First UAE-made drone unveiled

The first UAE-made high-performance drone has been unveiled at the Unmanned Systems Exhibition and Conference (UMEX) in Abu Dhabi.

The unmanned aircraft, called Garmousha can carry up to 100 kg over a six-hour period and a distance of 150 km.

It can be used in search and rescue operations, and also to detect gas pipeline leaks and to survey infrastructure.

The vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) drone has been designed by the firm ADASI in a deal with the General Headquarters of the UAE Armed Forces.

Officials say it can easily navigate rugged environments, thanks to its low-consumption diesel engine and advanced sensor capabilities.