SHADOW 50
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| Shadow 50 | |
|---|---|
 Shadow 50 displayed by the Serbian Armed Forces in 2025 | |
| Type | Loitering munition |
| Place of origin | United Arab Emirates |
| Service history | |
| Used by | Serbian Armed Forces United Arab Emirates Armed Forces (ordered) |
| Production history | |
| Designer | HALCON |
| Manufacturer | ADASI |
| Specifications | |
| Mass | 135 kg (298 lb) |
| Length | 2.136 m (7.01 ft) |
| Wingspan | 3.47 m (11.4 ft) |
| Warhead weight | Up to 50 kg (110 lb) |
| Engine | Piston engine driving a pusher propeller |
Operational range | Up to 250 km (160 mi) |
| Flight ceiling | 12,500 ft (3,800 m) |
| Maximum speed | 167 km/h (104 mph) cruise |
Guidance system | GNSS, visual navigation and optical terminal guidance |
Launch platform | Pneumatic launcher or rocket-assisted canister launcher |
The Shadow 50, stylised as SHADOW 50, is a long-endurance loitering munition developed in the United Arab Emirates. It was originally introduced by HALCON and is currently manufactured and marketed by ADASI, an autonomous-systems company operating under the Emirati defence and advanced-technology conglomerate EDGE Group.[1][2]
The Shadow 50 is a fixed-wing, propeller-driven system designed to remain airborne for extended periods before conducting precision strikes against fixed ground targets. It can carry a payload of up to 50 kg (110 lb), has a published maximum range of 250 km (160 mi) and an endurance of up to nine hours.[3]
Its guidance system incorporates satellite navigation, visual navigation and optical attack guidance. The aircraft can be launched pneumatically or from a transport and launch canister using a rocket booster, allowing it to operate without a runway.[3]
The United Arab Emirates Armed Forces ordered Shadow 25 and Shadow 50 systems under a combined AED1.33 billion contract announced during the International Defence Exhibition and Conference in February 2023.[4]
Serbia later became the first publicly confirmed export customer for the Shadow family. Shadow 50 systems were publicly displayed by the Serbian Armed Forces in September 2025, and EDGE confirmed the Serbian supply agreement in January 2026.[5][6]
Development
[edit]Origins
[edit]The Shadow 50 was developed as the larger, heavier-payload and longer-endurance member of the Shadow family of Emirati loitering munitions. The family also includes the smaller jet-powered Shadow 25, which is designed for higher-speed transit and shorter reaction times.
The number in the Shadow 50 designation refers to the aircraft's published payload class of up to 50 kg (110 lb). Shadow 25 carries a payload of up to 25 kg (55 lb).[7]
Development was initially associated with HALCON, an EDGE Group subsidiary specialising in guided weapons and precision munitions. Responsibility for the Shadow family was subsequently assigned to ADASI, which designs, manufactures, integrates and supports autonomous systems for air, land and maritime applications.[2]
The programme formed part of the United Arab Emirates' expansion into domestically developed unmanned aircraft, autonomous systems and precision-guided weapons.
The exact date on which Shadow 50 development began has not been publicly announced.
IDEX 2021 unveiling
[edit]The Shadow 50 was publicly unveiled during the International Defence Exhibition and Conference (IDEX) held in Abu Dhabi in February 2021.[8]
EDGE displayed the Shadow 50 alongside the Shadow 25, the QX family of tactical unmanned systems, Rash guided munitions and other Emirati-developed autonomous and precision-strike systems.
At its unveiling, Shadow 50 was presented as the heavier-payload member of the Shadow family. EDGE stated that it could carry twice the payload of Shadow 25 and was intended to deliver precision strikes against fixed targets.[7]
The early configuration incorporated satellite-based navigation and onboard video navigation intended to support flight in environments where conventional satellite-positioning signals were unavailable or disrupted.
Unlike a conventional guided missile, a loitering munition can remain airborne near a designated area before beginning its terminal attack.
Early jet-powered configuration
[edit]The Shadow 50 configuration displayed in 2021 was described as a jet-powered aircraft with a different airframe from the later piston-powered version.
Published figures for the early configuration included:
- length of approximately 3.07 m (10.1 ft);
- wingspan of approximately 4.05 m (13.3 ft);
- height of approximately 0.58 m (1.9 ft);
- take-off weight of approximately 100 kg (220 lb);
- payload capacity of 50 kg (110 lb);
- endurance of approximately four hours;
- cruising speed of approximately 200 km/h (120 mph);
- maximum range of approximately 250 km (160 mi); and
- ceiling altitude of approximately 15,000 ft (4,600 m).[9]
The early jet-powered aircraft differed substantially from the smaller and lighter piston-powered Shadow 50 currently marketed by ADASI.
Shadow 50-P and Shadow 50-TJ
[edit]By 2022, HALCON publicly identified two Shadow 50 propulsion configurations:
- Shadow 50-P – powered by a piston engine; and
- Shadow 50-TJ – powered by a turbojet engine.[10]
The piston-powered version was intended to emphasise endurance and airborne persistence. The turbojet-powered version was intended to provide greater transit speed.
An official Shadow 50-P brochure published in 2022 gave the piston-powered version:
- a maximum range of 295 km (183 mi);
- endurance of nine hours;
- cruise speed of 167 km/h (104 mph);
- ceiling altitude of 12,500 ft (3,800 m);
- data-link range of 100 km (62 mi);
- wingspan of 3.47 m (11.4 ft);
- length of 2.136 m (7.01 ft); and
- maximum take-off weight of 125 kg (276 lb).[11]
The current ADASI configuration is marketed simply as Shadow 50 rather than Shadow 50-P. Its published maximum take-off weight was subsequently increased to 135 kg (298 lb), while its published general range was changed to 250 km (160 mi).[3]
Detailed current specifications and production information for the Shadow 50-TJ have not been publicly released.
UAE Armed Forces procurement
[edit]On 21 February 2023, ADASI announced that it had signed an AED1.33 billion contract to supply Shadow 25 and Shadow 50 loitering munitions to the United Arab Emirates Armed Forces.[2]
The agreement was announced during IDEX 2023 and formed part of a wider group of domestic defence contracts managed by the Tawazun Council on behalf of the UAE Armed Forces.
The contract covered both Shadow systems. The individual contract value assigned to Shadow 50 was not disclosed.
The following details were also not announced publicly:
- number of Shadow 50 systems ordered;
- ratio of Shadow 25 to Shadow 50 systems;
- production schedule;
- delivery timetable;
- training arrangements;
- number of launch systems;
- number of ground-control stations; and
- allocation among individual UAE military branches.
The procurement announcement identified the customer as the wider UAE Armed Forces rather than a specific branch.
Serbian acquisition
[edit]Shadow 50 systems were publicly displayed by the Serbian Armed Forces during the Power of Unity military parade held in Belgrade on 20 September 2025.[5]
The Serbian Ministry of Defence included Shadow 25 and Shadow 50 among the unmanned systems displayed during the parade.
The ministry described Shadow 50 as a medium-range loitering munition intended to engage stationary, unprotected personnel and equipment in open terrain. Its published Serbian configuration carries a 50 kg (110 lb) warhead and has a stated range of up to 300 km (190 mi).[12]
In January 2026, EDGE chief executive Hamad Al Marar confirmed that EDGE had reached an agreement to supply Shadow 25, Shadow 50 and SM-2 systems to Serbia.[6]
Janes identified Serbia as EDGE's first export customer for the Shadow family.[6]
The following details of the Serbian agreement were not publicly disclosed:
- quantity purchased;
- contract value;
- signing date;
- delivery schedule;
- configuration supplied;
- launcher quantity; and
- Serbian operating unit.
International exhibitions
[edit]Following its introduction, Shadow 50 was presented at defence exhibitions in the Middle East, Europe and Asia.
Public appearances included:
- IDEX 2021 in Abu Dhabi;
- UMEX 2022 in Abu Dhabi;
- IDEX 2023 in Abu Dhabi;
- LIMA 2023 in Malaysia;
- FEINDEF 2025 in Spain;
- IDEF 2025 in Turkey;
- Partner 2025 in Serbia; and
- DIMDEX 2026 in Qatar.[13][14]
The system was displayed alongside other EDGE products including Shadow 25, Rash precision-guided munitions, electro-optical systems, radars and electronic-warfare equipment.
Design
[edit]Airframe
[edit]The current Shadow 50 is a single-engine fixed-wing aircraft designed for one-way precision-strike missions.
Its principal published dimensions are:
- length of 2.136 m (7.01 ft);
- wingspan of 3.47 m (11.4 ft); and
- maximum take-off weight of 135 kg (298 lb).[3]
The aircraft has a broad main wing and a rear-mounted pusher propeller. The wing configuration supports long-endurance flight at moderate speed.
The central fuselage contains:
- propulsion system;
- fuel;
- navigation equipment;
- communications equipment;
- flight-control computers;
- optical guidance equipment; and
- payload or warhead.
Shadow 50 does not require conventional landing gear because it is launched from a ground-based launcher and is expended during its terminal attack.
Propulsion
[edit]The current Shadow 50 is powered by a piston engine driving a rear-mounted pusher propeller.[1]
The pusher configuration positions the propeller behind the fuselage and leaves the front section available for navigation, guidance and terminal-attack equipment.
The engine model, manufacturer, power output, fuel capacity and fuel type have not been publicly identified.
ADASI publishes a cruise speed of 167 km/h (104 mph).[3]
The piston-powered propulsion arrangement prioritises endurance and fuel efficiency rather than the higher transit speed of a turbojet-powered design.
Range and endurance
[edit]The current manufacturer brochure gives Shadow 50:
- maximum range of 250 km (160 mi);
- endurance of up to nine hours;
- cruise speed of 167 km/h (104 mph);
- ceiling altitude of 12,500 ft (3,800 m); and
- data-link range of 100 km (62 mi).[3]
Earlier Shadow 50-P material gave a maximum range of 295 km (183 mi).[11]
The Serbian Ministry of Defence gives a range of up to 300 km (190 mi) for Serbia's Shadow 50 systems.[12]
Published range figures therefore vary from 250 to 300 km (160 to 190 mi) depending on configuration and source.
The aircraft's nine-hour endurance allows a combination of:
- launch;
- transit to the mission area;
- loitering;
- target observation;
- terminal approach; and
- final engagement.
The amount of time available for loitering depends on launch distance, flight route, operating altitude, speed, weather and fuel consumed during transit.
Maximum endurance and maximum range represent separate operating conditions and may not be achieved simultaneously during every mission.
Communications and control
[edit]Shadow 50 has a published line-of-sight data-link range of 100 km (62 mi).[3]
The data link can support transmission of:
- mission commands;
- aircraft position;
- navigation information;
- system status;
- sensor imagery;
- target information; and
- terminal-attack commands.
The data-link radius is shorter than the aircraft's published maximum flight range. Beyond the direct communications range, the aircraft can continue along a pre-programmed route using its onboard navigation equipment.
Public information does not identify:
- communications frequencies;
- encryption method;
- antenna arrangement;
- data-transfer rate;
- resistance to electronic interference;
- number of aircraft controlled from one station; or
- ground-control-station configuration.
Guidance and navigation
[edit]Shadow 50 uses a guidance arrangement incorporating:
- Global Navigation Satellite System navigation;
- visual navigation;
- onboard video navigation; and
- optical attack guidance.[3]
GNSS provides position and route information during normal flight.
Visual and video-navigation equipment provides an additional navigation capability using imagery available to the aircraft. The system was developed to support continued operation when conventional satellite-navigation signals are unavailable or degraded.[8]
Optical attack guidance supports the terminal stage of the mission by directing the aircraft towards a designated aim point.
The manufacturer has not publicly identified:
- optical sensor model;
- seeker resolution;
- field of view;
- image-processing system;
- target-recognition algorithms;
- navigation accuracy;
- circular error probable;
- ability to retarget after launch; or
- procedure for aborting an engagement.
Payload and warhead
[edit]Shadow 50 can carry a payload weighing up to 50 kg (110 lb).[1]
The Serbian Ministry of Defence identifies the payload fitted to Serbia's systems as a 50 kg (110 lb) warhead.[12]
The system is intended primarily for precision engagement of stationary ground targets.
Publicly described target categories include:
- personnel in open terrain;
- unprotected vehicles;
- equipment;
- fixed military positions;
- communications facilities;
- radar positions;
- logistics facilities; and
- other designated fixed targets.
The explosive filling, fragmentation arrangement, fuse type and available warhead variants have not been publicly detailed.
Launch system
[edit]Shadow 50 can be deployed using two principal launch arrangements:
- pneumatic launcher; or
- canister launcher fitted with a rocket booster.[3]
Both launch methods allow the aircraft to operate without a runway.
During pneumatic launch, compressed air accelerates the aircraft from the launcher until it reaches sufficient speed for sustained flight.
During canister launch, a rocket booster propels the aircraft from its transport and launch container. The booster provides initial acceleration before the piston engine and pusher propeller sustain flight.
Canister launch combines:
- protected storage;
- transportation;
- pre-launch preparation; and
- launch.
The launcher can be mounted on a mobile ground platform, allowing Shadow 50 systems to be deployed from dispersed locations.
The number of aircraft carried by a standard launcher or assigned to a firing unit has not been publicly specified.
Mission profile
[edit]A representative Shadow 50 mission consists of several phases.
Mission planning
[edit]Before launch, operators prepare the aircraft's route, navigation points, target area and mission parameters.
Information loaded before launch can include:
- target coordinates;
- planned flight path;
- operating altitude;
- loitering area;
- alternate route;
- visual-reference information; and
- terminal-attack instructions.
Launch
[edit]Shadow 50 is launched pneumatically or from a rocket-assisted canister.
The aircraft's piston engine and pusher propeller provide sustained propulsion after the initial launch phase.
Transit
[edit]The aircraft travels towards its designated mission area using GNSS and onboard navigation.
Its published cruise speed of 167 km/h (104 mph) prioritises endurance and efficient long-duration flight.
Loitering
[edit]After reaching the target area, Shadow 50 can remain airborne while awaiting target confirmation or a command to begin its terminal attack.
The aircraft's nine-hour endurance allows extended persistence when the launch location is comparatively close to the mission area.
Terminal attack
[edit]After receiving an engagement command, the aircraft transitions from loitering flight into its terminal approach.
Optical attack guidance and onboard navigation direct the aircraft towards the designated aim point.
The aircraft and its payload are expended during the terminal attack.
Variants
[edit]Shadow 50-P
[edit]The Shadow 50-P is the piston-powered Shadow 50 configuration publicly identified by HALCON in 2022.[10]
The suffix P refers to piston propulsion.
Published Shadow 50-P figures included:
- maximum range of 295 km (183 mi);
- cruise speed of 167 km/h (104 mph);
- ceiling altitude of 12,500 ft (3,800 m);
- endurance of nine hours;
- data-link range of 100 km (62 mi);
- wingspan of 3.47 m (11.4 ft);
- length of 2.136 m (7.01 ft);
- maximum take-off weight of 125 kg (276 lb); and
- payload capacity of up to 50 kg (110 lb).[11]
The current ADASI Shadow 50 is based on the piston-powered configuration but is generally marketed without the P suffix.
Shadow 50-TJ
[edit]The Shadow 50-TJ is a turbojet-powered Shadow 50 configuration described by HALCON in 2022.[10]
The suffix TJ refers to turbojet propulsion.
The turbojet version was intended to provide greater speed and reduced transit time compared with the piston-powered Shadow 50-P.
Current detailed specifications, procurement status and production information for Shadow 50-TJ have not been publicly released.
Early Shadow 50
[edit]The original Shadow 50 shown during IDEX 2021 was a larger jet-powered aircraft with a different airframe.
Published reports described it as having:
- 3.07 m (10.1 ft) length;
- 4.05 m (13.3 ft) wingspan;
- approximately four hours of endurance;
- approximately 200 km/h (120 mph) cruise speed; and
- 50 kg (110 lb) payload capacity.[9]
It is unclear whether the early aircraft became the Shadow 50-TJ or represented a separate development configuration.
Serbian configuration
[edit]The Serbian Armed Forces describe their Shadow 50 as having:
- range of up to 300 km (190 mi);
- 50 kg (110 lb) warhead; and
- mission focused on stationary personnel and equipment in open terrain.[12]
No separate Serbian national designation has been announced publicly.
Comparison with Shadow 25
[edit]Shadow 25 and Shadow 50 are designed for different mission requirements.
| Characteristic | Shadow 25 | Shadow 50 |
|---|---|---|
| Propulsion | Turbojet | Piston engine driving a pusher propeller |
| Maximum payload | 25 kg (55 lb) | 50 kg (110 lb) |
| Length | 2.25 m (7.4 ft) | 2.136 m (7.01 ft) |
| Wingspan | 2.17 m (7.1 ft) | 3.47 m (11.4 ft) |
| Maximum take-off weight | Not stated in current official product information | 135 kg (298 lb) |
| Published speed | Up to 450 km/h (280 mph) | 167 km/h (104 mph) cruise |
| Endurance | Up to 1 hour | Up to 9 hours |
| Published range | Up to 250 km (160 mi) | Up to 250 km (160 mi) in current manufacturer information |
| Primary emphasis | Rapid transit and shorter reaction time | Long endurance and heavier payload |
Shadow 25 emphasises speed, while Shadow 50 emphasises endurance and payload capacity.
Operators
[edit]
- Serbian Armed Forces – Shadow 50 systems were publicly displayed during the Power of Unity military parade in September 2025. EDGE later confirmed an agreement to supply Shadow 25, Shadow 50 and SM-2 systems to Serbia.[5][6]
- United Arab Emirates Armed Forces – Shadow 25 and Shadow 50 systems were ordered under a combined AED1.33 billion contract announced in February 2023.[2][4]
Specifications
[edit]Current manufacturer specifications unless otherwise stated.[1][3]
| Characteristic | Published figure |
|---|---|
| Type | Long-endurance loitering munition |
| Country of origin | United Arab Emirates |
| Designer | HALCON |
| Manufacturer | ADASI, under EDGE Group |
| Crew | Uncrewed |
| Length | 2.136 m (7.01 ft) |
| Wingspan | 3.47 m (11.4 ft) |
| Maximum take-off weight | 135 kg (298 lb) |
| Propulsion | Piston engine driving a rear-mounted pusher propeller |
| Cruise speed | 167 km/h (104 mph) |
| Maximum manufacturer-stated range | 250 km (160 mi) |
| Serbian published range | Up to 300 km (190 mi) |
| Endurance | Up to 9 hours |
| Ceiling altitude | 12,500 ft (3,800 m) |
| Data-link range | 100 km (62 mi) |
| Maximum payload or warhead | 50 kg (110 lb) |
| Guidance | GNSS, visual navigation and optical attack guidance |
| Intended target type | Fixed ground targets |
| Launch options | Pneumatic launcher or canister launcher with rocket booster |
See also
[edit]- Edge Group
- Loitering munition
- Unmanned combat aerial vehicle
- IAI Harop
- IAI Harpy
- Shahed 136
- ZALA Lancet
- List of unmanned aerial vehicles
References
[edit]- 1 2 3 4 "SHADOW 50 Long-Endurance Loitering UAV". EDGE Group. 21 February 2023. Retrieved 19 July 2026.
- 1 2 3 4 "EDGE Awarded AED 1.33 Billion Contract to Supply SHADOW Systems to the UAE Armed Forces" (Press release). EDGE Group. 21 February 2023. Retrieved 19 July 2026.
- 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 "SHADOW 50 – Powerful Precision, Long-Range Speed" (PDF). EDGE Group. March 2024. Retrieved 19 July 2026.
- 1 2 Binnie, Jeremy (22 February 2023). "IDEX 2023: Edge awarded USD2.5 billion munitions contracts". Janes. Retrieved 19 July 2026.
- 1 2 3 "Grand Power of Unity military parade held". Ministry of Defence of the Republic of Serbia. 20 September 2025. Retrieved 19 July 2026.
- 1 2 3 4 Barton, Tom (20 January 2026). "DIMDEX 2026: Edge confirms Desert Sting integration on UAE TB2, Jernas-S succeeds Reach-S". Janes. Retrieved 19 July 2026.
- 1 2 "EDGE unveils first UAE-made family of smart loitering munitions at IDEX 2021" (Press release). EDGE Group. 21 February 2021. Retrieved 19 July 2026.
- 1 2 Helou, Agnes (22 February 2021). "Edge Group unveils kamikaze drones at IDEX". Defense News. Retrieved 19 July 2026.
- 1 2 "HALCON EDGE from UAE has designed Shadow jet-engine-powered UAV loitering munitions". Army Recognition. Retrieved 19 July 2026.
- 1 2 3 Helou, Agnes (3 June 2022). "As UAV tech spreads, Gulf firms bet on upgrades with drone-to-satellite links". Breaking Defense. Retrieved 19 July 2026.
- 1 2 3 "SHADOW 50-P" (PDF). EDGE Group. October 2022. Retrieved 19 July 2026.
- 1 2 3 4 "Sub-Echelon of UAV/UGV Systems". Ministry of Defence of the Republic of Serbia. Retrieved 19 July 2026.
- ↑ "EDGE showcases next-generation UAV, radar and electronic-warfare systems at Partner 2025" (Press release). EDGE Group. 18 September 2025. Retrieved 19 July 2026.
- ↑ "EDGE marks first participation at DIMDEX with large-scale defence capability display" (Press release). EDGE Group. 14 January 2026. Retrieved 19 July 2026.
External links
[edit]- Official Shadow 50 product page – EDGE Group
- Official Shadow 50 brochure – EDGE Group
Media related to Adasi EDGE Shadow 50 at Wikimedia Commons
