El Alamein, Egypt, In a significant leap for Egypt’s defense technology sector, Robotics Engineering Systems (RES) showcased its cutting-edge domestically manufactured drones and smart munitions at the inaugural Egypt International Airshow (EIAS 2024), held over three days at El Alamein International Airport.
Among the highlights of RES’s presentation was their flagship product, the “6th of October” drone. This multi-mission unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) is a testament to Egypt’s growing capabilities in the field of aerospace engineering, having been entirely designed, developed, and manufactured locally. Initially unveiled at the Egypt Defence Expo (EDEX 2023), the drone has quickly gained attention for its advanced features and versatility.
The “6th of October” drone is a medium-altitude long-endurance (MALE) aircraft, equipped with two powerful engines producing 145 horsepower each. It boasts an increased main fuel tank capacity compared to previous models, coupled with advanced landing gear that supports automatic takeoff and landing. This sophisticated design enables the drone to remain airborne for over 30 hours, operate at altitudes up to 18,000 feet, and reach speeds of 260 kilometers per hour.
One of the drone’s standout features is its armament capability. It can carry guided missiles and smart aerial bombs, making it suitable for offensive missions, armed reconnaissance, and border security operations. The drone’s conventional range of 240 kilometers can be extended through the use of multiple ground control stations or satellite control, highlighting its strategic flexibility.
The drone measures 8.9 meters in length, 5 meters in height, and has a wingspan of 18.5 meters. It incorporates 13 hardpoints for carrying a variety of reconnaissance and surveillance systems, including electro-optical and infrared sensors, and synthetic aperture radar (SAR) capable of generating detailed 2D or 3D images of the terrain. Additionally, it features extra fuel tanks to support extended missions.
RES also unveiled a range of domestically manufactured smart munitions at the airshow, marking a first for Egypt. These included a glide bomb equipped with aerodynamic control surfaces and the GWD-6 smart munition guidance system, which operates using GPS, an inertial navigation system (INS), and electro-optical guidance. The glide bomb can carry a warhead weighing up to 1,000 kilograms and has a range of 50 kilometers.
The company also introduced long-range standoff munitions, featuring a 155mm warhead with an aerodynamic control system and the locally produced PGK long-range smart munition guidance kit. These munitions can achieve a range of up to 80 kilometers, demonstrating RES’s ability to develop advanced, precision-guided weapons.
Finally, RES presented its small-sized smart munitions, which include 122mm and 155mm artillery shells. These shells are equipped with aerodynamic control systems and the PGK smart munition guidance kit, offering a range of up to 30 kilometers. The guidance system, weighing 10 kilograms, utilizes INS, GPS, and electro-optical guidance for enhanced accuracy.
The unveiling of these advanced drones and munitions at EIAS 2024 underscores Egypt’s commitment to bolstering its defense capabilities through indigenous innovation. The “6th of October” drone and the accompanying smart munitions represent significant milestones in Egypt’s journey towards self-reliance in defense technology.
Eng. Karim Badawi, Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources, highlighted the importance of such technological advancements in enhancing national security and supporting Egypt’s strategic interests. The successful development and deployment of these systems are expected to play a crucial role in modernizing the country’s defense infrastructure.
As RES continues to push the boundaries of what’s possible in aerospace and defense technology, the company is poised to become a key player on the global stage, showcasing Egypt’s potential as a hub for technological innovation and manufacturing excellence.