Saudi Arabia’s First Domestic Long-distance UAV Fires Only Chinese-made Missiles and Bombs
Saqr 1, Saudi Arabia’s first indigenous medium-altitude, long-endurance (MALE) unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), shows strong Chinese influence in its design and is armed only with Chinese guided missiles and smart bombs.
The UAV will see action against Iranian-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen fighting against a Saudi-led coalition of Sunni Arab nations.
Saqr 1 was first revealed to the public a few days ago at the King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST) in Riyadh. KACST President Prince Turki bin Saud bin Mohammed said Saqr 1 is equipped with a Ka satellite communication system and with thermal imaging and surveillance technology for weapon’s guidance.
The UAV has a range of 2,500 km and can reach an average altitude of over 6,000 meters. It can fly non-stop for 24 hours powered by its Rotax 914 (95 hp) engine. Saqr 1 is 9.2 meters in length and has a wingspan of 18 meters.