Today's Edition
AMEINAH ALZEYOUDI (ABU DHABI)
International Golden Group (IGG), a subsidiary of EDGE and a leading provider of high-end defence and security solutions in the UAE, is showcasing an advanced fleet of eight fully Emirati-designed and -built unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) at UMEX 2026.
The project is based at the IGG Industrial Complex in Al Ajban and spans a diverse range of mission scenarios - from surveillance and reconnaissance to tactical strike and AI-powered target tracking.
"Emirati hands are shaping the future of aerial systems," an IGG representative told Aletihad in an interview on the sidelines of UMEX 2026.
"The UAE is taking steady steps towards leadership in advanced technological manufacturing, embodied in this strategic project, which aims to design, build and program eight unmanned aircraft by Emirati engineers."
Fleet Overview: From Training to AI-powered Operations
The drones vary in size from 3 to 13 inches and cover four mission categories: training and personal reconnaissance, high-performance and stealth, loitering munitions and tactical strike, and intelligent systems for advanced operations. Each platform was built to serve specific mission profiles, from field surveillance to precision strike and AI-enabled tracking.
"This project supports self-reliance and strengthens the UAE's standing in advanced manufacturing and autonomous systems," the IGG spokesperson explained.
"Our drones were designed to be multi-mission and able to carry different technical payloads depending on the task."
In the training and personal reconnaissance category, the 3-inch TR drone serves as an ultra-light training platform with a speed of 100 kilometres per hour, while the MK "Makleen" drone is designed for field use, offering soldiers close-range scouting with a range of up to 1 kilometre.
The high-performance and stealth category includes the 5-inch RK drone - featuring a streamlined profile and speeds of up to 250 kilometres per hour for strike missions - and the SK drone, built for covert reconnaissance with a semi-transparent frame and a ceiling of 5,500 feet.
For loitering munitions and tactical strike operations, IGG revealed the 10-inch M7-D digital loitering drone, capable of switching between Endurance, Hybrid, and Acro flight modes, and designed for precision strikes with resistance to GPS jamming. The M7-X platform, also in this category, is optimised for short-range missions with fast field deployment and analogue FPV control.
The most advanced platforms, in the 13-inch category, include the Z7-AI drone, equipped with AI-supported automatic target detection, recognition, and real-time tracking with a 15-kilometre range, and the Z7-SD, which supports live data streaming and controlled payload release.
Advancing UAE Readiness Through Skilled Emirati Talent
Beyond manufacturing, the project places "strong emphasis on preparing Emirati personnel". IGG confirmed that nearly 300 UAE nationals have been trained to the highest technical standards through a multi-layered training programme.
"The project is built around developing comprehensive national capabilities in unmanned aerial systems and advanced software."
Training methods include indoor training drones for learning control skills in enclosed spaces, outdoor drone training platforms that replicate real-world weather and terrain conditions, and virtual reality simulations that enable safe, immersive instruction environments.
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"By combining engineering design with Emirati-developed software, it lays the foundation for a base of Emirati expertise capable of leading the future of unmanned flight globally."
