*Islamabad / Riyadh – August 15, 2025* — In a landmark step for defense andtechnology cooperation, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have successfullycollaborated to design, build, and test a state-of-the-art hybrid autopilotVertical Take-Off and Landing (VTOL) surveillance drone.
The jointly developed unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) combines the agility ofrotary-wing aircraft with the range and endurance of fixed-wing flight.Equipped with a *hybrid autopilot system*, the drone can seamlessly switchbetween manual, semi-autonomous, and fully autonomous modes, making itadaptable for diverse operational scenarios.
According to official statements, the UAV is designed for *bordersurveillance, maritime patrol, disaster response, and security operations*.It features high-resolution electro-optical and infrared cameras, real-timedata transmission, and advanced obstacle-avoidance sensors. The hybridpower system extends flight duration while ensuring fuel efficiency andlower operational costs.
Defense experts say the drone’s VTOL capability makes it ideal fordeployment in areas with limited infrastructure, as it can take off andland without runways. The project is seen as a strategic milestone in thegrowing defense cooperation between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia, reflectingboth nations’ push for indigenous technological solutions.
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Officials from both countries praised the engineering teams for completingthe project on an accelerated timeline. Test flights were successfullyconducted earlier this month under varying terrain and weather conditions,confirming the drone’s performance and reliability.
The development is expected to pave the way for *future joint ventures* inunmanned systems, AI-driven defense platforms, and aerospace technology.