CX2 Unveils Wraith, Airborne EW Platform for Jammed Battlefields
CX2, a U.S. defense technology securing spectrum dominance for the United States and its allies has launched Wraith, a lightweight aerial electronic warfare (EW) drone built to locate, track, and identify jammers, radars, and other RF signals in hostile, GPS-denied areas.
In an official statement, CX2 emphasizes that Wraith is engineered to “weaponize the RF spectrum” for frontline units operating in contested zones. The company explains that the system is an autonomous Group 2 drone with custom navigation software, allowing it to operate independently without GPS.
Modern battlefields feature numerous GPS and FPV jammers, C2 links, and drone ground stations. Without identifying these threats, maneuvering is impossible. CX2 states, “Modern warfare needs decentralized networks of affordable systems capable of finding, fixing, and finishing the surge of jammers and RF emitters on today’s battlefield. Without accurate geolocation, tactical maneuvering is impossible.”
The aircraft weighs just 32 pounds (14.5 kg) and folds down to compact dimensions of 15 x 48.5 x 20 inches, consolidating various intelligence and targeting tools into one platform. Wraith features GNSS hardening and layered non-GPS navigation systems, enabling it to operate autonomously. Its onboard signal classification engine can identify RF threats within complex electromagnetic environments.
Once RF sources are detected, Wraith uses a gimbaled electro-optical/infrared (EO/IR) sensor for visual confirmation and target tracking. The integrated CX2-OS software enhances operational awareness by providing spectral heat-maps and overlays for emitter targeting, assisting units on the ground.
According to the company, “Wraith accurately pinpoints high-value emitters, including jammers, radars, and ground control systems, from its single airborne platform, serving as both sensor and vehicle.”
Wraith was developed in partnership with a U.S. government agency and has been tested in several military evaluations, including at the Joint Multinational Readiness Center (JMRC) in Hohenfels, Germany. Recent tests showed Wraith maintained precise geolocation against a 300-watt GPS jammer and reliably detected targets from various distances beyond line of sight.
With roughly 45 minutes of flight time, Wraith complies with the U.S. National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which limits critical defense systems to domestic electronics. Its advanced communications suite ensures reliable data transfer even in challenging electromagnetic environments, while Pathfinder software enables precise navigation using multi-band antennas and AI assistance.
CX2 notes that Wraith’s autonomy and sensor fusion allow it to function alone or as part of a broader network, addressing the need for scalable unmanned solutions in electronic warfare and reconnaissance operations.
Wraith’s launch follows CX2’s recent announcement of Vadris, an RF-seeking payload for FPV drones that was downselected by the Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) for further evaluation. The integration of Wraith and Vadris equips small units with enhanced capability to observe, assess, and operate within the spectrum where contemporary conflicts are determined.
Electronic warfare has become a frontline mission. CX2’s advanced spectrum systems are helping warfighters succeed in highly contested environments.