WDS 2026: Saudi Arabia Certifies United Defense for Drone Production and Reveals RH-19 Rescue Drone.

Saudi defense firm United Defense, recently certified by the General Authority of Military Industries, has unveiled its new UD RH-19 unmanned aerial vehicle at the World Defense Show 2026 in Riyadh. The reveal underscores Saudi Arabia’s accelerating drive to build indigenous drone capabilities for military operations, civil defense, and national crisis response.

Saudi Arabia’s expanding unmanned systems sector took another step forward this week as United Defense, a GAMI-certified manufacturer, quietly unveiled its latest drone platform, the UD RH-19, during closed-door briefings at the World Defense Show 2026. According to officials familiar with the presentations, the aircraft was showcased to military commanders, civil defense leaders, and homeland security representatives as part of Riyadh’s broader effort to localize advanced aerial technologies and reduce reliance on foreign suppliers.
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The RH-19 rescue drone developed by Saudi defense company United Defense is displayed during the World Defense Show 2026 in Riyadh, highlighting the Kingdom’s growing capability in indigenous emergency response unmanned systems. (Picture source: Army Recognition Group)

Analysts from the Army Recognition Group attending WDS 2026 observed that the RH-19 program reflects a broader transformation underway within the Saudi defense industry, which is now demonstrating the capability to design, engineer, and manufacture latest-generation drone systems using high-end technologies entirely within the Kingdom. The level of systems integration, autonomy, and sensor fusion displayed by United Defense illustrates how Saudi companies are moving beyond licensed production toward genuine indigenous innovation, supported by local supply chains and a rapidly maturing national aerospace ecosystem.

The UD RH-19 has been engineered around a robust hexacopter configuration, prioritizing stability, redundancy, and precision control in complex environments. United Defense engineers told Army Recognition on site that the platform was designed to operate where conventional helicopters or ground teams face delays, including collapsed urban areas, mountainous terrain, and disaster zones cut off by floods or fires. This design philosophy reflects Saudi Arabia’s growing emphasis on dual-use defense technologies that strengthen both military readiness and civilian emergency infrastructure.

A defining feature of the RH-19 is its advanced sensor suite, centered on a 180-degree electro-optical payload that combines night vision and thermal imaging. This configuration allows operators to detect heat signatures and visual cues simultaneously, even in complete darkness or smoke-filled conditions. Such capability is critical for locating survivors during night operations or after industrial accidents, an operational gap frequently cited by regional civil defense authorities.

United Defense has also emphasized autonomy as a core element of the RH-19 program. The drone can execute pre-programmed missions with minimal operator input, relying on an integrated positioning and navigation system that maintains accuracy in GPS-degraded environments. Company representatives described this as a response to real-world rescue scenarios where communications are disrupted, requiring the aircraft to continue its mission without constant human control.

In terms of performance, the RH-19 is designed to operate up to 10 kilometers (6.2 miles) with an endurance of approximately 40 minutes, reaching altitudes of up to 3,050 meters (10,000 feet). Its payload capacity of around 30 kilograms (66 pounds) enables the transport of medical kits, water, communications equipment, or emergency supplies directly to isolated victims or first responders. With a cruise speed approaching 39 kilometers per hour (21 knots or 24 mph), the system balances rapid response with the stability needed for precise delivery operations.

The introduction of the RH-19 also carries strategic significance beyond its technical specifications. United Defense’s GAMI certification underscores Saudi Arabia’s broader Vision 2030 objectives of localizing high-value defense manufacturing and reducing dependence on foreign suppliers. By developing an indigenous unmanned platform tailored to regional operational needs, the Kingdom is signaling its intent to become not only a consumer but also a developer of advanced UAV technologies.

A defense analyst with the Army Recognition Group attending WDS 2026 noted that while the RH-19 is primarily positioned as a rescue and emergency response system, its architecture could be adapted for military logistics support, base security, or battlefield casualty evacuation in contested environments. This adaptability aligns with modern defense procurement trends, where flexibility and multi-mission capability are increasingly valued.

With the RH-19, United Defense is positioning itself at the intersection of defense innovation and civil security, offering a tangible example of how Saudi Arabia’s defense industrial base is evolving. As regional demand for unmanned systems capable of operating in harsh climates and complex terrain grows, the RH-19 could become a reference platform for future UAV programs in Saudi and for export-oriented UAV programs.

Written by Alain Servaes – Chief Editor, Army Recognition Group
Alain Servaes is a former infantry non-commissioned officer and the founder of Army Recognition. With over 20 years in defense journalism, he provides expert analysis on military equipment, NATO operations, and the global defense industry.