WDS 2026: Saudi Arabia Advances Counter-Drone Capability with Baby Raptor Interceptor.

Wakeb, a Saudi technology company specializing in artificial intelligence and advanced software systems, introduced its Baby Raptor drone-interception platform at the World Defense Show 2026 in Riyadh. The compact, high-speed unmanned interceptor signals Saudi Arabia’s push to build indigenous counter-drone defenses for military bases and critical infrastructure.

At the World Defense Show 2026 in Saudi Arabia, Wakeb unveiled its Baby Raptor drone-interception system, presenting the platform as a compact yet high-speed unmanned system designed for rapid response to fast-moving aerial threats. Displayed prominently at the exhibition, the interceptor underscores Riyadh’s accelerating investment in indigenous counter-UAS capabilities tailored for military operations and the protection of critical infrastructure.
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Baby Raptor interception UAV displayed at Wakeb stand during World Defense Show WDS 2026 in Riyadh, highlighting its VTOL multi-rotor configuration, thermal EO sensor nose module, and AI-driven Raptor Pilot flight control system designed for rapid counter-drone missions. (Picture source: Army Recognition Group)

At first glance, the Baby Raptor stands apart from conventional quadcopter interceptors. The platform integrates multiple lift and thrust propellers arranged along a sleek, aerodynamic fuselage optimized for vertical take-off and landing operations. With a total weight of 5 kg and compact dimensions listed at 52 x 52 x 61 cm, the system is engineered for rapid deployment by small tactical units or fixed-site security teams. Its VTOL architecture allows it to launch from confined urban or shipboard environments without requiring runways or catapult systems.

Technically, the Baby Raptor is built around a high thrust-to-weight ratio, enabling speeds up to 250 km per hour, positioning it in a performance bracket capable of pursuing Class 1 and Class 2 unmanned aerial vehicles and potentially intercepting larger hostile drones during their ingress phase. With endurance of more than 20 minutes and powered by a LiPo battery, the platform is optimized for short-duration, high-intensity pursuit scenarios rather than prolonged surveillance missions. This aligns with its stated mission profile as a rapid interception asset rather than a traditional ISR drone.

Sensor integration is at the core of Wakeb’s approach. The Baby Raptor combines thermal and electro-optical payloads in a compact, nose-mounted module, providing day-and-night detection capability. The payload capacity is rated at 1 kg, allowing flexibility for mission-specific sensor packages or future integration of non-kinetic countermeasure modules. The guidance architecture merges imaging data with an onboard inertial measurement unit, feeding into what Wakeb identifies as its Raptor Pilot AI flight control system. This onboard AI enables auto-tracking functions that lock onto and pursue fast-moving aerial targets in complex operational environments.

Company representatives at WDS 2026 emphasized that the system’s AI-driven guidance fuses electro-optical and thermal data streams with real-time autopilot navigation inputs. This architecture supports rapid target detection, reliable lock-on, and stable tracking even in time-critical engagement windows. The IP67 rating indicates resistance to dust and water ingress, an important factor for operations in desert climates and coastal environments typical of the Gulf region.

From an operational standpoint, the Baby Raptor reflects a broader shift in counter-drone doctrine across the Middle East. Rather than relying solely on ground-based jammers or missile-based interceptors, defense planners are increasingly exploring agile airborne interceptors capable of physically pursuing and neutralizing hostile drones before they reach sensitive targets. The platform’s lightweight structure and fast acceleration profile suggest it could be deployed as part of layered defense networks protecting military bases, energy infrastructure, and large public events.

While Wakeb is traditionally associated with AI and advanced software solutions rather than kinetic defense manufacturing, the unveiling of the Baby Raptor signals a strategic expansion into hardware-enabled AI defense ecosystems. The integration of machine learning algorithms directly into flight control and target tracking modules illustrates Saudi Arabia’s ambition to localize high-value segments of the counter-UAS market, reducing reliance on foreign suppliers while fostering domestic technological sovereignty.

For regional armed forces and security agencies confronting increasingly sophisticated drone threats, the Baby Raptor offers a compact, AI-enabled response option designed for speed, maneuverability, and autonomous engagement support. As drone warfare continues to evolve from improvised systems to coordinated swarming tactics, high-agility interceptors like the Baby Raptor may become essential components in future integrated air defense architectures across the Gulf and beyond.

Written by Alain Servaes – Chief Editor, Army Recognition Group
Alain Servaes is a former infantry non-commissioned officer and the founder of Army Recognition. With over 20 years in defense journalism, he provides expert analysis on military equipment, NATO operations, and the global defense industry.