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Rotron Test-Fires SkyLance Strike Drone After Ondas Acquisition

New U.S. ownership signals funding to scale UK output for export.

Overview

  • Rotron said SkyLance, fired Tuesday in a live demo, proved its propulsion and core systems.
  • The drone is a one-way effector, meaning an expendable loitering munition built to strike once at long range.
  • Rotron says onboard autonomy lets it navigate and target without GPS in heavy electronic jamming.
  • The test follows Rotron’s sale to Nasdaq-listed Ondas Inc., which plans investment to expand UK production and expects hundreds of UK aerospace jobs in 2026.
  • Key specs such as range, payload, and propulsion type were not disclosed, and NATO interest in low-cost long-range strike has grown since lessons from Ukraine.