DSEI 2025: Czech-Ukrainian MACE loitering munition combines target reconnaissance and electronic warfare resilience.

At DSEI 2025, the Czech-Ukrainian company UAC presents the MACE unmanned aerial strike system, a loitering munition designed for reconnaissance and precision strike roles. The system has a total length of 1.56 meters and a wingspan of 1.92 meters, packaged in a transport box measuring 1,620 by 415 by 360 millimeters. It is built to operate with a takeoff weight of 11.5 kilograms with a tolerance of 0.5 kilograms, while carrying a warhead weighing 2.5 kilograms with the same tolerance. The munition integrates a combined cumulative and fragmentation warhead, giving it flexibility against both armored targets and infrastructure.
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The MACE is capable of endurance of up to 75 minutes, maintaining a cruise speed between 20 and 25 meters per second. It is intended for use in varied climates, with a temperature range from minus 30 to plus 50 degrees Celsius, and demonstrates resilience against wind speeds of up to 20 meters per second. (Picture source: Army Recognition)

The MACE is capable of endurance of up to 75 minutes, maintaining a cruise speed between 20 and 25 meters per second. It is intended for use in varied climates, with a temperature range from minus 30 to plus 50 degrees Celsius, and demonstrates resilience against wind speeds of up to 20 meters per second. The operational ceiling reaches 2,000 meters, while launch is conducted with a pneumatic catapult. Propulsion is provided by an electric motor, and flight management is supported through an autopilot with fully automatic and navigation modes.

Target engagement is achieved either through operator control using computer vision-based automatic targeting or by striking pre-programmed coordinates. Detonation occurs through an electro-detonator under autonomous control. The system’s warhead can penetrate 200 millimeters of rolled homogeneous armor and delivers thermobaric effects over an area of 40 square meters.

The MACE incorporates electronic warfare resistance features. Its onboard protection includes countermeasures against GPS and GLONASS jamming, as well as navigation spoofing. In case of interference, the system automatically switches to inertial navigation with error correction, ensuring operational reliability in contested environments. Data transmission and control links are encrypted using AES 128/256 standards.

Telemetry and video transmission extend up to 35 kilometers in line-of-sight conditions, while MESH technology extends this range to 100 kilometers. It also supports two-way digital communication, enabling signals to be relayed between drones and facilitating operations in larger formations. This design makes the system adaptable for joint reconnaissance and strike operations where coordination between unmanned systems is required.

Operational applications cover both day and night conditions. The drone is intended for reconnaissance, high-precision strikes, destruction of vehicles and infrastructure, and missions conducted in coordination with other unmanned platforms. Its loitering capability allows interaction with other UAVs and provides opportunities for swarming tactics.

The unveiling of the MACE system underscores the growing role of loitering munitions in modern warfare. Their ability to combine surveillance and precision strike functions makes them attractive for states seeking affordable, flexible, and survivable strike capabilities. The Czech-Ukrainian origin of the MACE highlights ongoing innovation in Central and Eastern Europe’s defense sector, particularly in the context of evolving battlefield requirements.

The presence of this system at DSEI 2025 reflects a broader proliferation trend. Loitering munitions are now being developed and fielded by multiple regional defense industries, reflecting both operational demand and the competitive dynamics of the global arms market. For the Czech-Ukrainian UAC, the MACE is positioned as part of this expanding portfolio, showing its intent to secure a place within the international market for autonomous strike solutions.

Written by Matt Delvoye - Defense Analyst, Army Recognition

Matt Delvoye holds degrees in political science from the University of Liège and the University of Brussels, with a specialization in international relations as well as defense and security policy. He works as a defense analyst at Army Recognition, where he covers international defense events and provides daily reporting on military equipment and industry developments.