EDGE Group has unveiled swarming drones on the first day of the Unmanned Systems Exhibition and Conference (UMEX 2022), at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC). The exhbition runs until 23 February.

Participating as the event’s official strategic partner, EDGE showcased its swarming drones, which are based on the Hunter 2 series of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) developed by HALCON,  a regional leader in the production and supply of precision-guided weapons and  UAS. Designed to ensure a decisive edge in combat, the ground-launched drones fly in formation to perform a coordinated mission that can overwhelm an adversary.

Leveraging artificial intelligence (AI), the tactical drones share information with one another to track and maintain their relative positions, and to effectively engage targets. Featuring a maximum take-off weight of 8kg, EDGE Group says the swarm of drones are agile and responsive while being directed to their target, which may include enemy fighter jets at a military base, or an incoming convoy of enemy armoured vehicles.  

The drones are equipped to operate at cruising speeds that support mission success, with a significant communications range and healthy flight endurance. The winged UAVs can be deployed in a matter of seconds, featuring a wingspan of 1.44m and a length of 1.25m.

Commenting on the addition of swarming drones to HALCON’s array of UAVs, CEO Saeed Al Mansoori  said, “We see AI playing a critical role in the advancement of the defence sector and beyond, and EDGE and HALCON are determined to remain at the cutting-edge of these developments that are shaping our sector, from our base in the UAE. 

The level of autonomy afforded by these swarming drones is a significant achievement for us, and we are committed to fast-tracking R&D investments in these domains to bring related products to market with speed in the areas of autonomous systems and smart munitions.”

The EDGE stand at UMEX exemplifies HALCON’s technology within the UAV domain, with products including its Shadow 25 and Shadow 50 UAVs; Hunter series of drones and tube launchers; and the recently launched REACH-S unmanned combat aerial vehicle (UCAV), on display.