The OmniRaider: An American-Israeli Tactical Drone Redefining Modern Warfare

OmniRaider -IAI-

The partnership between Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI), BlueBird Aero Systems, and the U.S. company AEVEX Aerospace marks a new milestone in technological cooperation between Israel and the United States. At the AUSA 2025 exhibition, dedicated to the U.S. Army, the three partners unveiled the OmniRaider, a tactical vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) drone that combines Israeli precision with American industrial strength. Designed for next-generation military operations, this system pushes the boundaries of autonomy, versatility, and resilience on the battlefield.

The OmniRaider, the U.S. version of the ThunderB-Next Generation, represents a perfect synthesis of innovation and industrial sovereignty. Fully manufactured in the United States by AEVEX Aerospace, based in Tampa, it belongs to the Group 3 Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) category and stands as the most advanced evolution of the ThunderB-VTOL family. With a maximum takeoff weight of 50 kilograms and a payload capacity exceeding 9 kilograms, it can carry multiple sensors simultaneously for a wide range of missions—from reconnaissance and surveillance to signals intelligence and tactical mapping.

One of the greatest strengths of this new drone lies in its flexibility. Where several aircraft were once required, the OmniRaider can now perform multiple mission types in a single flight. Thanks to its smart integration architecture, it can, for instance, combine electro-optical and infrared (EO/IR) intelligence with signals intelligence (SIGINT), while maintaining high stability and real-time data transmission. This modularity maximizes operational efficiency and allows field forces to adapt their missions instantly according to tactical needs.

The drone was engineered to deliver exceptional endurance. It can fly for 12 to 14 hours and cover distances of up to 160 kilometers, providing rare surveillance autonomy for its class. Designed to support reconnaissance, surveillance, and target acquisition (RSTA) operations at the brigade level, it ensures continuous observation, extended coverage, and rapid response capability. Yet, its defining feature is its resilience.

The OmniRaider was developed to operate in contested environments, resisting GPS jamming, electromagnetic interference, and communication disruptions. Its internal systems allow it to maintain navigation and coordination with ground teams even in the most challenging conditions.

“The OmniRaider brings a new dimension to the operational flexibility of tactical drones by combining multi-sensor endurance and VTOL agility in a single platform. Developed in close collaboration with AEVEX and produced in the United States, it reflects our commitment to merging Israel’s cutting-edge technology with local manufacturing to meet the needs of allied forces while supporting the U.S. economy and job creation,” said Boaz Levy, President and CEO of IAI.

The OmniRaider is the direct successor to the ThunderB, already successfully deployed by several armed forces worldwide. This proven model has demonstrated the ability to integrate eleven different payload types, from optical surveillance to electronic warfare. The new system takes this adaptability even further, combining field experience, technological innovation, and domestic production.

The future prospects are broad. Beyond military applications, the OmniRaider could be used for border surveillance, protection of critical infrastructure, maritime security, and humanitarian operations in hard-to-reach areas. Its versatility paves the way for a new generation of dual-use drones capable of operating effectively in both defense and civilian contexts.

Founded in 1953, Israel Aerospace Industries is today Israel’s largest technology enterprise and one of the global leaders in aerospace and defense.

With the OmniRaider, IAI and AEVEX have forged a strategic partnership that unites Israeli innovation with American sovereignty. This drone does more than push technical boundaries—it symbolizes a new era in industrial and military relations between the two nations, where intelligence, precision, and resilience form the pillars of future defense.

Caroline Haïat