Split collage of DAON’s reconfigured drones for high-speed strikes. Image: Defense Advancement via FB
GIF Promo

DAON is stepping away from drone swarm light shows with the unveiling of new systems built for high-speed strike missions.

Born under its next-gen SWARM-X series, the South Korean firm introduced the XV600 and XV1200 vertical takeoff platforms.

Footage showed both drones fitted with specialized latches designed to carry small warheads or grenades, pointing to the potential for a munition-equipped aerial fleet operating in coordinated numbers for military use.

Render of the XV1200 drone. Image: SWARM-X

The XV600 is intended for platoon-level operations and carries a combat payload for fast, precision strikes. The larger XV1200, meanwhile, can accommodate mortar rounds.

A company official noted that both platforms use darker-colored airframes optimized for nighttime operations, with brighter variants also available for daytime use.

Future Capabilities

While technical details remain undisclosed, DAON said the new drones will be paired with a combat mission system supporting reconnaissance and kamikaze roles, enabled by Edge AI.

Render of the XV600 drone’s underside. Image: SWARM-X

At the core is autonomous coordination, where reconnaissance drones identify targets and cue loitering or strike systems into engagement.

“We plan to implement a universal system that integrates image processing, flight control, mission execution, and communication functions with AI,” DAON Chief Executive Officer Yang Chang-yol said, as quoted by Militarnyi.

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