First UAE-Made Drone Unveiled

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The United Arab Emirates is entering the drone manufacturing market. ADASI, a subsidiary of the government-owned company Edge, has unveiled its first locally-made vertical-takeoff-and-landing drone, the Garmousha.

Aimed at further advancing air operations and enhancing performance, the new Garmousha drone is a light military aircraft designed to carry about 100-kilogram payloads. It reportedly has a 6-hour endurance, or 150 kilometers. It’s also equipped with a high-definition camera.

The drone can be used to detect gas pipeline leaks, survey infrastructure, and perform search-and-rescue operations. Its advanced capabilities are expected to reduce the overall cost of operations and allow militaries to save manned helicopters for critical missions.

It can simultaneously carry a wide variety of payloads, including a stabilized electro-optical sensor for day and night intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance missions.

The company’s CEO Ali Al Yafei told defensenews.com that their client list was confidential. “We have received considerable interest from many prospective international clients, and are currently engaging with them. We are still at an early stage in the process. Any further announcements will be made in due course,” he added.

Al Yafei said the rotary-wing drone “can be modified according to our customer’s requirements. There is an additional option for a diesel engine, if requested. Additional advanced technologies can be integrated onto the system for either commercial or military use.”