Paramount launches V-Raven VTOL ISR and light attack UAV

South Africa's Paramount revealed its new V-Raven UAV at AAD2026. (Paramount)

Paramount has revealed its new V-Raven vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) and light attack unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV).

The South African company launched the V-Raven at the AAD 2026 defence exhibition, running Air Force Base Waterkloof from 16 to 18 September 2026.

“The V-Raven has been developed for the realities of the modern African battlefield,” Paramount said. “Vast operating areas, remote terrain, dispersed threats and the increasing use of drones mean that forces need to be able to see further and stay on station longer”.

As noted by Paramount, the V-Raven was previously developed under the N-Raven programme name, with the company moving from the original catapult-launched concept towards a returnable VTOL aircraft family capable of operating from dispersed locations without a runway, catapult or fixed launch infrastructure.

The ISR configuration is equipped with an electro-optical/infrared (EO/IR), with the planned light-attack configuration to integrate unspecified precision-guided glide munitions. Both configurations use VTOL operation, allowing V-Raven to be deployed rapidly from dispersed or difficult locations without the need for conventional launch and recovery infrastructure.

The V-Raven has a wingspan of 3.6 metres, a fuselage length of 2.1 metres and a maximum take-off weight of 65 kg. Paramount said the petrol-powered UAV offers up to eight hours of endurance, a range of up to 1,200 km and a cruise speed of approximately 140 km/h. Its communications range with the ground station is up to 150 km. An electric configuration provides up to two hours of endurance and a range of up to 250 km.

For more, please see IDEX 2023: Paramount readies for production of N-Raven loitering munition