Saudi Arabia has unveiled a new unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) capable of carrying weapons systems.
On May 11, 2017, Saudi Arabia’s King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST) unveiled a new UAV, called Saqr-1. Video of the drone released by KACST showed it in flight and landing.
.@spagov @AlArabiya:
مدينة الملك عبدالعزيز للعلوم والتقنية تُفصح عن الطائرة الاستراتيجية بدون طيار #صقر1.. pic.twitter.com/qDnoJ6XUEy— KACST (@KACST) May 11, 2017
KACST also detailed some of the specifications for the UAV.
— KACST (@KACST) May 11, 2017
The Saqr-1 reportedly has a range of 2,500 kilometers and can reach altitudes of up to 20,000 feet. The drone can stay aloft for a full 24 hours.
Notably, Saqr-1 can be armed. It has the ability to carry missiles or laser-guided bombs. Jeremy Binnie of IHS Jane’s pointed out on Twitter that images of the Saqr-1 appear to suggest it has Chinese weapons systems.
Saudi Arabia’s KACST has unveiled the Saqr-1 UAV armed with what look like Chinese weapons. pic.twitter.com/voEFbzTcCS— Jeremy Binnie (@JeremyBinnie) May 11, 2017
Riyadh has previously been a client for the CH-4, produced by China. The two parties are also believed to have inked a major UAV sale earlier this year.
Military markets analyst, covering Eurasia, Middle East, and Africa.
