Friday 09 / January / 2026
Muscat: For the first time in the Middle East, the Sultanate of Oman has launched the “Sahm” drone, a locally assembled heavy-lift aircraft with strategic cargo capabilities of up to 250 kilograms and a flight range of 300 kilometers.
The unveiling ceremony was held today under the patronage of His Excellency Eng. Saeed bin Hamoud Al Maawali, Minister of Transport, Communications, and Information Technology, as part of the “Sky Bridge” event hosted at the Military Technical College. The event was attended by His Excellency Dr. Mohammed bin Nasser Al Zaabi, Secretary General of the Ministry of Defense, alongside senior military officials and CEOs.
This milestone marks an unprecedented national achievement, showcasing a drone fully assembled in Oman with operational capabilities that position the Sultanate at the forefront of regional logistics innovation.
The drone’s inaugural mission involved transporting a 100-kilogram payload of medical supplies over a distance of nearly 100 kilometers, from the Military Technical College to Jebel Akhdar. The flight successfully navigated rugged mountainous terrain and valleys, demonstrating its practical ability to connect remote areas with fast and secure supply lines.
The success of this mission (100 kg / 100 km) serves as immediate proof of the drone’s potential. Designed for larger operations, “Sahm” can carry up to 250 kilograms and fly up to 300 kilometers, qualifying it for long-range strategic logistics missions under various conditions.
Mohammed bin Abdullah Al Harthy, CEO of the Ibn Firnas Center for Drones, stated: “We are proud that this technological achievement was assembled by Omani hands and expertise, transforming innovation from theory into a tangible reality that serves the health and logistics sectors.”
He added: “Today’s successful flight to Jebel Akhdar is just the beginning. ‘Sahm’ has the capabilities to cover greater distances and carry heavier loads, reflecting Oman’s progress in localizing drone manufacturing and building a comprehensive ecosystem for future technologies.” The event also marked the announcement of the “Sky Bridge” project — a strategic initiative by the Ibn Firnas Center aimed at localising advanced aircraft production and establishing a national manufacturing base in Oman.
The ceremony featured a showcase of advanced technologies developed locally at the Ibn Firnas Center, including a drone traffic management system (UTM) — a critical component for organizing drone airspace — and the unveiling of a specialised drone for precision monitoring and advanced aerial services, highlighting the center’s ability to deliver integrated tech solutions.
