IRYDA Plus

IRYDA Plus: Unmanned Fighter – Kinetic C-UAS Interceptor

IRYDA Plus is a project for an unmanned counter-drone system (C-UAS – Counter-Unmanned Aerial Systems) being developed in Poland, carried out as a consortium project involving MBF Group S.A., Squadron Sp. z o.o. and the Polish Industrial Lobby. The goal of the project is to develop a specialized UAV platform designed to detect, identify, and kinetically neutralize unmanned aerial vehicles—while maintaining a reasonable cost-effectiveness ratio.

IRYDA Plus is one of the key elements of MBF Group S.A.’s long-term development strategy in the field of modern unmanned technologies and security systems. The project also has a significant investment component, reflecting the capital markets’ growing interest in defense and dual-use technologies. The development of expertise in this area is aimed at building the company’s long-term value and its position in the advanced technology sector.

Project genesis and security context

In recent years, unmanned aerial vehicles have become a common tool in both civilian and military applications. At the same time, drones have begun to be used as a relatively low-cost means of reconnaissance, disruption and destruction, which has significantly changed the nature of modern asymmetric threats. Classic air defense systems, designed for other classes of targets, are increasingly proving cost- and operationally inadequate against small, low-flying UAVs.

IRYDA Plus was created as an answer to this gap – as a specialized kinetic interceptor UAV, capable of long-term patrolling of the airspace and active interception of threats at a much lower unit cost than classical means of missiles.

What is IRYDA Plus?

IRYDA Plus is an unmanned aerial platform designed from the ground up to act as an active anti-drone system. Its primary task is to detect, identify and physically neutralize unmanned aerial vehicles, including reconnaissance drones, strike drones and cruise munitions.

The system is being developed as a complementary solution to existing layers of defense, capable of operating both autonomously and in integration with other detection and command systems. Special emphasis was placed on operational flexibility and adaptability to changing threat scenarios.

System architecture and technological assumptions

The IRYDA Plus project is based on the modular architecture of the UAV platform, which allows the configuration to be tailored to specific user needs and operating conditions. The system’s open structure allows for the integration of a variety of sensors, observation systems and effectors, as well as for further expansion as technology develops.

Situational awareness systems, including optoelectronic sensors, target tracking algorithms and decision support elements, play a key role in the project. The IRYDA Plus is designed with a high degree of autonomy in mind, while maintaining operator supervision and control.

Basic Technical Parameters (Design Specifications)

In accordance with the current design specifications, IRYDA Plus is being developed as an unmanned interceptor aircraft with capabilities enabling it to intercept mini/small UAVs and selected categories of loitering munitions. The assumed parameters include:

• top speed: 250–280 km/h,
• cruising/patrol speed: 180-200 km/h,
• minimum speed: 50-60 km/h,
• flight duration: 8-10 hours,
• Working load: 15–20 kg.

The platform is designed to use a 360° rotating gondola with a lightweight kinetic effector of cal. 7.62 mm, as well as integration with EO/IR sensors and external systems (e.g., radars, command-and-control systems). The TAS (Target–Aim–Shot) system, supported by AI algorithms, enables automatic tracking, aiming, and real-time fire correction (edge computing).

The parameters listed here are design specifications and may be subject to change during development and testing.

Kinetic neutralization and cost effectiveness

One of the most important goals of IRYDA Plus is to address the unfavorable cost-effectiveness relationship inherent in classic air defense systems when faced with low-cost drones. The use of kinetic target interception significantly reduces the cost of neutralizing a single threat, while also allowing for the platform to be reused multiple times (in accordance with the system architecture and test results at subsequent stages).

This approach responds to current operational challenges, in which the ability to protect an area over the long term while maintaining reasonable operating costs is crucial.

Potential operational applications

IRYDA Plus is designed as a system with a wide range of applications. It can be used to protect critical infrastructure, industrial facilities, logistics hubs, airports or energy installations. At the same time, the platform can act as an active interceptor in the protection of borders and areas of special strategic importance.

Due to its dual-use nature, the solution can find application in both the defense sector and the public security field, including prevention and patrol operations.

Implementation stage and project development

IRYDA Plus is in the advanced design and engineering phase, including refinement of the system architecture, integration of key components and preparation of technology demonstrators. The project is being implemented in stages, with the idea of gradually moving from conceptual solutions to prototypes and operational testing.

This approach makes it possible to systematically reduce technological risks and flexibly adjust the direction of development to changing market and regulatory conditions.

Consortium and competence base

The IRYDA Plus project is being implemented in a consortium model, combining engineering, industrial and expert competencies. The cooperation between the partners is aimed at creating a sustainable technological base, capable not only of implementing one project, but also of further developing unmanned and anti-drone systems in the future.

This model remains open to expanding cooperation with additional technology, research, and industry partners—in the areas of component integration, research, testing, production, and preparation for commercialization.

Key Agreements, Partnerships, and Formalizing Cooperation

As the project progresses, MBF Group S.A. is consistently strengthening IRYDA Plus’s expertise, industrial capabilities, and integration capabilities. In recent months, numerous contracts and agreements have been signed and announced (as published in ESPI/EBI reports and the Company’s press releases), which provide organizational structure for the project and expand its implementation potential.

• Consortium Model – Project Implementation Through Collaboration Between MBF Group S.A. and Squadron Sp. LLC and the Polish Industrial Lobby (PLP), covering technology development, project preparation, and phased implementation.
• Technology and industrial partnerships —contracts and agreements in the areas of system and component integration, as well as preparation for commercialization and scaling (including integration, testing, and operational areas).
• Expert collaboration —acquiring scientific and aviation expertise (consulting in areas critical to system development and research).
• System Integration and Mobility – Agreements related to integration with platforms and operating systems (for selected field and infrastructure applications).
• ROFR – Reservation and Preemptive Right Agreement – execution of a reservation and preemptive right agreement regarding the IRYDA Plus system, as part of expanding strategic cooperation and confirming market interest (specific terms and conditions as set forth in the Company’s announcements).

A more comprehensive summary of selected information on agreements and partnerships can be found in the materials published on the MBF Group S.A. website and in the ESPI/EBI reports.

Development potential and international perspective

IRYDA Plus is designed to function in a variety of operational and regulatory environments. From the beginning, the export potential and adaptability of the system to the requirements of foreign users are taken into account, especially in markets where the demand for cost-effective C-UAS systems is growing rapidly.

The project is part of a broader trend in the development of modern security technologies, in which unmanned solutions and autonomous systems play a key role.

IRYDA Plus vs. long-term value of MBF Group S.A.

IRYDA Plus is one of the projects that strengthen MBF Group S.A.’s position as a technology company developing its own competencies in the UAV and C-UAS fields. As a listed company, MBF Group S.A. pursues a strategy based on diversifying its business and building value through the development of projects with high growth potential.

Involvement in projects such as IRYDA Plus allows the company to participate in the rapidly growing segment of the security technology market, while laying the foundation for future commercialization, international cooperation and increased shareholder value.

Contact and Inquiries (LOI / NDA)

If you are interested in establishing a partnership in the areas of technology, integration, manufacturing, or distribution, please submit a brief inquiry that includes: your company profile, areas of expertise, the scope of potential cooperation, your preferred model (technology / manufacturing / commercial), and your target market. Standard confidentiality agreements (NDAs/MNDAs) are used for discussions that involve the disclosure of non-public information.