Czech KBP International Unveils GRYF Drone Carrier for Air Defense
Czech KBP International unveils GRYF, a new airborne counter-drone platform designed to carry interceptor UAVs and lightweight missiles.
Czech defense company KBP International has unveiled GRYF, a new unmanned aircraft designed to carry interceptor drones and lightweight missiles for counter-UAS operations. The platform made its world debut at Future Forces Forum 2026 in Prague, where Czech President Petr Pavel and senior military officials attended its presentation.
Unlike conventional interceptor drones that engage targets directly, GRYF is designed as an airborne weapons carrier capable of deploying different types of interceptors against hostile unmanned aircraft.
The company presented configurations featuring both small interceptor missiles and unmanned aerial interceptors, positioning GRYF as a potential component of layered air defense systems.
GRYF Designed for Extended Air Defense Patrols
According to technical information presented by KBP, GRYF is designed for missions lasting up to 12 hours, with a stated operational range of 500 kilometers.
The aircraft features a four-cylinder internal combustion engine and four external weapons stations. Its maximum payload capacity is reported at 50 kilograms, allowing it to carry multiple lightweight interceptors depending on their configuration.
The aircraft displayed in Prague features a fixed-wing design with forward-mounted sensors and a rear-mounted propulsion system. Its configuration allows weapons to be carried beneath the wings while preserving space for surveillance equipment.
The extended endurance is intended to allow GRYF to remain airborne during defensive patrols, reducing the time needed to respond to approaching unmanned threats.
KBP presented the platform as a lower-cost alternative to using conventional surface-to-air missiles against smaller drones.
Czech Defense Industry Expands Counter-UAS Portfolio
KBP International is the international commercial arm of the privately owned Czech industrial group KBP, which operates in unmanned aircraft, propulsion technologies and specialized military vehicles.
The group develops UAV platforms and piston engines, including technologies marketed under the MVVS brand.
At Future Forces Forum, KBP is also presenting technologies from several international partners, including ODIN, Threod, KrattWorks and MILKOR.
The GRYF concept could complement other counter-drone interceptors by providing an airborne launch platform rather than relying exclusively on ground-based deployment.
However, the company has not publicly confirmed operational deployment, successful live interception trials, a customer contract or a production schedule for GRYF. The technical performance figures presented at the exhibition have not been independently verified.
The platform was officially unveiled on October 21 at the KBP International stand in Hall 5 of Future Forces Forum, which continues in Prague until October 23.
