Thermopylae Aerospace has completed an end-to-end flight demonstration of its SPART interceptor platform for U.S. Air Force leadership at Edwards Air Force Base. The California-based startup showcased the counter-unmanned aerial system during the “Game of Drones 26-2” evaluation event in mid-July.
As reported by the publication Defence Blog, the company was founded in June 2025 by Yehor Balytskyi, a young Ukrainian engineer. Balytskyi, who left Ukraine following Russia’s 2022 invasion, emphasized that SPART was developed to provide a lower-cost, asymmetric alternative to traditional missile-based interceptors and manually piloted systems, relying on automated scalable technology.
The pneumatically launched, foldable quadcopter demonstrated its operational capabilities before the 412th Test Wing. The system is engineered to counter Group 2-class threats, including Shahed-type attack drones, reaching speeds up to 350 km/h with an operational endurance of up to 20 minutes. The platform utilizes thermal guidance and features a partial-recovery capability if a target is missed, allowing deployment from ground vehicles, maritime vessels, manned platforms, and uncrewed aerial vehicles.
The demonstration occurred under the Department of War’s Drone Dominance initiative, which accelerates the evaluation and acquisition of small uncrewed systems. The company is currently operating within a multi-month evaluation window to secure a procurement contract with the U.S. military.
