FLY-R Partners with MBDA to Develop Diamond-Shaped Loitering Munition in the United Arab Emirates

• FLY-R, a French company specializing in the design of aircraft featuring rhomboidal wings, announces the launch of a co-development programme with MBDA, supported by the Tawazun Council, to create a new generation of loitering munitions.

The event took place during the Dubai Airshow 2025, in the presence of senior representatives from Tawazun Council, MBDA and FLY-R, highlighting the shared commitment to advancing cutting-edge unmanned technologies and reinforcing Franco-Emirati industrial cooperation.

This ambitious programme marks a major milestone for the defence and unmanned systems industry and confirms the international recognition of FLY-R’s proprietary technology, renowned for its aerodynamic efficiency, stability and innovative design.

Based on a diamond-shaped wing concept, the new loitering munition will deliver outstanding performance in terms of speed and manoeuvrability. Its unique aerodynamic architecture ensures excellent in-flight stability, can help reduce detectability in certain operational profiles, and exceptional strike precision. Equipped with embedded artificial intelligence and a modular payload, it is designed to operate effectively against a wide range of land and maritime targets.

The programme aims to design, qualify and prepare the industrialization of the system within a short timeframe, leveraging local capabilities and Franco-Emirati expertise. It fully aligns with MBDA’s innovation strategy and with FLY-R’s ambition to contribute actively to the development of the UAE’s Defence and Technology Industrial Base (DTIB).

Compact, lightweight and easily deployable, the loitering munition can be tube-launched, carried by a single operator, or integrated into a variety of land, naval or airborne platforms. Its operational versatility and aerodynamic performance will make it a decisive asset for the modern armed forces.

"This collaboration reflects the strategic significance of our rhomboidal-wing technology and the confidence placed in our innovative capabilities. By joining forces with MBDA and the Tawazun Council, we are helping to bring forth a new generation of high-value aeronautical solutions, designed and produced in partnership with the United Arab Emirates."

Rémi ALBERT, CEO & Co-founder of FLY-R

Top Photo: Remi Albert, CEO of FLY-R, stood alongside Éric Béranger, President and CEO of MBDA, as well as members of MBDA’s Middle East management team, to formalize this new stage of the partnership.

Source: FLY-R