Attis Aviation, a young Israeli aerospace company founded in 2021, is quickly establishing itself as a rising force in the unmanned aerial systems (UAS) industry.
The company’s vision is ambitious: to provide end-to-end UAS solutions that serve both civilian and military markets. From research and development to flight testing, pilot training, certification, and operational support, Attis Aviation is a one-stop shop for organizations seeking advanced drone capabilities.
Based in Caesarea, the company was founded by Yoram Soffer, Zahi Ben Ari, Omer Dahan, and Mark Koltun, its CEO. It is set to unveil its flagship innovation – the ROC vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) UAS – at the upcoming UVID conference in Tel Aviv at the end of November.
“We went from a validated idea to being airborne in nine months,” Koltun told Defense & Tech by The Jerusalem Post during a recent visit to the company’s factory. “A lot of people told us it was impossible, but after a hard and dedicated effort by our team, we finally took to the skies.”
The ROC is a VTOL UAS designed to bridge the gap between long-endurance fixed-wing drones and flexible rotary systems. With a maximum takeoff weight of 150 kilograms, the ROC can carry payloads of up to 40 kg., making it suitable for missions that require heavy equipment, such as advanced imaging sensors or logistical cargo.
Its endurance is equally impressive, notably its ability to remain airborne for over 20 hours. Powered by a hybrid drive system that combines electric motors with a jet-fuel engine, the ROC is efficient and versatile, enabling it to adapt to a wide range of operational missions, such as border protection, perimeter security, or firefighting solutions.
“This platform can integrate multiple payloads,” Koltun told the Post, explaining that it can carry out intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) missions that previously were carried out by larger unmanned aircraft such as Medium Altitude Long Endurance (MALE) drones. With ROC, we are providing it on a smaller VTOL UAV.”
Versatile platform
Attis Aviation sees applications for its technology across multiple sectors.
In the civilian sphere, the ROC can be deployed for infrastructure inspection, agricultural monitoring, environmental research, and cargo delivery. In defense, it offers capabilities for surveillance, reconnaissance, and tactical support. By integrating large payload capacity with long endurance, the company aims to provide solutions that are both practical and cost-effective.
And as a VTOL UAV, ROC is not dependent on any runways.
“If you aren’t VTOL, then you need a runway and during many missions there aren’t any runways and you lose precious time looking for one,” Koltun said, adding, “Runways are operational limitations.”
Although still a relatively new player in the aerospace market, Attis Aviation is competing in a field that has seen hundreds of new UAV companies around the world competing against each other. Its emphasis on certified operations and regulatory expertise gives it a unique edge, particularly in regions where compliance is a prerequisite for deployment.
“We are looking at quality, it’s a core value of the company. But we also work very fast,” Koltun said.
Looking ahead, Attis Aviation intends to expand its footprint beyond Israel, offering its ROC system to international clients in the commercial and defense sectors.
“Israel is the laboratory, and Europe and North America are our main markets,” Koltun said, explaining that the system can help patrol large segments of European or North American borders.
In an industry where endurance, payload, and regulatory compliance often determine success, Attis Aviation is carving out a niche as a provider of versatile and forward-looking UAV systems. And with global demand for UAVs expected to rise sharply in the coming years, the company is positioning to capture a share of this market by delivering high-quality, multi-mission solutions.