Loitering drone from Germany: Xynetic bets on speed and modularity

On the sidelines of the “DroneVation & Defence 2026” symposium, Andreas Stiebner, co-founder and CEO of Xynetic GmbH, talked about founding the start-up, the development of the loitering drone XLM 100 Minotaurus and the question of how a multi-role unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) platform can be integrated into existing reconnaissance and strike networks. The discussion covers tactical capability gaps, the modular approach of the system, the importance of secure European supply chains and the lessons from the current drone war.

Mr Stiebner, what prompted you to found Xynetic? Were there specific challenges on the modern battlefield that you had in mind from the outset?
For me personally, as co-founder and managing director, a central concern was to provide operational capabilities and close tactical capability gaps at affordable prices. I come from the Bundeswehr (German Armed Forces) myself, served 13 years as an infantry officer and, after leaving in 2021 and also in further assignments, I saw that we lack capabilities that we would actually need to prevail on the modern battlefield.

If a 12-million-euro vehicle can be knocked out with a 500-euro asset, the ratio is no longer right. This purely operational view, combined with my closeness to training, doctrine and tactics, was an important starting point. In addition, there were discussions with units in combat who said clearly: they do not need 20 different systems, each with its own ecosystem, but a handful of solutions that cover most of the minimum tactical requirements.

With the XLM 100 Minotaurus you have developed a portable UAV platform capable of loitering. What capabilities does this system offer that a conventional multicopter or a simple kamikaze drone cannot deliver in this way?
A key point is the impeller drive, or rather the thrust vector control. This gives us high manoeuvrability, we have few moving parts, everything is installed in the tail of the system, and we achieve high speed. The cruise speed is around 200 kilometres per hour – that is very fast in this class. In addition, there is a low noise level because we have no external propellers, and the Doppler effect is also smaller. Together with the carbon-fibre-reinforced plastic construction, this reduces the signature. Another advantage is the dual function: the system can provide both intercept capabilities for counter-drone defence and strike capabilities. The basic system remains the same, while the head is interchangeable – for example for different sensors such as LiDAR or radar, or for a warhead. It is precisely this modularity that sets it apart from many conventional systems.

How is the platform embedded into existing systems? And how much training effort should be expected?
Our approach is deliberately not to impose a closed ecosystem of our own. Ideally, we would prefer to supply only the platform, while the user continues to work with their existing user interface and their existing battle management system. For example, we can write plugins for existing information and command systems, such as Systematic Sitaware or ATAK, and we support around 150 map formats. When a coordinate or a geofence is entered, the system can launch, route and fly autonomously. Launch and flight are therefore already largely automated today. This significantly reduces the training effort. In my view, the ordinary soldier should ideally not even notice that he is using a new system, but should work with the same UI he already uses on his vehicle or terminal.

Multic launcher for the XLM 100 Minotaurus and the multilauncher from Xynetic.

The drone war in Ukraine shows how saturated, dangerous and short-lived the airspace above the front has become: constant reconnaissance, electronic interference, massive air defence systems. Which operational gap does the XLM 100 address in this environment?
I see the system as an all-rounder. It addresses the gap between classic strike drones and intercept solutions, because it combines both in one system. Speed is a central factor here. At the same time, the platform gives us a great deal of latitude in sensors and payloads. We can use different heads, i.e. intercept, sensors or effectors. In the longer term, a conversion with a different propulsion system is also conceivable – for example with a jet engine or a combustion engine – in order to increase speed significantly once again. Another major advantage is the secure value chain: apart from batteries, 95 percent of it comes from Germany and Europe. At the same time, we are designing the system for mobile warfare. While many systems today require set-up time, we are working on a tube launcher and a multilauncher so that the system can be deployed very quickly from vehicles or positions. There are of course limits as well – for example the data link, which physically remains a bottleneck. That is precisely why, in the longer term, we are also developing the system further to work without a permanent man in the loop.

Turning to the future. Where do you see your solutions in relation to future challenges?
For us, three things are central. First, the supply chain: it is largely secured, and we deliberately rely on production in Germany and Europe. Second, industrial scaling: according to our own estimate, together with existing partners we could already produce up to 10,000 systems per year today. And third, further development: the single-tube launcher is to reach a status by the end of 2026 that allows it to be transferred into series production. The larger container or multi-launch approach is planned for 2028. Beyond that, we clearly see the future in seamless integration into existing systems – not in selling the user yet another proprietary ecosystem. Our aim is to provide a platform that can grow with payloads, software and propulsion options and thus already takes the coming years into account.