UAE defense companies unveil independent land, air and mass plans at UMEX 2026
The UAE has strengthened its position as a global center for autonomous, unmanned and defense technology, presenting a new generation of AI-enabled, air and AI systems and major defense contracts at the Unmanned Systems Exhibition and Conference (UMEX) and Simulation and Training Exhibition (SimTEX) 2026 in Abu Dhabi.
Held under the patronage of Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice Chairman of the Presidential Court for Special Affairs and Chairman of the Smart and Autonomous Systems Council, the exhibition brings together global defense leaders, regulators and technology developers as the UAE accelerates its push towards advanced autonomous systems.
The Tawazun Defense Council announced contracts worth AED879.785m ($239.5m) signed on behalf of the Ministry of Defense on the first day of UMEX & SimTEX 2026.
Three contracts were signed with EDGE Group, including AED28.883m ($7.9m) to develop the SCORPIO S and SCORPIO M unmanned vehicles, AED22m ($6m) to develop a gyrocopter into an unmanned transport aircraft, and AED661.194m ($180m.06) for the purchase of a 180m aircraft.
In addition, Diveco International for Military Equipment, part of the Ramah International Group, signed a contract worth AED167.708m ($45.7m) to acquire remotely operated vehicles.
Tawazun spokespersons Mohammed Saif Al Zaabi and Manea Abdulkarim Al Mansouri confirmed that other contract announcements will follow during the three-day exhibition.
EDGE extends the global reach of the UAE defense industry
Hamad Al Marar, Managing Director and CEO of EDGE, said that the group’s defense solutions now reach more than 100 countries around the world, which shows the growing international confidence in Emirati defense production.
He said EDGE entered 2026 with more than 180 solutions ready for deployment and 40 additional systems under development, all powered by artificial intelligence. More than 70 percent of EDGE’s sales last year were exports, unmanned systems, weapons and security solutions.
Al Marar said: “In the UAE, we are proud of our armed and security forces and the police, and we strive to provide defense and security products that enable them to carry out their daily tasks with high efficiency, ensuring that the UAE remains safe for its people and continues to strengthen its position as one of the safest countries in the world”.
An off-road vehicle was discovered without a driver
SteerAI, part of the Advanced Technology Research Council ecosystem, has launched the xRift, a fully autonomous off-road vehicle designed for industrial and defense applications in harsh desert and rugged environments.
Launched with the support of the Smart and Autonomous Systems Council, the xRift has a flat deck capable of carrying payloads of up to 500 kg, including intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance modules, weapons systems and transport equipment.
Michael Sonderby, Acting CEO of SteerAI, said: “The xRift represents a new generation of efficient autonomous solution that is reliable, scalable, and customizable to meet the operational needs of users.”
The vehicle is powered by SteerAI’s CoreX autonomous driving system, developed in collaboration with the Technology Innovation Institute (TII), and production units are expected to be ready for shipment by the end of 2026.
Private airlines
Rashid Al Manai, CEO of LODD Autonomous, revealed that the company has received orders for more than 200 units of its Heli drone, designed and manufactured in Abu Dhabi.
He said the plane, which completed its first flight in November 2025, can carry a load of up to 250 kg and has a range of up to 700km. The first test operations are scheduled for mid-2027, with full certification expected the following year by the UAE General Civil Aviation Authority.
Meanwhile, UAE-based AirQ Limited launched its Cargo 200 and Cargo 40 projects, which have vertical take-off and landing capabilities and hybrid-powered systems designed for flexible cargo shipments.
AI-powered drone fleet
SIRBAI has announced the launch of the Middle East’s first AI-powered autonomous surm technology, marking its entry into the field of defense technology.
Developed in Abu Dhabi with the support of TII, the platform enables multiple drones to operate cooperatively and with high autonomy in complex environments.
Dr. Najwa Aaraj, Chief Executive Officer at the Technology Innovation Institute, said: “The launch of SIRBAI’s next-generation technology marks an important milestone in the region’s defense technology agenda.”
Abu Dhabi exemplifies the concept of smart travel
The Integrated Transport Center, an affiliate of the Ministry of Municipalities and Transport, participated in UMEX & SimTEX 2026 as a Regulatory Mobility Partner, showcasing autonomous solutions including charging robots with AI capabilities, drone inspections and the UAE Drones Unified Platform that supports advanced air traffic and f.
