High-tech drones being acquired in large numbers by Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.
The Middle Eastern nations of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Saudi Arabia are making significant strides in their quest for self-sufficiency in military technology, particularly in the production of advanced military drones.
In a notable development, the UAE is negotiating with Israel’s Elbit Systems for the procurement of Hermes 900 reconnaissance drones. This deal, which includes a phased technology transfer and local assembly by the UAE’s EDGE Group, aligns with the country's Strategic Plan 2025-2028 for defense industrialization.
The UAE has already taken a step towards domestic production with the acquisition of Baykar Defense’s Turkish Bayraktar TB2 drones. Negotiations for up to 120 more TB2s are underway, alongside plans to establish a local manufacturing plant. This move marks a significant shift towards increasing domestic production capacity.
Saudi Arabia has also made headlines with a major deal signed with Baykar Defense in July 2023 for the supply of heavy strike drones (Akinci) with potential local production in the kingdom. This deal aligns with Saudi Vision 2030, which emphasizes self-sufficiency and high-tech domestic weapons manufacturing.
The EDGE Group, a dominant local defense firm in the UAE, has cooperated with Baykar on a project for integrating its Desert Sting smart micro munition with the Bayraktar TB2. This collaboration demonstrates how international collaborations can accelerate technology absorption and localization.
Under the Abraham Accords framework, the UAE-Israel defense cooperation, especially the Hermes 900 deal, represents a significant model for Gulf states to pursue technology transfer and localized drone production with trusted partners while reducing reliance on traditional suppliers.
Saudi Arabia and the UAE are also increasing their acquisition of advanced military drones from various countries. The UAE received 20 Bayraktar TB2 armed drones in 2022, and negotiations for an acquisition of up to 120 TB2s were reported. Baykar has delivered two Akincis to the UAE as part of a hitherto undisclosed deal.
The CEO of Baykar Defense described the Saudi arms deal for the Akinci drone as "the biggest defense and aviation export contract in the history of the Republic of Turkey." It remains unclear whether Abu Dhabi has reached agreements with Baykar for the localized production of either the TB2 or Akinci drones.
Saudi Arabia is interested in securing technology transfers and localized production agreements for the Akinci drones in accordance with its Vision 2030 reform agenda. A recent analysis by the Washington Institute noted that the Israeli-UAE Hermes 900 agreement includes a phased technology transfer plan leading to domestic production.
These moves reflect a strategic shift towards defense industrial self-sufficiency and export capability development in the Middle East. The Hermes 900 drone, equipped with advanced sensors, synthetic-aperture radar, and capable of flying for at least 30 hours at a maximum altitude of 30,000 feet, is a testament to the advanced technology these nations are aiming to acquire and produce locally.
The EDGE Group, in partnership with Baykar Defense, is working on integrating the Desert Sting smart micro munition with the Bayraktar TB2, demonstrating how international collaborations can facilitate technology absorption and localization within defense industries.
The UAE-Israel defense cooperation, as exemplified by the Hermes 900 deal with Elbit Systems, serves as a model for Gulf states to pursue technology transfer and localized production of drones with trusted partners, reducing dependency on traditional suppliers.
