Coyote C-UAS effector

Coyote is a small, expendable (Block 2) or recoverable (Block 3NK) interceptor purpose-built for counter-UAS engagements. It launches from a standard rail launcher using a solid-rocket boost motor, then transitions to turbine-sustained flight, achieving speeds of 345–370 mph (555–595 km/h) — fast enough to reliably close on agile Group 2–3 UAS targets. Block 2, the primary in-service kinetic variant, carries a tungsten fragmentation warhead optimised to generate a shrapnel field tuned to the structural vulnerability of small UAS airframes. If the first intercept pass is unsuccessful, the system can re-attack. Engagement range extends to 10–15 km, and loiter time reaches approximately four minutes — sufficient to patrol a threat corridor before committing to an intercept.

Block 3NK replaces the warhead with a non-kinetic (electronic-warfare) payload, allowing the effector to loiter over an operational area, defeat drone swarms with reduced collateral-damage risk, and be recalled and reused for subsequent engagements — a significant economic and operational advantage when facing high-volume, low-cost swarm attacks.

Coyote is the designated effector partner for KuRFS inside the U.S. Army's LIDS programme. The paired architecture — KuRFS detects and tracks, Coyote intercepts — has been validated through U.S. Army operational testing. For GCC procurement, the system is directly relevant to protection of airport operations zones, energy infrastructure, and force protection roles where manned-aviation intercept is impractical. Raytheon Emirates has established a regional presence, and the U.S. government has approved the system for international sales. Block 2 unit cost is publicly estimated at approximately USD 100,000 per interceptor.