Abu dhabi: Calidus Holding Group, a leader in defence and manufacturing, has teamed up with UAE-based Hameem Technologies and US-based Aergility to produce the ALRASID and ALTARESH unmanned vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) aircraft. These aircraft are designed for intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, and logistics missions, enhancing operational continuity and efficiency in field support through unmanned air transport. The production will occur at Calidus facilities in Abu Dhabi.
According to Emirates News Agency, the collaboration was announced at the seventh edition of UMEX and SimTEX 2026, organized by the ADNEC Group in association with the Ministry of Defence at the ADNEC Centre in Abu Dhabi. The event runs until January 22. The ALRASID and ALTARESH employ advanced flight technologies, such as Managed Autorotation technology, marking significant progress in national aerospace capabilities.
This collaboration aligns with the UAE's vision of leadership in advanced technology and future industries. ALTARESH is a mid-size VTOL platform capable of carrying up to 500lbs over 500 miles, suitable for long-range autonomous logistics and operational support. Meanwhile, ALRASID is a compact prototype for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance missions, offering persistent aerial coverage in challenging environments.
The aircraft can be configured for various missions, including contested logistics, ISR, critical resupply, disaster response, and medical support. They can also be equipped with additional sensors, communications, edge autonomy, and AI systems, emphasizing cost-effective through-life support.
Dr. Khalifa Murad Alblooshi, Managing Director and CEO of Calidus Holding Group, expressed that the partnership showcases the group's leadership and the UAE's industrial ecosystem's strength. Dr. Ahmed Daghash Aljaberi, CEO of Hameem Technologies, highlighted their commitment to developing advanced technologies and contributing to the UAE's national manufacturing capabilities in line with the 'We Are the UAE 2031' vision.
Nick Hall, CEO of Aergility, emphasized the partnership's role in localizing production in Abu Dhabi and delivering autonomous platforms that combine the versatility of helicopters with the efficiency of fixed-wing planes. This positions the UAE as a hub for next-generation platforms, benefiting both defence and commercial missions.
