“A Well-Functioning Army and Economy Require Serious Defense Industry and Innovation” – Highlighted Brigadier General Dr. Imre Porkoláb, CEO of VIKI, at the Official Launch of the Hungarian-Developed ProTAR System.
“The development of the armed forces goes hand in hand with the strengthening of the domestic defense industry and the growth of Hungarian innovation capabilities,” emphasized Kristóf Szalay-Bobrovniczky, Minister of Defense, at the launch event. The jet-powered ProTAR drone, which is unique on a global scale, was specifically developed for military applications to enhance the army’s air defense capabilities.
The Hungarian-developed ProTAR drone is jet-powered and features a fixed-wing design, making air defense exercises more efficient and less risky. It is also capable of formation flying, which is unique in the global market. Developed by Rotors & Cams Ltd., the drone has a takeoff weight of 65 kg, can reach speeds of up to 500 km/h, an altitude of 6000 meters, and has an operational time of 60 minutes. Its communication range is 75 kilometers.
Commissioned by the Hungarian Defence Forces Modernization Institute, the ProTAR drone, developed jointly by Rotors & Cams Ltd., Genevation Aircraft Kft., and HunMech Kft., is a globally unique unmanned aerial vehicle. This drone serves as a target material supporting live and practice firings of air defence missile systems. During a simulated alert, air defence units must hit this drone with missiles, simulating various alert conditions without using high-value aircrafts and pilots. The challenges posed to air defence system operators are as demanding as they would be in a real attack scenarios.
The ProTAR drone behaves like a formation of fighter jets, capable of flying in formation, making it unique in the global market. This innovation allows air defense exercises to be conducted with significantly reduced material and human risks, and at lower execution costs. Furthermore, the exercises can be carried out more flexibly, enhancing the readiness and effectiveness of the air defense forces.
“The strategy of 4iG is to ensure that our group of companies is present in all areas where the IT and telecommunications sectors intersect. As part of this strategy, we have entered the defense industry, where we can leverage our companies’ innovative capabilities and technological expertise, exploiting synergies.” – highlighted László Blénessym deputy CEO of 4iG. He added, “Drone technology is an innovative frontier that requires not only aviation knowledge but also IT, telecommunications, and defense industry development skills.”
Zsolt Molnár, CEO of Rotors & Cams Zrt., emphasized the future plans for the ProTAR system: “We aim to offer the ProTAR system as a service, as its operation requires specialized expertise. In the development and production of target material devices, it is common practice internationally for contracted civilian companies to provide high-quality simulations for air defense units. Rotors & Cams and our development partners see significant success in realizing unique developments with high quality and innovative solutions. The capabilities of the ProTAR air defense target drone system place it among the finest developments in the Hungarian defense industry. The system opens new long-term opportunities for both military and civilian applications.”
Although the PROTAR M unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) was developed to enhance the air defense capabilities of the Hungarian Defence Forces, its robust airframe, payload capacity, and favorable flight characteristics make it suitable for additional tasks. VIKI is involved in the development of various UAV payloads, allowing for the integration of electro-optical (multispectral), radio frequency, or even laser telemetry (LIDAR) reconnaissance equipment onto the PROTAR platform. These payloads significantly enhance the data and information gathering capabilities of deploying organizations. There is also potential for the application of kinetic capabilities using the carrier platform, enabling it to be utilized as a loitering munition for cruising purposes.
