Target Arm Inc., a Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB), has introduced its Ralar Modular Mission Payload (MMP) drone system at the Association of the United States Army (AUSA) 2025 exposition, presenting a breakthrough in launch-and-recovery technology for small unmanned aerial systems (sUAS) operating in high-risk, mobile environments.
According to the company, the Ralar MMP is a standardized, robotic arm system capable of launching and capturing drones while a vehicle or aircraft is in motion.
During AUSA, the system was shown integrated onto GM Defense’s Infantry Squad Vehicle – Utility (ISV-U), underscoring its relevance for tactical ground forces operating near contested frontlines.
“This marks Ralar’s first public appearance and represents a major step in our collaboration with leading defense innovators,” the company said in a statement. “Being showcased alongside a leader like GM Defense during the U.S. Army’s 250th anniversary is an incredible milestone.”
Target Arm describes Ralar as a universal drone interface that removes the need for stationary launch or landing zones, allowing tactical units to operate reconnaissance and strike drones with less exposure and faster turnaround. The system enables drones to be deployed or recovered mid-mission, even while the platform is in motion, offering a safer and more responsive alternative to manual handling under fire.
The robotic arm captures drones in flight, eliminating the need for operators to dismount or risk exposure. This function is particularly relevant near the forward line of troops, where even brief stops to launch or retrieve drones can increase vulnerability to indirect fire, loitering munitions, or visual detection.
Ralar’s precision guidance and control are supported by Trimble Inc.’s positioning technology, enabling accurate synchronization between the vehicle’s motion and drone recovery. The system is designed to accommodate a wide range of drone types without requiring airframe modifications, the company says.
Target Arm also emphasized that the system is platform-agnostic. While displayed on a GM Defense vehicle, Ralar can be adapted for installation on other tactical vehicles, ground robots, or aircraft. Its modular design supports future integration with autonomy suites or AI-enabled drone swarms.