PBS GROUP has announced an expanded partnership with U.S.-based Zone 5 Technologies to supply jet engines for the White Spike interceptor, a next-generation system designed to counter drones and missile threats. The announcement was made at the Farnborough International Airshow 2026.
Under a multi-year agreement, PBS Aerospace, the group’s U.S. arm, will manufacture and deliver the engines from its facility in Roswell, Georgia. The White Spike interceptor has been developed to address the increasing threat posed by unmanned aerial systems, offering a cost-effective and scalable solution for modern air defense.
Designed for rapid deployment and mass production, White Spike can intercept targets such as long-range attack drones at distances exceeding 50 kilometres while maintaining significantly lower costs compared to traditional systems. The system’s performance is supported by ongoing collaboration between PBS Aerospace and Zone 5 Technologies under the Rusty Dagger program.
“At PBS GROUP, we believe defence technologies must be both advanced and available at scale to meet the realities of modern conflicts,” said William Didden, Owner of PBS GROUP. He highlighted the company’s continued investment in U.S. manufacturing and its commitment to supporting the defence capabilities of the United States and its allies.
PBS engines are specifically designed for integration into missiles and unmanned systems, where size, weight, reliability and performance are critical. With decades of experience and extensive operational deployment, the company’s propulsion systems are widely regarded as proven solutions in demanding environments.
The growing demand for such systems, driven by evolving battlefield requirements, is expected to support increased production capacity across PBS GROUP’s facilities in the United States and the Czech Republic. According to CEO Petr Kádner, ongoing investments and manufacturing expansion will enable the company to meet rising global demand while maintaining high performance and efficiency standards.
At Farnborough, PBS also highlighted advancements including a new electronic ignition system designed to improve engine reliability across a wider range of operating conditions, particularly for unmanned platforms.
The agreement reinforces PBS GROUP’s role in next-generation defence systems, supporting efforts to enhance air defence capabilities and protect both military personnel and civilian populations from emerging aerial threats.
