South Korean startup Nearthlab has introduced a new autonomous interceptor drone, KAiDEN, at the ADEX 2025 defense exhibition.
The company says the drone is designed to intercept and neutralize airborne threats using high-speed flight and advanced onboard vision AI.
According to Nearthlab, KAiDEN reaches speeds exceeding 250 km/h and can detect, track, and strike targets in real time. Weighing 2.8 kg with a payload capacity of 1 kg, the drone is capable of operating across both air and ground domains with an operational range of up to 5 kilometers. The system is equipped with swarm operation capabilities and is intended to be fully integrated into defense networks.
“KAiDEN is an autonomous hard-kill drone that intercepts and neutralizes airborne threats with ultra-high-speed flight,” the company stated. “It operates in both air and ground domains with advanced swarm technology, ensuring combat effectiveness.”
The drone’s small form factor—measuring 455 mm in length, width, and 400 mm in height—allows for rapid deployment and flexible mission profiles. Nearthlab notes that KAiDEN has been designed for stable integration with existing defense systems, enhancing operational responsiveness in contested environments.
The company also developed the KAiDEN LAUNCHER, a remote deployment system that supports autonomous launch and storage of the interceptor drones. The launcher, weighing under 35 kg, is built for field operations with all-weather deployment capabilities and remote control. According to Nearthlab, the launcher is designed for quick response scenarios and supports multi-unit configuration to extend coverage in wide-area defense missions.
The launcher’s rugged build includes IP65 electronics protection, and its single-compartment layout allows launch readiness within seconds. KAiDEN LAUNCHER enables swarm operations and enhances operational sustainability in combat zones.
Nearthlab describes KAiDEN as a “military-proven solution,” highlighting its intended use in both air and land-based operations, with a focus on rapid response and automation. The platform is expected to appeal to armed forces seeking compact, AI-driven interceptor systems that can be scaled for larger networked defense operations.
