London, UK, 18 December 2025
ESOX Group will make its first public appearance at CES 2026 with the unveiling of two new defence platforms: the X1 interceptor drone and the X2 UGV technology demonstrator. The showcase reflects ESOX’s focus on fast, mission-led engineering for NATO and allied programmes, built around intelligent propulsion, adaptive software, advanced materials and next-generation simulation.
ESOX Group aims to deliver intelligent technology across air and ground domains with significantly faster development cycles than traditional defence contractors.
New platforms at CES
The X1 interceptor drone is a cost-effective counter-UAS platform built on a multi-role airframe. It supports long-range communications and a range of sensor packages, and uses ESOX’s AI algorithms for target acquisition and strike accuracy. The prototype’s first flight is planned for January 2026, with an industrialised variant due in April. A scaled model and development footage will be shown at CES.
The X2 UGV demonstrator is a compact autonomous ground platform designed to highlight ESOX’s propulsion and control systems. It uses four 12-inch Theron Motors in a tank-steer configuration and will run on ESOX’s printed airless tyres for added durability. The vehicle is attracting enquiries from UGV manufacturers seeking integrated propulsion solutions.
ESOX will use CES to preview a further technology capability that supports its integrated air and ground systems.
Technology underpinning the platforms
At the heart of both systems is ESOX’s use of integrated technologies. Theron Motors used in the X2 have a hollow-centre architecture that removes the need for complex drivetrains, reducing maintenance and lowering acoustic and thermal signatures. The motors offer high torque density and efficiency at low weight, making them suitable for heavy-lift UAVs and agile ground vehicles.
ESOX Software provides a visual, no-code environment for building vehicle logic. Engineers create and test control behaviour through an intuitive interface supported by AI. This allows more rapid iteration and safer fleet-wide deployment when battlefield conditions change.
The company is also preparing Digital Twin 2.0, a simulation environment where the same software runs on both the hardware and the model. The environment includes accurate 3D terrain and is being expanded to support weather, ballistics, urban environments and adversary behaviour.
Meeting growing demand for intelligent defence
The launch comes as NATO defence spending approaches €1.5 trillion a year. All 32 member nations are expected to reach 2% of GDP on defence in 2025, with a collective commitment to reach 5% of GDP on total security by 2035. Budgets are shifting toward autonomy, electrification and ISR, creating sustained demand for uncrewed and electrified systems.
“Defence needs faster cycles, smarter systems and solutions guided by the mission,” said Dan Walmsley, CEO of ESOX Group. “X1 and X2 show how our group now works: integrated propulsion, smart control, advanced batteries, coatings and simulation brought together in practical platforms. We’re looking forward to CES and demonstrating this step forward.”
Visitors to CES 2026 can view the scaled X1 model, the X2 demonstrator and live video demonstrations on the ESOX stand in the West Hall (5539).
