Czech Nightray Flying Wing Drone Resembles U.S. B-2 Spirit and Targets GPS-Denied Warfare.

Czech defense company LPP unveiled the MTS Nightray one-way attack drone at Eurosatory 2026 in Paris, showcasing a long-range autonomous strike system designed for contested environments. The drone highlights a growing shift toward GPS-independent strike capabilities as militaries prepare for operations against advanced air defenses and electronic warfare threats.

Developed as a low-observable unmanned aerial system, the MTS Nightray combines autonomous navigation, flexible launch options, and long-range strike capability in a compact one-way attack drone. Its debut at Europe's largest defense exhibition comes as armed forces increasingly seek expendable precision strike systems capable of penetrating dense air-defense networks while maintaining effectiveness in GPS-denied environments.

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The Nightray measures 1.77 meters in length, has a wingspan of 4 meters, and a maximum take-off weight of 140 kilograms (Picture source: Army Recognition)

The Nightray stands out through its flying wing configuration, whose overall appearance resembles that of the U.S. Air Force's B-2 Spirit stealth bomber, although LPP does not claim any direct connection between the two designs. In the Czech system's case, the configuration serves practical objectives, including reducing radar cross-section, minimizing reflective surfaces, and improving aerodynamic efficiency during low- or medium-altitude penetration missions. The absence of vertical stabilizers and the aircraft's blended lines give the Nightray a visual profile commonly associated with low-observable aircraft.

The Nightray measures 1.77 meters in length, has a wingspan of 4 meters, and a maximum take-off weight of 140 kilograms. It carries a 30-kilogram warhead, reaches a maximum speed of 500 km/h, and is credited with a range of up to 400 kilometers. These characteristics place it between conventional loitering munitions and compact cruise missile-type systems, with an operational concept focused on penetration, reduced detectability, and precision engagement of critical targets.

The aircraft uses an optimized flying wing airframe combined with a radar-deflecting material developed by LPP. Propulsion is provided by a turbojet engine integrated within the airframe, a configuration intended to reduce radar reflections and potentially lower certain infrared emissions compared with externally mounted propulsion systems. The turbojet also enables higher transit speeds than many propeller-driven loitering munitions, reducing exposure time to radar, electro-optical sensors, and short-range air-defense systems.

Navigation is another key element of the system. The Nightray employs a proprietary visual navigation technology integrated with an autopilot developed by LPP. This architecture enables the aircraft to continue operating in areas where GPS signals are jammed, degraded, or unavailable by relying on visual references for positioning and course correction. The same navigation technology is used across other aerial vehicles within the MTS product family. For missions requiring operator involvement, the system can be equipped with a jamming-resistant radio link supporting human-in-the-loop control, in-flight target updates, and real-time telemetry transmission.

Previously displayed at UMEX 2026 on the Calidus booth, the Nightray also illustrates a collaborative exhibition model involving European developers and regional defense companies. Its presence at an event dedicated to unmanned systems increases exposure to potential customers in the Middle East and other regions where electronic warfare and contested operating environments are becoming central planning considerations. It also reflects how smaller European defense firms seek access to export markets through partnerships with established regional industry participants.

LPP describes the Nightray as a complete ready-to-deploy package that includes the air vehicle, autopilot, visual navigation system, onboard electronics, propulsion unit, warhead, and mission-planning tools. According to the company, all major components are designed, developed, and manufactured in the Czech Republic, reflecting a vertically integrated production approach intended to reduce reliance on external suppliers. The system can be launched by catapult, from conventional runways, or from roads using a reusable trolley launch system. These options support dispersed operations, reduce dependence on fixed air bases, and allow deployment from temporary launch locations.

From a tactical perspective, the Nightray is intended to engage targets such as command posts, radar installations, logistics facilities, communications nodes, and elements of an Integrated Air Defense System (IADS). Its 400-kilometer range enables operators to launch from outside many frontline threat zones, while its speed and low-observable characteristics may complicate detection and interception. Moreover, its ability to function without GPS directly addresses challenges observed in recent conflicts, where jamming systems, decoys, and electronic warfare capabilities increasingly affect the effectiveness of guided weapons and unmanned systems.

The presentation of the Nightray at Eurosatory 2026 highlights growing competition in the field of autonomous long-range strike systems. For countries in the Middle East, Eastern Europe, and Asia, systems of this type may provide an alternative means of acquiring precision-strike capabilities without relying exclusively on large and costly missile programs. At the same time, the wider availability of low-observable one-way attack drones is likely to influence future air-defense planning, counter-UAS development, and infrastructure protection strategies as armed forces adapt to increasingly diverse airborne threats.

Written By Erwan Halna du Fretay - Defense Analyst, Army Recognition Group
Erwan Halna du Fretay holds a Master’s degree in International Relations and has experience studying conflicts and global arms transfers. His research interests lie in security and strategic studies, particularly the dynamics of the defense industry, the evolution of military technologies, and the strategic transformation of armed forces.