Hornet XR is a Lithuanian hand-launched reconnaissance UAV by Granta Autonomy for intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition, and reconnaissance missions. Public manufacturer data describes a 2.9 kg fixed-wing aircraft with autonomous mission modes, deep-stall landing, up to three hours of endurance, and operation in radio-silent or GNSS-denied conditions.
Germany listed HORNET XR reconnaissance drones among delivered military support to Ukraine, and Defense News reported that Granta Autonomy sent Hornet XR intelligence drones to Ukraine. European Security & Defence also reported Hornet XR battlefield testing in Ukraine; the sources support reconnaissance and delivery, not a documented strike role.
Role detailsHornet XR's public documentation centers on a small fixed-wing airframe paired with Granta Autonomy sensor and communications components for contested reconnaissance missions.
Granta's GS-214X and GS-218X micro-gimbals are described with 20x optical zoom, EO imaging, and FLIR Boson+ thermal sensors for day and night observation.
The manufacturer describes Hornet DDL as the data link used by Hornet XR, with IP-based ground-control integration and video transmission examples in contested environments.
Public sources document reconnaissance, intelligence-drone delivery, and Ukrainian testing; they do not identify Hornet XR as a munition or a strike UAV.
Hornet XR also appears in Granta Autonomy reporting as the reconnaissance side of the company's small-UAV family rather than as a strike airframe.
| Compatible item | Item type | Compatibility evidence |
|---|---|---|
 | Loitering munition | European Security & Defence described X-WING as the shooter counterpart to Granta's Hornet reconnaissance drone, linking the strike UAV to Hornet-style sensor coverage. Sources: ESD X-Wing Unveiling |
European Security & Defence reported Granta Autonomy's Hornet XR as a 2.9 kg hand-launched mini-UAV shaped by earlier Ukrainian testing and feedback, with autonomous missions in radio silence and deep-stall recovery.
Sources: ESD Granta Ukraine Front-Line Testing
Granta Autonomy said Hornet XR won the Lithuanian Defense & Security Industry Association Product of the Year 2024 award.
Sources: Granta Hornet XR Award
The German Federal Government's Ukraine military-support overview listed 46 HORNET XR reconnaissance drones among delivered drone and anti-drone systems.
Sources: Federal Government Military Support for Ukraine
Defense News reported Granta Autonomy had sent 100 Hornet XR intelligence drones to Ukraine and described the UAV's in-house datalink and jam-resistant design context.
Sources: Defense News Granta Ukraine Visit
