Specter

Specter is a jet-powered, modular one-way attack platform developed by AEVEX Aerospace of Solana Beach, California, United States, announced on 23 September 2026 and shown publicly at the AUSA annual meeting in Washington, D.C. in October 2026. The aircraft is still in development, with ground-launched and air-launched variants planned.

Overview

AEVEX describes Specter as a "high-speed, turbojet-powered one-way attack platform" built for contested environments and extended mission profiles, expanding the company's uncrewed aircraft portfolio beyond its earlier Phoenix Ghost family, which AEVEX supplied to Ukraine from 2022. The War Zone reports that AEVEX wants to position Specter between low-cost one-way attack drones and more expensive, "exquisite" cruise missiles, aiming to keep the unit price low enough that commanders could expend it in contested areas without risking costlier assets. AEVEX has named the US Army's Family of Affordable Mass Missiles programme as one potential application, alongside concepts such as Rapid Dragon, though as of the October 2026 report none of these were confirmed selections.

AEVEX is developing the airframe with Divergent, which builds the fuselage using its digital production system and metal additive manufacturing; AEVEX handles internal systems, mission integration, flight characteristics and navigation, drawing on its CompassX autonomy architecture for open, software-defined interfaces. AEVEX says first flight is planned for December 2026, using an early test aircraft fitted with landing gear for recovery and reuse; the initial ground-launched configuration uses rocket-assisted takeoff (RATO), with an air-launched variant expected to follow afterward.

Design and capabilities

Specter uses a V-shaped lower fuselage, high-mounted unswept trapezoidal wings, a V-tail and rear-mounted conformal engine intakes; The War Zone notes that low observability appears to have been a design consideration, though AEVEX has not discussed the aircraft's stealth characteristics. The airframe is modular, built around an interchangeable nose section that AEVEX says can carry kinetic warheads, electronic-warfare equipment, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) sensors, or future payloads not yet disclosed. AEVEX describes the result as a "multi-mission, multi-domain fighter" rather than a single-purpose munition. The aircraft is being designed for sub-Mach speeds; an AEVEX representative told The War Zone the company intends to improve on its stated range and speed figures as development continues. AEVEX has not published dimensions, weight, payload capacity, range, communications architecture or terminal-targeting methods.

Frequently asked questions

What is the Specter drone used for?

AEVEX designed it as a one-way attack platform that can also carry reconnaissance or electronic-warfare payloads, depending on which nose module is fitted.

What engine does the Specter use?

A turbojet. The ground-launched variant takes off using rocket-assisted takeoff (RATO); an air-launched variant is planned.

When did AEVEX announce the Specter?

AEVEX announced it on 23 September 2026 and showed it publicly at the AUSA annual meeting in October 2026.

Has the Specter flown yet?

As of the October 2026 report, AEVEX planned a first flight for December 2026, using an early test aircraft with landing gear for recovery.

Who makes the Specter?

AEVEX Aerospace, developed with Divergent, which builds the fuselage using digital manufacturing and metal additive manufacturing.