Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) unveiled its APUS 25 quadcopter at IDET 2025, the international defence exhibition held in Brno, Czech Republic.

The APUS 25 is a long-endurance, vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) platform designed for extended missions in complex operational environments. As a quadcopter, it is capable of taking off and landing from any flat surface, offering operational flexibility for both land and maritime users.

The system is powered by a centrally located internal combustion engine (ICE) operating at a fixed RPM. This engine drives four rotors via a patented variable-pitch mechanism, enhancing flight efficiency and control.

This propulsion architecture allows for stable hovering and long-duration missions even in high wind conditions. The liquid-cooled engine is compatible with multiple fuel types, including Jet-A1, JP5, JP8, and gasoline.

The APUS 25 is purpose-built for tactical operations in demanding combat scenarios. It offers up to 8 hours of mission endurance and supports a useful payload of up to 10 kilograms. Additionally, it provides 300 watts of continuous electric power for onboard systems.

According to IAI, the quadcopter has a maximum take-off weight of under 25 kilograms. It is capable of operating at altitudes of up to 11,000 feet and in wind conditions of up to 23 knots.

While electrically powered multirotor drones are commonly employed by military forces, they often face limitations in terms of endurance, weather resistance, and operational range. IAI developed the APUS 25 from the ground up to address these gaps and deliver a superior payload-to-endurance ratio.

The platform’s design ensures high manoeuvrability, enabling sharp turns and rapid altitude transitions. Its advanced capabilities enhance tactical Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) missions, offering ground forces immediate aerial support without reliance on conventional air force assets.

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