JENIAH

Jeniah
Jeniah displayed with a Thunder-P32 guided weapon at IDEX 2025
General information
Type	Unmanned combat aerial vehicle
National origin	United Arab Emirates
Manufacturer	ADASI, under EDGE Group
Status	Under development
Number built	Undisclosed
History
First flight	15 March 2024 (reported)

The Jeniah, stylised as JENIAH, is a jet-powered unmanned combat aerial vehicle developed in the United Arab Emirates by ADASI, an autonomous-systems company operating under the Emirati defence and advanced-technology conglomerate EDGE Group. It is designed as a high-speed, low-observable aircraft capable of carrying surveillance equipment, mission systems and guided weapons in an internal payload bay.

Jeniah is intended to conduct land- and maritime-related missions, including intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, precision strike and collaborative operations with other air platforms. EDGE publishes a maximum take-off weight exceeding 4,000 kg (8,800 lb), a maximum payload of 480 kg (1,060 lb), a length of approximately 11 m (36 ft) and a wingspan of approximately 7 m (23 ft).

A full-scale representation was publicly unveiled at the International Defence Exhibition and Conference (IDEX) in Abu Dhabi in February 2023. An updated aircraft was displayed at IDEX 2025.

European Security & Defence reported that Jeniah made its first flight at EDGE's X Range testing facility on 15 March 2024. Other specialist reporting published in February 2025 described the programme as approaching its initial flight stage.

Development

Origins

Development of Jeniah formed part of EDGE Group's expansion into domestically developed autonomous aircraft, precision-guided weapons and collaborative combat systems.

ADASI began work on the programme before its public unveiling in 2023. European Security & Defence reported in 2025 that development had taken approximately three years.

The programme was intended to provide a larger and faster combat aircraft than ADASI's propeller-driven surveillance and strike platforms. Jeniah was designed around jet propulsion, internal payload carriage and an airframe incorporating low-observable design features.

The aircraft was developed for missions requiring:

• high-speed transit;
• extended operating range;
• internal carriage of mission payloads;
• precision engagement of designated targets;
• intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance;
• operation in contested airspace;
• land and maritime missions; and
• potential collaborative operation with crewed or uncrewed aircraft.

The precise date on which the programme began has not been publicly announced.

IDEX 2023 unveiling

EDGE publicly unveiled Jeniah during IDEX 2023, held at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre from 20 to 24 February 2023.

The aircraft was displayed as a full-scale representation together with an associated ground-control station. EDGE described the station as being designed to monitor and command the aircraft during missions.

The 2023 configuration had:

• a length of approximately 10.5 m (34 ft);
• a wingspan of approximately 6.5 m (21 ft);
• a maximum take-off weight exceeding 4,000 kg (8,800 lb);
• a maximum payload of 480 kg (1,060 lb);
• a published cruise speed of Mach 0.8; and
• a maximum speed exceeding 1,000 km/h (620 mph).

The design shown at IDEX 2023 incorporated trapezoidal main wings, outward-canted tail surfaces, side-mounted air intakes and an enclosed internal payload bay.

Jeniah was displayed near other UAE-developed air systems, including REACH-S, tactical unmanned aircraft and EDGE-produced guided weapons.

Flight testing

European Security & Defence reported that Jeniah conducted its maiden flight at EDGE's X Range facility on 15 March 2024.

X Range is a multi-domain testing and evaluation facility located in the Abu Dhabi desert. EDGE uses the facility for trials involving unmanned aircraft, weapons, sensors, electronic-warfare equipment and autonomous systems.

Publicly released information concerning the reported first flight did not include:

• flight duration;
• maximum altitude;
• maximum speed achieved;
• flight route;
• aircraft configuration;
• propulsion-system details;
• level of autonomous control; or
• payload carried.

Aviation Week reported during IDEX 2025 that Jeniah had not yet completed its anticipated first flight, while European Security & Defence reported that the flight had taken place in March 2024.

The different accounts may refer to different development aircraft, demonstrator configurations or definitions of a full prototype flight. EDGE had not published a detailed flight-test report explaining the distinction as of July 2026.

IDEX 2025 configuration

An updated Jeniah was displayed during IDEX 2025, held in Abu Dhabi from 17 to 21 February 2025.

The updated aircraft had published dimensions of:

• 11 m (36 ft) in length;
• 7 m (23 ft) in wingspan;
• maximum take-off weight exceeding 4,000 kg (8,800 lb); and
• maximum payload of 480 kg (1,060 lb).

These dimensions were slightly larger than those published for the 2023 aircraft.

The 2025 configuration also displayed an electro-optical targeting system beneath the forward fuselage. Aviation Week reported in July 2025 that the addition represented one of the most visible changes from the aircraft originally shown in 2023.

The sensor position provides a downward and forward field of view for surveillance, target detection and weapon guidance.

EDGE's current product information gives the aircraft a cruise speed of up to Mach 0.7 and a maximum speed exceeding 1,000 km/h (620 mph).

Continuing development

EDGE continued development of the aircraft through 2025 and 2026.

FlightGlobal reported in February 2025 that Jeniah was progressing as part of EDGE's wider autonomous-aircraft portfolio and was intended to demonstrate loyal-wingman-type technology.

The programme's continuing work was expected to include:

• aerodynamic testing;
• flight-control development;
• jet-engine integration;
• ground and taxi testing;
• autonomous-flight testing;
• communications testing;
• electro-optical sensor integration;
• internal payload-bay testing;
• guided-weapon integration;
• separation trials;
• electronic-warfare integration; and
• collaborative combat development.

No production contract, delivery quantity or operational military unit had been publicly announced as of July 2026.

Design

Airframe

Jeniah is a jet-powered fixed-wing aircraft incorporating a trapezoidal main wing and two outward-canted tail surfaces.

The aircraft has a broad central fuselage with a pointed forward section. Its main wing is positioned around the middle of the fuselage, while the tail surfaces are installed on either side of the rear section.

The airframe's external configuration incorporates several features associated with reduced radar observability, including:

• angular surfaces;
• aligned edges;
• canted tail fins;
• internal payload carriage;
• limited external protrusions; and
• blended transitions between the fuselage and wings.

EDGE describes Jeniah as low-observable. No independently measured radar-cross-section figure has been published.

The aircraft uses retractable tricycle landing gear and operates from conventional runways.

The design is not intended for vertical take-off and landing.

Dimensions and weight

Current published dimensions are:

• length of approximately 11 m (36 ft);
• wingspan of approximately 7 m (23 ft);
• maximum take-off weight exceeding 4,000 kg (8,800 lb); and
• maximum mission payload of 480 kg (1,060 lb).

Earlier 2023 information gave a length of 10.5 m (34 ft) and a wingspan of 6.5 m (21 ft).

The differences indicate that the design was enlarged or revised during development.

Publicly available information does not identify:

• empty weight;
• internal fuel capacity;
• maximum landing weight;
• wing area;
• structural load limits;
• take-off distance;
• landing distance; or
• internal payload-bay dimensions.

Propulsion

Jeniah is powered by a single jet engine.

Air enters through two side-mounted intakes positioned behind the forward fuselage. The intake ducts feed the engine installed inside the rear section of the aircraft.

The engine's model, manufacturer, thrust rating, fuel capacity and fuel type have not been publicly identified.

EDGE publishes:

• cruise speed of up to Mach 0.7; and
• maximum speed exceeding 1,000 km/h (620 mph).

Earlier reporting from IDEX 2023 gave a cruise speed of Mach 0.8.

The difference may reflect changes to the aircraft's design or updated performance estimates.

No public figures have been released for:

• combat radius;
• ferry range;
• endurance;
• service ceiling;
• rate of climb;
• acceleration; or
• fuel consumption.

Air intakes and exhaust

Jeniah has two forward-swept side air intakes positioned on either side of the fuselage.

The side-intake arrangement leaves the nose available for sensors, avionics and mission equipment.

The aircraft has a single rear exhaust positioned between the canted tail surfaces.

Details concerning the intake ducts, engine-face shielding, exhaust cooling or infrared-signature reduction have not been publicly released.

Payload bay

Jeniah has an internal payload bay designed to carry weapons or mission equipment.

The internal arrangement allows stores to be carried without relying entirely on external pylons. Internal carriage can reduce aerodynamic drag and preserve the aircraft's low-observable external shape.

EDGE gives the aircraft a maximum payload capacity of 480 kg (1,060 lb).

Potential payload categories include:

• precision-guided munitions;
• electro-optical sensors;
• surveillance equipment;
• electronic-warfare equipment;
• communications equipment;
• reconnaissance equipment; and
• other mission-specific systems.

The precise dimensions of the internal bay and the number of weapon stations have not been published.

Electro-optical targeting system

The updated aircraft displayed in 2025 incorporated an electro-optical targeting system beneath the forward fuselage.

An electro-optical targeting system can combine:

• daylight imaging;
• infrared imaging;
• target tracking;
• laser ranging;
• laser designation;
• navigation support; and
• weapon guidance.

The exact sensor manufacturer and model fitted to Jeniah have not been publicly identified.

The sensor's position beneath the nose provides an unobstructed forward and downward field of view during reconnaissance and target-engagement missions.

Guidance and flight control

Jeniah is intended to perform automated and autonomous flight functions.

EDGE has presented the aircraft as part of its work on autonomous combat-air systems and collaborative operations.

Potential automated functions include:

• runway take-off and landing;
• navigation between mission waypoints;
• flight-path management;
• formation flight;
• sensor control;
• payload management;
• communications management;
• return-to-base procedures; and
• operation following changes to a mission route.

Public sources do not identify the precise level of independence provided to the aircraft during combat operations.

The existence of autonomous flight-control functions does not necessarily indicate independent weapon-release authority.

Ground-control station

A ground-control station was displayed with Jeniah during IDEX 2023.

The station is intended to allow personnel to:

• monitor aircraft status;
• plan missions;
• control flight operations;
• receive sensor information;
• update routes;
• manage payloads;
• communicate with the aircraft; and
• supervise mission execution.

EDGE has not publicly identified:

• number of operators required;
• communications frequencies;
• data-link range;
• satellite-communications capability;
• encryption standards;
• number of aircraft controlled by one station; or
• compatibility with other ground-control systems.

Intended missions

Intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance

Jeniah can be configured to carry surveillance and reconnaissance equipment.

Its high-speed capability allows it to reach a mission area rapidly, while its electro-optical system can support observation, target identification and battle-damage assessment.

Potential surveillance missions include:

• observation of designated areas;
• target detection;
• target tracking;
• reconnaissance of defended locations;
• maritime surveillance;
• route reconnaissance; and
• support for other aircraft or ground forces.

Precision strike

The aircraft is designed to carry guided weapons internally.

Internal payload carriage allows Jeniah to approach a mission area without permanently exposing weapons on external pylons.

EDGE has displayed the aircraft with products from its wider precision-guided-weapon portfolio, including Thunder-series weapons. Display alongside a weapon does not necessarily establish completion of operational weapon-integration testing.

Publicly available sources do not identify a production-standard weapon configuration.

Maritime missions

EDGE states that Jeniah is designed for both land and sea operations.

Maritime-related missions may include:

• surveillance of coastal and maritime areas;
• detection and tracking of vessels;
• reconnaissance;
• support for naval forces;
• precision engagement of designated maritime targets; and
• communications or sensor relay.

The reference to sea operations does not indicate that Jeniah is designed to take off from or land on ships.

The aircraft has not been publicly shown with carrier-specific equipment such as folding wings, reinforced landing gear or arrested-landing equipment.

Collaborative combat

Jeniah has been presented as a potential collaborative combat aircraft or loyal-wingman-type platform.

Collaborative combat aircraft are intended to operate alongside crewed fighters or other uncrewed aircraft.

Potential collaborative roles include:

• carrying additional weapons;
• extending sensor coverage;
• reconnaissance ahead of crewed aircraft;
• electronic-warfare support;
• communications relay;
• decoy operations;
• target designation; and
• operating in areas presenting higher risks to crewed aircraft.

Aviation Week discussed possible future compatibility with the United Arab Emirates' Dassault Rafale aircraft, but no formal Rafale–Jeniah integration programme had been publicly announced.

Development status

As of July 2026, Jeniah remained under development.

EDGE continued to present the aircraft as a high-speed, low-observable unmanned combat system. Publicly released information had not confirmed:

• completion of the full flight-test programme;
• operational weapon qualification;
• production approval;
• production quantity;
• delivery schedule;
• export order;
• entry into military service; or
• assignment to an operational squadron.

Jeniah should therefore be described as a developmental unmanned combat aircraft rather than an operational system.

Specifications

Current manufacturer figures unless otherwise stated.

Jeniah specifications

Characteristic	Published figure
Type	High-speed, low-observable unmanned combat aerial vehicle
Country of origin	United Arab Emirates
Manufacturer	ADASI, under EDGE Group
Crew	Uncrewed
Length	Approximately 11 m (36 ft)
Wingspan	Approximately 7 m (23 ft)
Maximum take-off weight	More than 4,000 kg (8,800 lb)
Maximum mission payload	480 kg (1,060 lb)
Propulsion	One undisclosed jet engine
Cruise speed	Up to Mach 0.7
Maximum speed	More than 1,000 km/h (620 mph)
Range	Not publicly specified
Endurance	Not publicly specified
Service ceiling	Not publicly specified
Payload carriage	Internal payload bay
Sensors	Electro-optical targeting system; other equipment not publicly specified
Intended missions	Surveillance, reconnaissance, precision strike, land and maritime missions, and collaborative combat
Take-off and landing	Conventional runway operation using retractable tricycle landing gear

See also

• Garmoosha
• Jernas-S
• Jernas-M
• Edge Group
• Unmanned combat aerial vehicle
• Collaborative combat aircraft
• Manned–unmanned teaming
• Dassault nEUROn
• Boeing MQ-28 Ghost Bat
• Kratos XQ-58 Valkyrie
• Baykar Bayraktar Kızılelma
• List of unmanned aerial vehicles
• Defence industry of the United Arab Emirates

External links

• Official Jeniah product page – EDGE Group
• Official Jeniah brochure – EDGE Group
• Freely licensed Jeniah photograph – Wikimedia Commons