Viper

Viper is a vertical takeoff (VTO) surface‑to‑surface strike UAV, often described as a “drone‑missile,” currently under development by Mach Industries for the United States Army. It is intended to give company‑ to brigade‑level units the ability to engage high‑value targets far beyond the forward line of troops.

The system leverages the growing availability of low‑cost, man‑portable ISR assets, allowing tactical formations to detect and strike targets such as artillery systems, radar installations, and other critical assets at extended ranges. With a planned range of up to 290 km and a warhead exceeding 10 kg, Viper aims to combine the reach of HIMARS, the speed of a cruise missile, and the lethality of a Hellfire‑class weapon.

Viper is designed to operate in GPS‑denied and contested electromagnetic environments. Artificial intelligence, multi‑frequency communications, and autonomous navigation are used to support guidance, targeting, and mission execution even with degraded or lost connectivity. The system is expected to retain strike capability without continuous operator control.

The platform is optimized for low cost and attritable use, with a target unit price below $100,000, enabling mass deployment and saturation tactics. A prototype has already completed its first flight, initial production infrastructure has been established, and further scaling is planned to support broader adoption.