During the Eurosatory 2026 exhibition, MBDA and Fly-R entered into a significant agreement to advance the rapid production of an innovative diamond-shaped loitering munition in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). This collaboration builds on prior partnerships formed at the Dubai Airshow 2025, where MBDA, in conjunction with Tawazun Council, initiated strategic projects aimed at enhancing local defense technology. This initiative showcases MBDA’s commitment to embedding its defense capabilities deeply within the UAE.
Development of Advanced Loitering Munition
The contract involves the development, qualification, and preparation for mass production of the loitering munition in the UAE through the newly formed MBDA Landed Company. This effort will incorporate the transfer of knowledge and technology from MBDA and Fly-R, taking advantage of local supply chains and the broader defense ecosystem. This approach is designed to expedite innovation while also contributing to cost reduction, ensuring that the UAE remains at the forefront of modern defense capabilities.
A specialized team has been established in the UAE through the MBDA Landed Company, consisting of Emirati engineers and technicians. They will receive support from the Missile Engineering Centre (MEC), a facility created by MBDA in Abu Dhabi in 2023 to focus on developing smart weapon systems. This collaborative environment aims to bolster the local workforce’s skills while fostering advanced technological developments in the region.
Precision Strikes and Versatile Applications
The diamond-shaped loitering munition is crafted for remote-controlled precision strikes against key targets. It boasts remarkable features such as high speed and extreme maneuverability, thereby accommodating a wide array of mission profiles. The design ensures that it is tube-launched, lightweight, and compact, which allows for rapid deployment and ease of use.
This loitering munition can sustain operations for up to 60 minutes, making it suitable for both daytime and nighttime reconnaissance and strike missions. Additionally, it can be utilized as a man-portable system or mounted on various platforms, including vehicles, naval ships, and aircraft. Its versatility significantly enhances operational effectiveness in diverse combat scenarios.
Enhanced Capabilities with AI Integration
Equipped with advanced artificial intelligence (AI), the loitering munition also carries a potent payload, creating a transformative capability that provides an operational edge on today’s complex battlefield. It can engage both fixed and mobile targets, whether on land or at sea. This includes the ability to track and neutralize armored vehicles, critical infrastructure, and high-speed attack craft at ranges of up to 50 kilometers.
This partnership not only emphasizes the importance of innovation in defense technology but also illustrates a significant leap towards enhancing national security capabilities in the UAE. The incorporation of cutting-edge systems reflects the eagerness of both MBDA and Fly-R to address evolving threats and adapt to the challenges of modern warfare. This collaboration sets a precedent for future joint ventures and technological advancements in the region’s defense sector, ultimately supporting the broader objectives of national security and technological self-reliance.