Bulgaria's Samel-90 Completes Live-Fire Test of SAMJET Loitering Munition with Middle East Prospect in Attendance
Bulgarian defense manufacturer Samel-90 has reportedly conducted a successful live-fire demonstration of its SAMJET one-way attack drone, precisely striking a designated target before a potential Middle East customer. Co-developed with Swiss firm ALIDRONE SAGL, the delta-wing loitering munition entered mass production in 2024 and features a cruising speed of ~120 km/h, a top speed of ~250 km/h, a 5 kg payload capacity, and a range of several hundred kilometers.
Highlights
- Bulgarian defense manufacturer Samel-90 successfully conducted a live-fire demonstration of the SAMJET loitering munition, precisely striking a designated target before a Middle East prospect.
- The SAMJET was co-developed with Swiss company ALIDRONE SAGL and entered mass production in 2024, featuring a delta-wing airframe and rocket-assisted launch with no runway required.
- The SAMJET has a cruising speed of ~120 km/h, a maximum speed of ~250 km/h, a payload capacity of up to 5 kg, and an operational range of several hundred kilometers.
- Samel-90 confirmed the SAMJET is already deployed with at least one undisclosed overseas operator, indicating initial real-world operational validation.
Bulgaria's SAMJET Attack Drone Passes Live-Fire Test, Targeting Middle East Market
Bulgarian defense manufacturer Samel-90 has reportedly completed a live-fire demonstration of its SAMJET one-way attack unmanned aerial vehicle, successfully striking a pre-designated target with precision. The test was reportedly arranged specifically for a prospective customer from the Middle East region.
Development Background and Production Status
The SAMJET is a loitering munition — commonly referred to as a "kamikaze drone" or "suicide drone" — jointly developed by Samel-90 and Swiss company ALIDRONE SAGL. The system entered full-scale mass production in 2024.
Technical Specifications
According to data published by Samel-90, the SAMJET features the following key performance characteristics:
- Airframe Design: Delta-wing configuration
- Launch Method: Autonomous rocket-assisted launch; no runway required
- Cruising Speed: Approximately 120 km/h
- Maximum Speed: Approximately 250 km/h
- Maximum Payload: Up to 5 kg
- Operational Range: "Several hundred kilometers" depending on mission profile
Confirmed Operational Deployment
Samel-90 has previously stated that the SAMJET is already in service with at least one undisclosed overseas operator, indicating the system has undergone preliminary operational validation. The public live-fire demonstration conducted before the Middle East prospect is expected to further boost the drone's international arms export potential.
Source: Samel-90 / Photography: Fabio Desolei
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