UAE recognizes the potential of Saudi Arabia's new Haris SA-3B vertical take-off drone.

During IDEX 2025, the Emirati ADNEC Group and the organizing committee of the exhibition recognized the potential of the new SA-3B Vertical Take-Off and Landing (VTOL) drone by selecting it as a Top 20 Winner with the Innovation Trail Award. Haris Unmanned Systems, the Saudi company responsible for developing the UAV, conducted a presentation detailing its future objectives. The company also exhibited its range of unmanned aerial systems and counter-drone technologies, aligning its efforts with Saudi Vision 2030’s goals for technological advancement.
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The Haris SA-3B is a VTOL unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) with a maximum takeoff weight of 20 kilograms, an empty weight of 13.5 kilograms, and a payload capacity of 2.5 kilograms. (Picture source: Army Recognition)

The Haris SA-3B is a VTOL unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) with a maximum takeoff weight of 20 kilograms, an empty weight of 13.5 kilograms, and a payload capacity of 2.5 kilograms. It carries 6.5 kilograms of fuel and has a wingspan of 2.911 meters. The UAV is powered by a 30cc engine, allowing it to hover for up to 4.1 minutes. The SA-3B has a maximum range of 1,280 kilometers and can reach a top speed of 97 kilometers per hour. It offers a maximum endurance of 15 hours at an endurance speed of 75 kilometers per hour and can cruise at an altitude of 1,500 meters above sea level, achieving a maximum speed of 135 kilometers per hour at that altitude. These specifications indicate its capability for extended missions and operational flexibility.

Haris Unmanned Systems also showcased other UAV models, including a loitering munition drone, anti-drone systems, a midlift drone, a ground control station, and secure tactical communication solutions. The company used IDEX 2025 to introduce its second-generation UAVs and technologies while engaging with defense professionals and industry stakeholders. Key discussions included AI-driven autonomy, obstacle avoidance, real-time data processing, and counter-drone technologies. Representatives from the Singapore Defense Delegation, UAE Defense Forces, and the Red Cross Society participated in these discussions, reflecting interest in unmanned aerial solutions for security and humanitarian applications.

The VTOL defense drone market has expanded due to advancements in technology and evolving military strategies. The conflict in Ukraine has demonstrated the role of drones, leading to increased production and demand. Ukraine, for example, has developed cost-effective kamikaze drones, some costing as little as $300, to target armored vehicles, impacting battlefield tactics. In addition, the joint venture between Italy's Leonardo and Turkey's Baykar seeks to address unmanned technology gaps in Europe, where the UAV market is projected to reach €100 billion over the next two decades. Companies like Anduril Industries have introduced autonomous VTOL drones for intelligence and strike missions, with operational capabilities including over 40 minutes of flight time and a range of up to 20 kilometers, emphasizing the shift toward cost-efficient and adaptable unmanned systems.

VTOL drones have been increasingly adopted by armed forces due to their ability to take off and land vertically, allowing deployment in confined or rugged environments without requiring runways. The Shield AI MQ-35A V-BAT, with its ducted fan design, is used from ship decks and restricted land areas for reconnaissance and surveillance. The Bell V-247 Vigilant provides continuous support for ground forces while requiring minimal space for storage and transport, further illustrating the adaptability of VTOL drones in military operations.

Market growth is further driven by AI-based autonomy, real-time data processing, and counter-drone technologies. Companies such as Anduril Industries and Epirus lead developments in these fields, while the Ukraine conflict continues to demonstrate the significance of a broader transition toward efficient and cost-effective unmanned systems capable of operating in diverse environments without reliance on traditional runways.