Albuquerque rocket-motor maker using 3D-printed solid propellant (AMSP); launched the sub-$100K Buckler counter-drone interceptor in 2026.
X-Bow Systems is a U.S. aerospace and defense manufacturer headquartered at 6200 Uptown Blvd NE in Albuquerque, New Mexico, with additional operational facilities in Socorro, New Mexico and sites in California, Texas, Utah, Maryland, Alabama and Mississippi. The company describes itself as a non-traditional producer of solid rocket motors, built around its patented Additive Manufacturing of Solid Propellant (AMSP) process, which uses continuous in-line mixing to 3D-print solid propellant grains rather than relying on the multi-year casting and curing cycles typical of legacy rocket-motor manufacturing. X-Bow states this lets customers design and build motors in days rather than months or years, while also enabling tailorable, flexible propellant-grain geometries not achievable with traditional casting methods.
X-Bow organizes its business into three areas it calls We Make, We Build and We Fly. We Make covers design and production of both additively manufactured and traditional solid rocket motors and composite structures. We Build covers rapid, customizable motor production for customer programs, including a Rocket Factory in a Box portable manufacturing concept intended to let motors be produced closer to the point of use. We Fly covers X-Bow's own flight-test services built on its BOLT family of modular boost platforms, used for sounding-rocket and boost-vehicle missions supporting national-security and space customers.
In July 2026, X-Bow publicly launched Buckler, a flight-tested, sub-$100,000 supersonic interceptor designed to counter Group 3-class drones at scale, positioned as a lower-cost alternative to existing counter-UAS interceptor systems for allied air-defense forces; the system was unveiled at the Farnborough International Airshow. X-Bow emerged from stealth in March 2022 with the public unveiling of its 3D-printed solid rocket motor technology, and has since closed an oversubscribed $105 million Series B funding round to scale production.
X-Bow holds CMMC Level 2 cybersecurity certification, valid 2025-2028, and AS9100D/ISO 9001 quality-management certification, reflecting its role as a supplier into U.S. defense and space programs. Its customer base sits within the national-security, missile-defense and space-launch sectors, and with Buckler the company now supplies a complete interceptor system rather than only a propulsion component. X-Bow can be reached through general, press and sales contact channels listed on its website, and maintains active LinkedIn, Facebook, X/Twitter, Instagram and YouTube company accounts under the X-Bow Systems name.
Primary type & automation activities this supplier delivers:
Bolt is X-Bow's first flight-tested modular boost rocket, launched July 2022 at White Sands with a 32-inch Ballesta solid rocket motor.
AMSP is X-Bow's patented additive-manufacturing process for solid rocket propellant, enabling motor design and build in days via in-line mixing.
Contact X-Bow Systems
WEBSITE
https://www.xbowsystems.com/PHONE
+1 505 772 9577HEADQUARTERS
United States
Company Facts
Founded
-
Primary Role
Manufacturer
Company Size
employees 100-500
Primary Region
North America
Annual Sales
-
Funding Stage
Growth / Late-Stage VC
Funding Total
-
Certifications & Memberships
CASIA Ph.D. candidate Peiyan Li co-authored two IROS 2026 papers on VLA models for long robot tasks. We also cover his BridgeVLA and SpatialVAM work.
ByKelly Stone Oct 08, 2026The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is set to vote on new regulations that would open 50 MHz of low-band spectrum for commercial drone operations. This decision, announced by FCC Chairman Brendan Carr in a blog post on October 7, aims to remove existing restrictions that have hindered drone operations in the 800 MHz cellular band. The vote is scheduled for the FCC's open meeting on October 29. This move is significant as it seeks to enhance the operational capabilities of American drone companies by providing access to additional spectrum. Carr emphasized that the current restrictions have inadvertently created barriers for drone operations, and the proposed changes are intended to modernize regulations to support U.S. drone leadership. Access to lower-frequency spectrum is particularly beneficial for reliable communications, especially for advanced operations like flights beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS). Looking ahead, the FCC's actions will focus on spectrum regulations while ensuring that operators continue to comply with FAA flight requirements. No further timeline was disclosed at the time of publication. Additionally, the FCC will consider new restrictions on foreign electronics testing laboratories, which could impact the compliance landscape for manufacturers in the drone sector.
Dronelife.com 6hs ago Drone News Drone News Feeds News Products US Government 800 MHz spectrumTen papers made the IROS 2026 Best Paper and Best Student Paper shortlist, four from South Korea. What each one does and what it means for industry.
ByKelly Stone Oct 07, 2026From humanoid tennis to bin picking and farm robots: the 22 finalists for IROS 2026's eight category awards, and what each one means for industry.
ByKelly Stone Oct 07, 2026IROS 2026 closes in Pittsburgh with 1,900+ papers and 186 exhibitor listings. Humanoids, dexterous hands, tactile sensing and robot data led the show.
ByRobotToday Reporter Oct 03, 2026Elroy Air has secured $175 million in expanded private investment commitments to scale production of its Chaparral autonomous cargo drone. This funding, which includes contributions from Lockheed Martin Ventures and Inflection Point, will support the transition from testing to large-scale manufacturing for military and commercial applications. The significance of this funding lies in Elroy Air's goal to enhance the Chaparral's capabilities, allowing it to carry over 500 pounds of cargo up to 450 miles without traditional infrastructure. The investment will accelerate production and enable the delivery of Chaparral drones to commercial and defense partners, particularly following a recent $46 million contract with the US Army. Looking ahead, Elroy Air aims to produce its first aircraft by late 2026, with manufacturing handled by Kratos Defense & Security Solutions in Sacramento, California. The company is focused on transforming successful demonstrations into large-scale production, leveraging its new financial resources to meet growing demand in logistics and defense sectors.
Dronedj.com Sep 28, 2026 NewsSiemens tells RobotToday at IMTS 2026 why AI robot demos are only the tip of the iceberg, and why agentic AI depends on PLM data and business context.
ByLeona Tang Sep 23, 2026Kratos Defense & Security Solutions and GE Aerospace have achieved a major milestone with the first successful ignition of the GEK800 turbofan engine. This engine is designed for next-generation US cruise missiles, marking a significant advancement in missile technology. The successful ignition of the GEK800 engine is crucial as it represents progress in developing advanced propulsion systems for military applications. This milestone underscores the collaboration between Kratos and GE Aerospace in enhancing the capabilities of US defense systems. Looking ahead, the focus will be on further testing and development of the GEK800 engine to ensure its reliability and performance in operational environments. No further timeline was disclosed at the time of publication.
Airforce-Technology Sep 23, 2026 NewsGE Aerospace has successfully ignited the GEK800 turbofan engine, marking a significant milestone in the development of a propulsion system for long-range cruise missiles. This ignition event took place at Kratos’ X-58 test facility and initiates a new testing campaign aimed at demonstrating the engine's performance and durability. The GEK800, jointly developed by GE Aerospace and Kratos Defense & Security Solutions, is designed to meet the requirements for advanced cruise missile systems. The companies emphasize that the engine combines high performance with cost-effective manufacturing approaches, which is crucial for procurement programs focused on lower acquisition and lifecycle costs. Looking ahead, the ignition milestone signifies the beginning of extensive ground testing as the companies work towards production and integration with cruise missile systems. No further timeline was disclosed at the time of publication.
InterestingEngineering.com Sep 21, 2026 MilitaryIMTS 2026 opens in Chicago with 1,788 exhibitors and record H1 machine tool orders. What the USMTO data says about automation, and the booths to see.
ByRobotToday Reporter Sep 14, 2026The US military is advancing towards integrating uncrewed aircraft with advanced fighter jets, specifically the F-35 and F/A-18. Kratos Defense & Security Solutions has showcased its XQ-58A Valkyrie drone's capabilities during a recent flight test in Southern California, where it successfully operated alongside Marine Corps fighters. This demonstration is significant as it highlights the potential for autonomous aircraft to enhance mission capabilities in contested airspaces. The Valkyrie's successful launch from a zero-length system and its ability to transition control between different systems underscore the importance of interoperability in military operations. Looking ahead, Kratos plans to scale production of the Valkyrie, aiming for over 150 unmanned aircraft systems by 2026. The ongoing collaboration with Northrop Grumman for the MUX TACAIR program will further adapt the Valkyrie for advanced missions, emphasizing the need for open-architecture systems in modern military aviation.
InterestingEngineering.com Aug 18, 2026 MilitaryElroy Air has secured a $46 million multi-year contract from the US Army to enhance its autonomous hybrid-electric VTOL cargo drone, the Chaparral. This contract aims to improve the drone's capabilities in challenging military environments, focusing on modular cargo delivery and operational efficiency alongside troops. The significance of this contract lies in its alignment with the Army's emphasis on 'contested logistics,' ensuring supply continuity amid disruptions. Elroy Air's Chaparral drone, capable of carrying over 500 pounds, is designed for operations without fixed infrastructure, making it ideal for remote or damaged locations. Looking ahead, Elroy Air plans to start manufacturing the Chaparral in the US later this year, partnering with Kratos Defense & Security Solutions. While the current focus is military, the company also aims to expand the drone's applications in commercial logistics and disaster response, indicating a broader market potential for autonomous cargo delivery.
Dronedj.com Aug 18, 2026 NewsAt WAIC 2026, world-model and VLA camps staked rival paths to generalist robots; Zhiyuan, SenseTime and NVIDIA predict a robot 'ChatGPT moment' in 2-5 years.
ByThomas Siew Aug 03, 2026X-Bow Systems, a Texas-based defense company, has unveiled Buckler, a new supersonic interceptor aimed at countering Group 3 drone threats. This system addresses the increasing demand for effective defenses against mass UAV attacks and has successfully completed field testing. The Buckler interceptor is designed to engage Group 3 unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), which weigh between 56 and 1,320 lbs and operate below 18,000 feet. Priced under USD 100,000, Buckler combines high-speed performance with a design suitable for large-scale production, making it a cost-effective solution for militaries facing frequent drone assaults. With the successful flight tests validating its propulsion system and overall performance, X-Bow Systems is moving closer to operational deployment of Buckler. The company emphasizes its in-house manufacturing capabilities, which enhance production efficiency and quality control, addressing the industry's reliance on external suppliers for solid rocket motors.
InterestingEngineering.com Jul 20, 2026 MilitaryX-Bow Systems has introduced the Buckler, a cost-effective drone interceptor priced below $100,000. This supersonic interceptor is specifically designed to target Group 3 drones, which include various unmanned aerial vehicles weighing between 56 to 1,320 pounds. The Buckler can also engage other aerial threats, such as subsonic cruise missiles, enhancing its operational versatility. The significance of the Buckler lies in its affordability and speed, addressing the growing need for effective air defense against increasingly sophisticated drone and missile threats. As conflicts in regions like the Middle East and Ukraine have shown, traditional air defense systems often struggle against cheaper, more numerous threats. X-Bow Systems aims to provide a scalable solution that allows military forces to respond effectively without incurring exorbitant costs. Looking ahead, the Buckler represents a strategic response to the evolving landscape of aerial threats. With its ability to engage multiple targets rapidly, it could play a crucial role in modern air defense strategies. No further timeline was disclosed at the time of publication.
TheWarZone Jul 20, 2026 Land Armies Counter-Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (C-UAS) Surface-To-Air Missile Systems U.S. ArmyThis week in robotics: AI² Robotics raises $735M for wheeled humanoids, Unitree G1 performs first live surgery, Dexmal launches DexOS platform, Agility Robotics announces SPAC, and Ondas acquires DZYNE for $875.8M. July 6–10, 2026.
ByRobotToday Reporter Jul 11, 2026A comprehensive industry analysis of Physical AI — covering Embodied AI, Field AI, Factory AI, VLM, World Model, VLA, and the VLA vs WAM architecture debate. Includes 20+ companies, 28 references, and the RobotToday Physical AI Landscape diagram. July 2026.
ByLeona Tang Jul 10, 2026Robbyant open-sources LingBot-VLA 2.0, a vision-language-action model trained on 60,000 hours of data for cross-morphology, whole-body robot control.
ByRobotToday Reporter Jul 08, 2026Kratos Defense & Security Solutions has expanded its manufacturing campus in Oklahoma City with the addition of more than 100,000ft2 of production and assembly space.
Airforce-Technology Jul 06, 2026 NewsKratos Defense & Security Solutions is significantly increasing its manufacturing capacity for the Spartan family of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) to meet growing demand. This strategic move comes as the company aims to enhance its production capabilities in response to heightened interest from both military and commercial sectors. The expansion is set to take place at Kratos' facilities in California, with plans to streamline operations and implement advanced technologies to boost efficiency. The decision to ramp up production is driven by the rising need for advanced drone systems, which are increasingly being utilized for surveillance, reconnaissance, and various defense applications. By enhancing its manufacturing capabilities, Kratos seeks to solidify its position as a leader in the UAV market and ensure timely delivery of its products to clients.
InterestingEngineering.com Jun 11, 2026 News