3 min read
While the dream of drone-delivered pizza is still bogged down by regulations, the battlefield is where drone innovation is truly taking off. Israeli defense contractor Flying Production, now a subsidiary of Elbit Systems, has launched serial production of a new combat drone designed for fast-paced, high-risk operations: the X-intra.
Based on the widely used Tzur model, the X-intra boasts major upgrades, including a payload capacity of 30 kilograms, more than twice that of its predecessor.
Despite this increased load-bearing capability, the drone is engineered to remain lightweight, modular, and portable. A single soldier can carry it in a padded bag, and deployment takes less than two minutes, according to the manufacturer.
Multi-Mission Utility
The X-intra serves as a “multi-mission platform” that delivers urgent supplies to troops, conducts high-altitude surveillance, and executes precision strikes. It integrates advanced imaging systems, thanks to lessons learned from earlier drone models such as Magni-X and Terminathor, both of which influenced the design.
Elbit Systems acquired Flying Production in 2019 to strengthen its position in the rapidly growing drone sector. CEO Eyal Dahan noted that battlefield feedback from previous drone deployments led to the addition of high-end electro-optical payloads, some valued at up to $500,000. These payloads support surveillance and target acquisition with enhanced accuracy.
Battlefield Tested
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have already integrated drones like Tzur into operations in Gaza and near the Lebanese border. Recent successful trials showcased the Tzur’s ability to transport blood units to medics in combat zones, using shock-absorbing containers. This capability could become a lifesaver in time-critical medical emergencies during warfare in densely populated areas.
Since the outbreak of war on October 7, demand for drones across Israeli defense forces has surged. The Ministry of Defense has committed over 400 million shekels (approximately $106 million) to boost drone procurement, with 150 million shekels allocated to Elbit Systems alone.
Other drone developers benefiting from defense contracts include Xtend, CopterPix, and Airodrome. The Ministry is preparing to release more tenders as part of an accelerated procurement strategy. This comes after reports that both regular and reserve IDF units experienced equipment shortages at the start of the war, some even turning to social media for help.
20,000 Flight Hours and Counting
Flying Production’s drones have clocked over 20,000 operational flight hours and served in both domestic and international military operations, though the company has not publicly named its foreign clients.
As drone tech continues to evolve, the X-intra represents a shift from experimental gadgets to mission-critical battlefield assets, where fast delivery isn’t just a convenience, it’s a matter of survival.
