Eurosatory 2026: Locally produced loitering munition destined for UAE Navy, says MBDA
MBDA’s diamond-shaped loitering munition is reportedly destined for the UAE Navy. (Photo: MBDA)
On Thursday 18 June at Eurosatory 2026, MBDA and Fly-R publicly announced the signing of a contract to ensure the rapid development, qualification and preparation for mass production of a diamond-shaped loitering munition in the UAE. The newly established local entity in the UAE will conduct the work in the Middle Eastern country, leveraging the local supply chain to produce the platform.
Speaking to Shephard at the MBDA chalet, Hugo Coqueret, MBDA’s business development manager for battlefield, confirmed that the system’s end customer would be the UAE Navy.
The news from Paris follows announcements from the Dubai Airshow 2025, where MBDA and the Tawazun Council for
Our news & analysis is now part of Defence Insight®
A Basic-level or higher Defence Insight subscription is now required to view this content.
More from Country-focused updates
-
DVD 2026: British Army’s Ajax back in the hands of users as part of a gradual return
The introduction of Ajax vehicles into British Army service was stopped after operator health issues were reported during an exercise, but manufacturer General Dynamics Land Systems UK believes work over the past 10 months has dealt with the problems.
-
Suppliers await next step in Australia’s mine warfare transition
Australia’s mine countermeasure capability remains in flux as the Huon-class nears retirement, but accelerated investment in autonomous systems is opening a path for industry.
-
India’s rotary-wing capability gap grows as IMRH programme delays persist
With IMRH and DBMRH potentially years from service, India faces a widening rotary-wing capability gap that could drive further foreign purchases even as HAL and Safran build the foundations of an indigenous successor.
-
AFA 2026: Swarm Aero eyes 2027 Gamera flight as Textron/Merlin reveal SkyCourier UX
Two new uncrewed aircraft concepts target very different US military requirements, from massed long-range strike to autonomous logistics. Shephard spoke with executives from Swarm Aero, Textron Aviation and Merlin Labs at this year's AFA Air, Space & Cyber conference to learn more about their capabilities.