The AQ-100 Bayonet is a Ukrainian tactical loitering munition from Terminal Autonomy for short-range precision strike missions under electronic-warfare pressure. Current manufacturer material describes an AI-assisted, GPS-independent airframe built for mass deployment, while open reporting identifies Helsing's HF-1 Ukraine deliveries as modified AQ-100 Bayonet systems.
Terminal Autonomy presents the AQ-100 Bayonet as actively deployed in combat and in operational environments, a 2024 Russo-Ukraine War thesis describes AQ-100 Bayonet use since fall 2023, and GAU reports a modified HF-1 delivery lane to the Ukrainian army.
Role detailsPublic reporting separates the base AQ-100 Bayonet from Helsing's HF-1 configuration. GAU reports that Helsing buys AQ-100 Bayonet drones from Terminal Autonomy and substantially modifies them with its own electronics and software before supply to the Ukrainian army. That makes the HF-1 evidence useful for AQ-100 lineage and wartime deployment context, while still leaving HF-1 as a modified configuration rather than a one-for-one name for every AQ-100 Bayonet airframe.
The AQ-100 Bayonet is presented as a compact attritable strike aircraft rather than a reusable reconnaissance UAV. Terminal Autonomy emphasizes a canard layout, a small package size, and autonomous terminal targeting for missions where satellite navigation and a persistent command link may not be available.
Current product data gives a 1.7 m wingspan, 16 kg maximum takeoff weight, and 4 kg payload.
The manufacturer says targeting uses visual recognition with artificial intelligence and does not require GPS or constant operator control.
The product page describes tool-free assembly and optimization for mass production and rapid field integration.
The legacy One Way Aerospace page listed AQ-100 Bayonet as a lightweight ISR or loitering-munition platform able to carry cameras, sensors, or kinetic payloads.
Sources: Legacy One Way Aerospace AQ 100 Bayonet
A 2024 Master of Military Studies thesis described Terminal Autonomy's shorter-range AQ-100 Bayonet and AQV Scalpel drones as used since fall 2023; the season-level date is represented here with September 1.
Sources: Militant Meddlers Russo-Ukraine War thesis
GAU reported that Germany-confirmed January 2025 deliveries covered 600 HF-1 loitering munitions and that Helsing modified AQ-100 Bayonet systems for the Ukrainian army; the month-level date is represented here with the first day of January.
Sources: GAU German loitering munition for Ukraine
Terminal Autonomy's current AQ-100 Bayonet page lists a 1.7 m wingspan, 16 kg MTOW, 4 kg payload, 60 km range, 1.5 hour endurance, and a production rate above 1,000 units per month.
Sources: Official AQ-100 Bayonet page
