ability to visually confirm targets before engaging—reducing fratricide risk compared to dumb FPVs launched en masse without visual feedback.
NATO Compatibility and Export Prospects
MACE is being promoted as NATO-interoperable from both hardware and software standpoints. The control station uses STANAG-compliant interfaces including Link-16 compatibility via gateway modules (when connected through higher-tier C4ISR nodes). Its software-defined radio architecture allows integration into existing tactical networks used by European militaries.
Czech officials confirmed that several NATO-aligned countries expressed interest during DSEI demonstrations—including Baltic states seeking affordable counter-mobility options against mechanized threats. Pricing was not disclosed but representatives emphasized “low lifecycle cost” due to commercial off-the-shelf components where feasible.
Future Enhancements Under Consideration
Developers outlined several planned upgrades pending additional funding:
- AI-assisted target recognition: Using onboard neural networks trained on armored vehicle profiles to aid operator decision-making under time pressure.
- SIGINT module variant: For passive detection of enemy comms emitters prior to kinetic engagement or handoff to artillery units via digital fire missions.
- Swarms & teaming algorithms: Enabling multiple MACE units to operate cooperatively—e.g., one acting as spotter while others execute attacks sequentially based on confirmed target ID.
Strategic Implications Amid Ongoing Conflict
The emergence of systems like MACE illustrates how combat innovation cycles have accelerated due to the Ukraine war’s demands—particularly around cost-effective drones that can survive contested electromagnetic environments while delivering precision effects at tactical scale.
If successfully exported beyond Ukraine’s needs, MACE could fill an important niche between hobbyist-class FPVs and high-end loitering munitions costing hundreds of thousands per unit. Its development also underscores growing cooperation between Central European defense industries seeking alternatives outside traditional U.S.-Israeli suppliers amid rising demand across Europe post-2022 invasion dynamics.
