UMEX 2026 Highlights
Where innovation meets mission readiness - UMEX 2026 brings together global defence leaders, military delegations, and technology providers to showcase the latest in unmanned systems, robotics, and AI-driven capabilities.
UMEX 2026 opened its doors on 20 January 2026 in Abu Dhabi. Hosted at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre, UMEX has established itself as a reference platform for air, land, and maritime unmanned technologies, bringing together military delegations seeking scalable and operationally flexible solutions.
China presented a scale model of the GJ-11 unmanned combat aerial vehicle as the UAE evaluates options for a loyal wingman drone with long-range strike capability. The display underscores broader global adoption of manned-unmanned teaming concepts for reconnaissance, electronic warfare, and precision strike roles.
Ukrainian defence company Athlon Avia presented the ST-35 Silent Thunder loitering munition at UMEX 2026 in the United Arab Emirates. The drone is designed for vertical launch, extended loitering, and operator-controlled terminal attack against tactical and logistical targets in contested or urban environments.
The ST-35 Silent Thunder is a vertically launched loitering munition designed to remain over a target area, search for targets using its own sensors or external reconnaissance inputs, and conduct a terminal attack once a target is confirmed.
The development emphasized a rapid reaction against concealed or briefly exposed targets while avoiding the need to move crewed aircraft or other high-value assets close to defended zones. A key operational aspect highlighted is a steep vertical attack profile intended to allow use in dense urban terrain while limiting effects on surrounding civilians and infrastructure.
EDGE Group from the United Arab Emirates brought one of its most imposing unmanned platforms to the floor at UMEX 2026, showcasing the Jeniah UCAV (Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicle), developed by its subsidiary ADASI, at the defense exhibition in Umm Al Quwain. While not a first-time reveal, the aircraft’s size, configuration, and combat-oriented design drew attention as a visible marker of the UAE’s expanding ambitions in autonomous strike and reconnaissance aviation.
As the heaviest and most formidable combat drone in EDGE’s current portfolio, Jeniah represents a major leap in the UAE’s indigenous drone development. Purpose-built for long-range strike, electronic warfare, and high-risk reconnaissance missions, the platform is engineered to conduct deep penetration operations in denied airspace while remaining largely invisible to enemy radar systems.
UMEX 2026 comes at a pivotal moment for the unmanned systems industry. As militaries worldwide accelerate the integration of AI (Artificial Intelligence), autonomous platforms, and remote combat capabilities, Abu Dhabi’s exhibition offers a critical window into the next generation of unmanned warfare technologies.
Full coverage over at the official media partner Army Recognition.
Source: Army Recognition
