American startup XDOWN has developed The PS Killer (PSK), a compact kamikaze drone engineered for rapid deployment in special operations and counter-terrorism missions. Roughly the size of an American football, the PSK is designed for swift, precise strikes against high-value targets while minimizing collateral damage in urban environments.
Marketed as a “drop and forget” system, the drone activates instantly upon being thrown, eliminating the need for complex launch mechanisms. With a top speed of approximately 250 km/h and a flight range exceeding 64 kilometers, it provides operators with a fast, long-range solution for engaging threats in dynamic combat zones. The PSK’s aerodynamic design and small size make it difficult to detect and intercept, offering a stealth advantage in high-risk operations.
Its ability to engage quality targets with pinpoint accuracy makes it ideal for missions requiring surgical precision. The drone’s operational profile suggests a focus on urban warfare, where conventional airstrikes risk excessive destruction and civilian casualties. The PSK’s rapid response capability allows for real-time targeting adjustments, ensuring adaptability in fluid combat scenarios.
Given its lightweight form and high-speed engagement, the PSK could serve as a force multiplier for special forces units conducting high-risk operations in contested environments. The drone’s deployment model also suggests ease of use, potentially reducing the training burden for operators and enabling faster integration into existing tactical frameworks.
While XDOWN has positioned the PSK as a counter-terrorism tool, its potential applications extend beyond special operations. The system could be employed in reconnaissance-strike missions, last-resort defensive scenarios, or asymmetric warfare, where speed and agility provide a decisive advantage. The development of such a platform underscores a growing trend toward smaller, highly maneuverable autonomous weapons systems optimized for fast and precise engagements.
