Saudi Arabia unveils first indigenous armed drone ‘Saqr 1’
King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST) has unveiled a new strategic drone programme called Saqr 1 in Riyadh according to a Saudi Press Agency report 10 May.
KACST President Prince Turki bin Saud bin Mohammed stated that the Saqr 1 is equipped with a Ka satellite communication system. It has a range of 2500km, can launch guided armaments from 550 – 6000m with a range of 10km. The UAV is equipped with thermal imaging and surveillance technology, and capable of an average altitude of 20,000ft with a flight time of 24 hours.
The National Aeronautical Technology Centre, a
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
More from Defence Notes
-
Estonia boosting defence industry with lessons from Ukraine, says country’s economic minister
Estonia is looking to boost its local defence industry with directed funding, industry parks, support through international orders for equipment and rapid prototyping.
-
UK faces cost of balancing defensive capabilities abroad as Iran conflict widens
The UK has recently deployed a Type 45 destroyer to Cyprus and has bolstered its presence in the Middle East in recent weeks with supporting air power to protect neighbouring countries’ air defences.
-
White House calls on Pentagon contractors to “rapidly and aggressively” boost weapon production
Intended to sustain Operation Epic Fury against Iran, efforts to increase the production of weapons and ammunition could expose long-standing weaknesses in the US defence industrial base.
-
India’s strategic defence footprint expansion could be accelerated by Iran-Israel conflict
The latest escalation between Iran and Israel could shape New Delhi’s next-generation shield as India deepens cooperation with Israel on missile defence and drone production.
-
Is the US magazine of air defence interceptors deep enough to sustain a long campaign against Iran?
The Pentagon spent a considerable number of THAAD and SM-3 rounds to defend against Iranian missiles in 2025 and has not fully replenished its reserves.
-
New Zealand buys tri-service uncrewed kit from Syos Aerospace
As uncrewed technology continues to play an increasingly central role in modern military activities, New Zealand’s recent acquisitions point towards its the force’s focus on cost-effective capability.