MBDA and Fly-R from France Enter Kamikaze Drone Market with RD-120 Raijin Loitering Munition.

At Euronaval 2024, a naval defense exhibition that was held in Paris, France, MBDA, in collaboration with French defense company Fly-R, unveiled the RD-120 Raijin loitering munition, an advanced "kamikaze" drone designed for high-precision, autonomous strikes on critical targets. This new addition to MBDA's arsenal represents a strategic entry into the loitering munition market, an area of growing international demand fueled by recent conflicts, including the ongoing war in Ukraine. The RD-120 Raijin combines Fly-R's innovative engineering with MBDA's operational expertise, offering militaries an agile, potent solution for engaging enemy forces in dynamic battlefield conditions.
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A scale model of the Fly-R RD-120 Raijin loitering munition was displayed at the MBDA booth during Euronaval 2024, showcasing the latest in precision strike technology from the French defense industry. (Picture source: Army Recognition Group)

The RD-120 Raijin loitering munition is designed with a strong focus on flexibility, power, and precision. Equipped with a high-performance day/night camera, it can detect, identify, and engage targets in diverse lighting conditions. The munition includes a customizable pyrotechnic charge, allowing for adaptability to the armor levels of various targets, from light vehicles to heavily armored assets, maximizing mission effectiveness.

In its folded state, the RD-120 Raijin measures 250 mm in width, 255 mm in height, and 1,195 mm in length, allowing for compact storage and transport. When deployed, its wings automatically expand to reach unfolded dimensions of 1,215 mm in width, 225 mm in height, and 1,070 mm in length. Weighing 5 kg at maximum takeoff weight (MTOW) and with a mission and military payload capacity of up to 1.5 kg, the Raijin is compact yet powerful.

This loitering munition’s propulsion is driven by an electric motor, enabling a versatile operational speed range between 95 km/h and 200 km/h, depending on mission requirements. The RD-120 Raijin launches from a portable tube launcher, reaching an initial speed of 95 km/h, which it can quickly increase to its cruise speed of 110 km/h. Upon entering its attack phase, the Raijin accelerates to an impressive dive speed of 270 km/h, ensuring a swift and forceful strike on the target. Its range extends up to 50 km, with an endurance of 45 minutes at its cruising speed, making it well-suited for prolonged missions and extensive battlefield coverage. The Raijin is capable of operating at altitudes up to 3,000 meters, giving it an advantage in varied and challenging terrains.

One of the RD-120 Raijin's defining characteristics is its rhomboid wing configuration. This unique design enhances maneuverability and reduces its wingspan and overall mass by approximately a third, allowing for a higher lift-to-drag ratio and greater stability during flight. This structure allows the Raijin to perform rapid, precise maneuvers, maintaining flight stability even at high speeds, and to approach targets from steep angles, ideal for surprise and precision strikes.

Designed for rapid deployment, the RD-120 Raijin can be launched directly from its reusable transport container. Its autonomous flight mode can be overridden by a ground operator, who verifies target identification and gives the final engagement order. Fly-R’s advanced guidance algorithms ensure precise targeting, providing exceptional accuracy on both stationary and moving targets. In the attack phase, the rhomboid wing design further enhances the drone’s visual, acoustic, and thermal stealth, making it difficult for adversaries to detect or intercept.

With a takeoff weight of 5 kg, including a 1.5 kg payload, the RD-120 Raijin offers a potent blend of power and efficiency. Its adaptability and versatile attack options allow it to meet the operational needs of various combat scenarios, from precision strikes on high-value assets to swarm operations alongside other drones. The Raijin’s performance, maneuverability, and tactical flexibility make it an appealing choice for countries aiming to expand their capabilities with advanced loitering munitions.

The RD-120 Raijin loitering munition enters a defense landscape where demand has surged, partly due to the conflict in Ukraine, where loitering munitions have been deployed extensively. Both Ukrainian and Russian forces have relied on these munitions to strike targets in contested zones, including infrastructure, armored vehicles, and command centers. The effectiveness of loitering munitions in this conflict has underscored their strategic value, leading to an increased interest among military forces worldwide. By launching the RD-120 Raijin, MBDA and Fly-R seek to capitalize on this growing demand, positioning the Raijin as a critical asset for militaries looking to enhance their precision strike capabilities.