New Coyote Anti-Drone Interceptor Swaps Jet Engine For Rocket Power

According to the reports, Raytheon has introduced the Block 2C+RM upgrade for its Coyote interceptor drone, swapping its traditional jet engine for rocket power. Testing of this new rocket-powered Coyote interceptor is currently underway, with Raytheon completing three successful tests in a development timeframe reported as fifteen months. The coverage heavily emphasizes both the technological pivot to rocket propulsion and a substantial financial boost for the company. Outlets report that RTX's Raytheon has secured $729 million in counter-drone contracts.

These specific agreements involve the United States, Qatar, and Jordan. Publications like The Globe and Mail specifically address whether this surging demand for counter-drone technology can actively support RTX's broader defense growth outlook moving forward, highlighting the commercial weight of these military contracts. Context provided across the reporting notes that these technological unveilings and testing milestones coincide with major industry events, specifically referencing AUSA 2026. The evolution of the Coyote interceptor from jet propulsion to a rocket-powered variant represents a direct response to rising global demand for effective counter-drone systems.

Coverage does not yet specify full operational deployment timelines for the Block 2C+RM upgrade beyond the current testing phase, but the concurrent contract awards indicate immediate interest from multiple international governments. As developments unfold, observers and market analysts will be tracking further updates from RTX regarding the integration of the rocket-powered Coyote variant into existing defense inventories. Coverage does not yet specify additional procurement milestones for the United States, Qatar, or Jordan beyond the announced $729 million in contracts. Future reports will likely focus on whether subsequent tests maintain the rapid development pace demonstrated in the initial fifteen-month timeline reported by specialized engineering and defense publications.