# Cobra 600 UAV flight testing

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/cobra-600-uav-flight-testing
> Updated: 2026-08-25T06:02:00.000Z. Sources: 4. Developments: 2.

German defense contractors Diehl Defence and POLARIS Spaceplanes have successfully conducted the maiden flight of the Cobra 600, a reusable jet-powered unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). The test flight covered approximately 20km over the Baltic Sea to validate aerodynamic structures and flight-control systems.

Developed under the Airborne Launching and Attack System (AirLAS) initiative, the Cobra 600 is designed to function as a mobile air-defense platform. The system aims to increase operational flexibility and effective range by air-launching IRIS-T air-to-air missiles from the drone to intercept threats such as helicopters, drones, cruise missiles, or manned aircraft.

The UAV has a maximum takeoff weight of over 600kg. Future testing will focus on integrating the IRIS-T missile, establishing secure command links for target engagement, and potentially utilizing satellite internet modules to maintain communication in electronic warfare environments.

## Timeline

### 2026-08-25: POLARIS Spaceplanes completes maiden flight of COBRA UAV

POLARIS Spaceplanes successfully completed the maiden flight of its COBRA uncrewed prototype, a mobile air-defense platform designed to air-launch IRIS-T missiles.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/polaris-spaceplanes-completes-maiden-flight-of-cobra-uav

### 2026-08-23: Cobra 600 jet-powered UAV completes successful first flight test

German contractors Diehl Defence and POLARIS Raumflugzeuge successfully tested the Cobra 600, a reusable jet-powered UAV designed to carry IRIS-T missiles for enhanced air defense.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/cobra-600-jet-powered-uav-completes-successful-first-flight-test

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Cite as: Cobra 600 UAV flight testing. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/cobra-600-uav-flight-testing