MBDA and Fly-R Sign Co-Development Contract for Diamond-Shape Loitering Munition in UAE

MBDA and Fly-R Sign Co-Development Contract for Diamond-Shape Loitering Munition in UAE

During Eurosatory 2026, European missile group MBDA and unmanned systems company Fly-R formally signed a contract to rapidly co-develop a distinctive diamond-shaped loitering munition in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

The agreement follows the strategic cooperation memorandum signed between MBDA and the Tawazun Council at the Dubai Airshow 2025, and is aimed at supporting the localisation of UAE defence technology. It also reflects MBDA's long-term strategy of deepening its presence in the UAE defence industrial base.

Contract Scope and Localisation Framework

Under the contract, both parties will conduct development, certification, and production-readiness work for the loitering munition through MBDA's newly established MBDA Landed Company in the UAE. The programme will leverage technology and knowledge transfer from both MBDA and Fly-R, while integrating local supply chains and the broader defence ecosystem to accelerate innovation and reduce costs.

A dedicated joint team based in the UAE will recruit Emirati engineers and technicians, and will receive support from the Missile Engineering Centre (MEC) — established by MBDA in Abu Dhabi in 2023 specifically to support the co-development of a "smart weapons family."

Performance Specifications: High Speed, High Manoeuvrability, Multi-Mission

The diamond-shaped loitering munition is designed for remotely controlled precision strikes against critical targets, combining high speed with extreme manoeuvrability across a range of mission profiles. Key characteristics include:

• Launch method: Tube-launched — lightweight and compact
• Deployment flexibility: Rapid deployment and ease of operation, supporting man-portable carriage or integration on multiple platforms (ground vehicles, surface vessels, airborne platforms)
• Endurance: Up to 60 minutes, with day/night reconnaissance and strike capability
• Strike range: Up to 50 km
• Target set: Fixed and moving targets on land or at sea, including armoured vehicles, infrastructure, fast inshore attack craft, and unmanned surface vessels (USVs)

Embedded advanced artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities combined with a high-lethality warhead are intended to deliver a decisive operational advantage on the modern battlefield.

MBDA previously showcased this diamond-shaped loitering munition at DIMDEX 2026, where imagery of the system was made available.

This article was originally published by Naval News, based on a press release from MBDA.

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