Counter-UAV procurement in the Middle East

Throughout the Middle East, governments and armed forces are improving their ability to counter the unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) threat to military and civilian targets. Counter-UAV systems of various types are being procured from domestic and foreign sources.

The threat posed by unmanned aerial vehicles throughout the Middle East is strong and still increasing. Operators range from terrorist and insurgent groups to nation states. Technologically they span the gamut from comparatively simple ‘garage-workshop’ systems to mass-produced long-range strike weapons such as Iran’s Shahed one-way attack (OWA) drone family. In addition to military and government targets, significant civilian infrastructure targets – including oil fields, pipelines, refineries and terminals – need to be defended. Conventional weapons, including standard air defence systems, are not optimally suited for the counter UAV mission. Regional governments are procuring dedicated counter-UAV (C-UAV) systems from domestic, local and overseas suppliers to meet the threat. A few exemplary acquisition projects are discussed below.

Contracts with regional suppliers

Israel

With its well-developed national defence industry, Israel mostly procures through domestic suppliers. While Tel Aviv tends to maintain confidentiality regarding procurement contracts, details of some major programmes are available. This holds for the high-powered Iron Beam laser defence system developed by Rafael Advanced Defence Systems, in partnership with Elbit Systems, for the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF). While this family of complementary laser weapons includes mobile and naval variants, the flagship element is the Iron Beam high-energy laser (HEL) which features a 450 mm aperture and incorporates a 100 kW laser module developed by Elbit. Iron Beam is a trailer-mounted semi-mobile weapon for fixed-site short-range defence against UAVs as well as short-range rockets, artillery shells and mortars. It provides a further layer to the missile interceptors of the Iron Dome air defence system, helping preserve missiles for more complex threats. The IDF plans to integrate the Iron Beam into the Iron Dome system to enhance its multi-tier air and missile defence capability.

HEL prototypes were successfully deployed in October 2024 to defend Israeli airspace against Hezbollah drones launched from Lebanon, while roll-out of Iron Beam continued. The MoD and Rafael declared the Iron Beam system operational on 17 September 2025 after completion of multi-week final tests. The official MoD statement of 17 September declared that “first systems [are] set to be integrated into the IDF air defence arrays by year-end.” Brig Gen (Ret.) Dr Daniel Gold, head of the MoD’s Directorate of Defence Research & Development (DDR&D), confirmed in late November that initial operational capability would be delivered to the IDF on 30 December 2025.

Current procurement of Iron Beam systems, as well as the Iron Dome and David’s Sling systems, are financed through a USD 8.7 billion military aid package for Israel which was approved by US Congress in April 2024. Of that figure, USD 5.2 billion is dedicated to strengthening Israeli air defences; within the air defence package, USD 1.2 bn was explicitly earmarked for procurement of Iron Beam batteries. An initial set of procurement contracts were finalised by the MoD with Rafael and Elbit in October 2024, with a total value in excess of USD 500 million; in a 28 October 2024 release Elbit Systems announced that USD 200 million of the contract award would go to Elbit for the high-power laser component of the procured units.

While the IDF has not revealed specific end-state numbers (or cost) for the Iron Beam component of the air defence system, the 17 September 2025 announcement revealed that deployment of a full series of batteries would begin within months, with deployment ultimately planned nationwide at scale. MoD Director-General Amir Baram said that the news regarding Iron Beam was only the foundation stone to start the acquisition process. He was seconded by the DDR&D’s Brig Gen Yehuda Elmakayes who revealed that the Knesset had approved sufficient funds in 2023 to finance as many Iron Beam batteries as would be needed during the early deployment phase. According to Israeli press reports, the fielding of the Iron Beam batteries is expected to proceed through 2026.

UAE

The Abu Dhabi-based Edge Group has emerged as a leading developer and manufacturer of defence technology, with clients in the Middle East and globally; during the November 2025 Dubai Airshow alone the firm announced new sales valued at USD 7 billion, including 21 major contracts. The United Arab Emirates armed forces are among the Edge Group’s frequent clients across the defence technology spectrum.

In January 2024, Edge’s subsidiary SIGN4L – which focuses on electronic warfare and intelligence applications – announced a major contract to supply several, multi-layered counter UAV systems to the UAE Ministry of Defence. The contract, which was revealed during the Unmanned Systems Exhibition and Conference (UMEX) 2024 in Abu Dhabi, covers delivery of both the Skyshield C-UAV and the Navcontrol-G jamming systems. According to the firm’s press release, these “provide a high degree of situational awareness and soft-kill capabilities against unmanned aerial threats, enabling the comprehensive protection of critical infrastructure and border integrity.”

Skyshield is available in fixed and vehicle-mounted configurations; the pickup truck mounted QD (Quick Deployment) variant was chosen by the MoD. All integrate an X-band radar, optronic sensors and direction finders to detect and classify UAV threats. They rely on jamming and spoofing to interfere with drone control and global navigation satellite system (GNSS) navigation frequencies. According to Edge, the system jams the full GNSS spectrum as well as drone command and control channels, with an effective range of up to 10 km against unprotected GNSS platforms.

The Navcontrol-G employs GNSS jamming and spoofing to misdirect UAVs to simulate a contradictory alternative path, guiding incoming UAVs away from their intended targets. The radar-assisted system is effective against unprotected GNSS navigation systems at ranges up to 50 km. As a stationary and line-of-sight dependent system, Navcontrol-G is most suitable for the border protection mission as well as for defence of high-value facilities.

As is frequently the case with Edge Group sales, the contract value, number of contracted units and per unit cost were not disclosed publicly; various defence outlets have described the procurement as a significant acquisition, despite the lack of details from the vendor or the MoD.

Contracts with external suppliers

United States

RTX has secured a USD 1 billion contract to supply the Fixed Site – Low, Slow, Small UAS Integrated Defeat System (FS-LIDS) to Qatar. The contract was negotiated as a Foreign Military Sales agreement with Qatar, and was announced in May 2025 by the US government. FS-LIDS is produced by RTX’s Raytheon unit in cooperation with SRC Inc. and Northrop Grumman. The stationary FS-LIDS (and its mobile counterpart M-LIDS, which is not part of this procurement contract) are designed to detect, track and neutralise low-flying small UAVs, whether operating singly or as a swarm. The system integrates radar, high-powered optronic/infrared sensors, an electronic warfare component to disrupt communications between drones and operators, and the jet-powered Raytheon Coyote Block 2 UAV as a kinetic interceptor.

The procurement contract covers ten FS-LIDS systems including launchers, sensors, and the forward area air defence command and control system, as well as 200 Coyote 2 interceptors. It also includes associated support services including training, logistical and technical support, spare parts, and software support. The purchase will allow for layered defence at fixed-site locations (whether government or infrastructure) and provide real-time situational awareness and threat response.

Qatar’s original request for the system was approved by the US in late 2022. Contract negotiations, Qatari requirement refinements, and budget approvals took up another two years before the actual order was signed. To date, no details regarding the timeline for contract fulfilment have been released. However, the 29 November 2022 Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) press release regarding the procurement stated that implementation of the proposed sale would require the assignment of five additional US Government and 15 US contractor representatives to Qatar for a duration of five years to support fielding, training, and sustainment activities.

France

On 21 November 2025, MBDA announced the firm’s first contract for the Sky Warden C-UAV system. To date, the customer has only been identified as a ‘Middle Eastern’ nation. The Sky Warden, which falls within the specific portfolio of MBDA France, was presented publicly in 2022. It is a multi-layer system that protects an area from UAVs ranging from micro-drones to class 2 drones and loitering munitions. A variety of non-kinetic and kinetic effectors are available for integration. These include: omnidirectional and directional jammers; machine guns; the Cilas Helma-P laser which provides scalable effects ranging from optical jamming to destruction; the MBDA HTK (Hit-to-Kill) interceptor drone designed to destroy micro- and mini-UAVs through kinetic impact; and Mistral 3 very short range air defence (VSHORAD) infrared-guided missiles. Multiple sensors including radars, cameras and radio frequency finders provide multidimensional real-time detection and targeting capability. Sky Warden can be configured as a fixed installation or vehicle mounted for mobile operations, and integrates into wider defence networks via tactical datalink.

While confidentiality regarding the client’s identity is a frequent prerequisite for Middle Eastern procurement contracts, this inevitably opens the door to speculation. Given the capabilities profile of the system and the different threat scenarios facing nations of the region, likely candidates for the contract could include Saudi Arabia and the UAE, both of which are interested in adding high-powered short range air (including drone) defence to their multilayered architectures. While the UAV threat is pervasive throughout the region, the two nations face particularly active pressure on oil industry infrastructure as well as airports and military installations from various militia groups, including the Houthis. Both nations would also be the best situated to finance the purchase of high-end and high-priced technology.

Germany

While there have been no contract announcements to date, Saudi Arabia is reportedly evaluating Rheinmetall Air Defence AG kinetic C-UAV systems to counter existing and future threats. Various defence media analyses indicate that Saudi Arabia is predominately interested in the Skyranger 30 system. Skyranger 30 is conceived as a modular unmanned turret housing a 30×173 mm automatic cannon, sensors, and optional missile launchers (including MBDA’s newly developed DefendAir drone defence missile), with integration of a HEL also being explored. Skyranger is typically offered on the Boxer 8×8 platform, though the manufacturer also offers mounting on various other wheeled and tracked platforms). It is also offered in a static palletized configuration, under the ‘Skynex’ name.

The Revolver Gun Mk3 is an automatic cannon capable of firing Rheinmetall’s Advanced Hit Efficiency And Destruction (AHEAD) munition with an estimated range of up to 3,000 m. The programmable airburst round releases a cloud of tungsten sub-projectiles just ahead of the target position, making the system particularly suitable for neutralizing UAVs, including smaller models, as well as for the counter-rocket, artillery, and mortar (C-RAM) role.

The Beirut-based Tactical Report (TR) service, which produces private intelligence reports and market analyses regarding Middle Eastern defence issues, has repeatedly discussed Saudi interest in Rheinmetall C-UAV systems. On 12 November 2025, the report reiterated ongoing Saudi-German talks and continued Saudi interest in the Skyranger 30. In that context the report referenced a delegation of the Saudi Arabia Military Industries (SAMI) Land Systems division which visited the Rheinmetall facility in Kassel, Germany. Notably, the Kassel facility is being expanded and upgraded to become Rheinmetall’s hub for Boxer production. An inspection of this particular location by SAMI – which is wholly owned subsidiary of Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) – would be consistent with a Saudi interest in the Skyranger 30 system to serve as a mobile, networked short- and very-short range C-UAV capability to defend a multitude of military, government, transportation and infrastructure targets.

Depending on the number of systems acquired, the Skyranger 30 could also escort manoeuvre forces in the C-UAV and V/SHORAD role. Should agreement be reached, a contract would be quite lucrative. In 2024 the German armed forces placed an order for one Boxer-based verification model and 18 production model Skyranger 30 vehicles with a total value of EUR 595 million.

Joint ventures

European and American technology remains of interest to Middle Eastern nations. However, long-term interests favour solutions that support not only the region’s security but also the local economy and labour sectors. The UAE, in particular, has been pursuing production and joint venture agreements with foreign defence firms.

A recent example is Raytheon’s establishment of an assembly facility for Coyote counter-UAV interceptors in the Tawazun Industrial Park in Abu Dhabi. Raytheon Emirates signed an initial Memorandum of Understanding with five UAE defence industry partners on 20 February 2023. The formal term sheet between the firm and the Tawazun Council was signed on 21 April 2025. The Council is an independent UAE government entity that works closely with the MoD to enhance defence capabilities, including through defence industry development.

The 2,000 m² production, assembly and precision testing facility was formally inaugurated on 21 May 2025. Raytheon Emirates’ local partner Edge Group’s EPI has already begun manufacturing prototype components as an initial step toward industrial readiness. Speaking at the ceremony, Matar Ali Al Romaithi, Sector Chief of Defence & Security Industrial Affairs (DSIA) at Tawazun Council, said: “This facility marks a strategic milestone in the UAE’s vision to establish an advanced defence industrial base. The partnership stems from the objectives of Tawazun Economic Programme to foster collaboration with international partners to transfer knowledge and advanced technologies to the UAE’s defence and security industrial sector. […] It also reinforces the UAE’s position as a regional hub for advanced defence industries and strengthens its drive towards industrial self-reliance and technological excellence.”

Such joint ventures are likely to increase over the next few years. They allow foreign partners to enjoy increased access to local markets, while the host nations enhance prestige, keep a share of the procurement funds at home – satisfying industry and labour – and open up opportunities to become regional and global exporters in their own right.

Sidney E. Dean