Pictured in the rear are the QX-2, QX-3, and QX-1 (left to right). (EDGE Group)

Autonomous systems specialist ADASI expects to complete the development of its QX-1 and QX-3 loitering munitions in “one to two months’ time”.

Speaking during a media briefing on 22 September, Mohamed Al Nuaimi, senior programme manager, engineering and technology, at ADASI, said that the systems are undergoing final qualification tests ahead of entering production.

The QX series uses quadcopter base platforms and is designed to support forces operating at the tactical level of the battlespace, providing a precision target engagement capability. Rather than being loitering munitions per se, the larger QX-2 and QX-3 systems are designed to carry gravity-dropped bombs and conduct multiple missions, while the QX-1 is a ‘kamikaze’ system with an integrated warhead.

Al Nuaimi said that the QX-2 is in production and has been delivered to the United Arab Emirates’ (UAE’s) armed forces. It can carry a single 1.5 kg bomb, while the QX-3 will be capable of operating with four. Al Nuaimi said that the guidance kits that are fitted to the warheads are a differentiator over similar systems that drop unguided munitions.