France-Israel Joint Force Unveils Diamond-Shaped Munition To Bolster Uae Defense Capabilities

In a significant development for defense technology in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), French multinational arms company MBDA and Israeli defense contractor Fly-R have signed a groundbreaking co-development contract to create a cutting-edge diamond-shaped loitering munition. The partnership, announced during Eurosatory 2026, marks an important milestone in the UAE’s efforts to localize its defense industry and leverages MBDA’s expertise in developing advanced precision-guided munitions.

The contract, which was formally signed at Dubai Airshow 2025, is part of a broader agreement between MBDA and Tawazun Council, a UAE-based strategic partner, aimed at establishing strategic projects supporting the localization of defense technology in the country. This collaboration reflects MBDA’s strategy to establish a deep-rooted presence in the UAE defense industry, with a focus on fostering innovation and reducing costs.

The co-development contract is set to bring together MBDA’s advanced technologies and Fly-R’s local expertise, leveraging the UAE’s thriving defense ecosystem and supply chain to accelerate innovation and drive cost savings. The partnership will see the establishment of an MBDA Landed Company in the UAE, which will be responsible for developing, qualifying, and preparing the mass-production of the loitering munition.

The new company will operate from a dedicated facility in Abu Dhabi, with access to the Missile Engineering Centre (MEC), a joint development center established by MBDA in 2023 to develop its Smart Weapons family. The MEC is a critical component of MBDA’s UAE strategy, providing a hub for collaboration between Emirati engineers and technicians and international experts.

Designing a solution tailored to address evolving threats is at the heart of this partnership. The diamond-shaped loitering munition is a highly advanced precision-guided munition designed to counter modern military challenges. Its unique shape and size enable it to operate in a wide range of environments, from urban to desert landscapes. Advanced sensors and AI capabilities provide real-time battlefield awareness, allowing operators to detect and engage targets with unprecedented accuracy.

With its ability to operate for up to 60 minutes without re-supply, the loitering munition provides an extended reconnaissance and strike capability, making it an invaluable asset for a range of missions. Its compact size and lightweight design enable easy transportation and deployment, making it suitable for integration onto various platforms, including vehicles, surface vessels, and air platforms.

One of the key advantages of the diamond-shaped loitering munition is its ability to engage targets at distances up to 50 kilometers, providing operators with a significant range advantage over traditional munitions. Its AI-powered systems also enable it to adapt to changing battlefield conditions in real-time, ensuring maximum effectiveness against a wide range of threats.

The partnership between MBDA, Fly-R, and Tawazun Council marks an important milestone in the growing defense cooperation between France and Israel. The UAE’s decision to partner with MBDA and Fly-R on this project is also significant, as it underscores the country’s commitment to establishing a robust defense industry that can contribute to regional security and stability.

The localization of advanced defense technologies like the diamond-shaped loitering munition will not only boost the UAE’s defense capabilities but also create new opportunities for local industries and economies. As the partnership moves forward, it is likely to share best practices and expertise in developing advanced precision-guided munitions, with potential applications in regions around the world.

The establishment of an MBDA Landed Company in the UAE will play a critical role in supporting the mass-production of the loitering munition. The company’s dedicated facility in Abu Dhabi will provide a hub for collaboration between Emirati engineers and technicians and international experts. Access to the MEC will enable local engineers to work alongside international experts, driving innovation and reducing costs.

As the UAE continues to strengthen its defense industry, partnerships like this one are crucial in establishing a robust and sustainable sector that can contribute to regional security and stability. The co-development contract between MBDA and Fly-R is an important step forward in this journey, demonstrating the potential for collaboration and innovation in advanced defense technologies.

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