Robotican, a leading Israeli developer of autonomous robotic and drone technologies, announced September 2 the introduction of a new armed configuration for its ROOSTER hybrid drone system, adding a precision-guided warhead designed for urban and indoor operations.
The company said the upgraded ROOSTER is capable of carrying a payload of up to 300 grams, allowing it to integrate a precision warhead alongside other mission-specific equipment. With this new configuration, the platform transforms from an ISR and reconnaissance system into a loitering munition capable of delivering high-precision strikes in confined environments such as buildings and tunnels.
Retaining its signature hybrid design, the ROOSTER can switch between rolling and flying, enabling it to navigate through tight spaces while executing controlled engagements. Robotican emphasized that the system was engineered to minimize collateral damage in dense combat zones.
According to the company, the armed ROOSTER incorporates artificial intelligence–based object detection, target tracking, and locking, enabling it to autonomously identify, follow, and fix on user-designated targets. A multi-layered safety system is built into the drone to ensure secure handling and prevent unintended activation, thereby protecting friendly forces during operations.
“With the armed ROOSTER, we are bringing precision and autonomy to environments that were previously off-limits to loitering munitions,” said Hagai Balshai, CEO of Robotican. “Forces can now conduct surgical strikes inside structures with a compact, intelligent platform that minimizes risk to operators and surrounding civilians.”
The new capability expands the ROOSTER’s mission scope beyond intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance, inspection, and rescue roles. It now provides armed forces with a lightweight, single-operator solution for neutralizing threats in urban warfare, subterranean environments, and even hostage rescue scenarios.
Thanks to its modular design, the ROOSTER can be adapted for a wide range of missions, from reconnaissance to direct engagement. The system’s NATO registration, portability, and flexible payload integration, Robotican said, make it well suited for unpredictable combat environments where adaptability and speed are critical.