Shadow 25

Shadow 25
Shadow 25 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, a subsidiary of EDGE Group
Specifications
Mass	103 kg (227 lb)
Length	2.25 m (7.4 ft)
Width	2.17 m (7.1 ft) wingspan
Warhead weight	Up to 25 kg (55 lb)
Engine	Turbojet
Operational range	Up to 250 km (160 mi)
Maximum speed	400 km/h (250 mph) cruise Up to 450 km/h (280 mph) operational speed
Guidance system	GNSS, visual navigation and optical guidance
Launch platform	Pneumatic launcher or rocket-assisted canister launcher

The Shadow 25, stylised as SHADOW 25, is a jet-powered loitering munition developed in the United Arab Emirates. It was originally presented 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.

The aircraft combines the airborne persistence of a loitering munition with the faster transit speed provided by turbojet propulsion. Its published mission is the rapid precision engagement of fixed ground targets at ranges of up to 250 km (160 mi). The system carries a payload or warhead weighing up to 25 kg (55 lb) and has an endurance of approximately one hour.

Shadow 25 incorporates satellite navigation, visual navigation and optical guidance. It can be launched pneumatically or from a transport-and-launch canister using a rocket booster, allowing it to operate without a runway.

The United Arab Emirates Armed Forces ordered Shadow 25 and Shadow 50 systems under a combined AED1.33 billion contract announced in February 2023.

Serbia subsequently became the first publicly confirmed export customer for the Shadow family. Shadow 25 systems were displayed by the Serbian Armed Forces in September 2025, and EDGE confirmed the Serbian supply agreement in January 2026.

Development

Origins

Shadow 25 was developed as the smaller, faster member of the Shadow family of Emirati loitering munitions. The family also includes the larger Shadow 50, which uses piston propulsion to provide greater endurance and twice the payload capacity.

The numerical designation refers to the aircraft's published 25 kg (55 lb) payload class. Shadow 50 is named for its corresponding 50 kg (110 lb) payload class.

Development was initially associated with HALCON, an EDGE Group company specialising in guided weapons and precision munitions. Responsibility for supplying and marketing the Shadow family was subsequently assigned to ADASI, EDGE's autonomous-systems subsidiary.

The programme formed part of the United Arab Emirates' expansion into domestically developed unmanned aircraft, precision weapons and autonomous defence systems.

The exact date on which development began and the date of the aircraft's first flight have not been publicly announced.

IDEX 2021 unveiling

Shadow 25 was publicly unveiled during the International Defence Exhibition and Conference (IDEX) held in Abu Dhabi from 21 to 25 February 2021.

It was displayed alongside Shadow 50, the QX family of tactical unmanned systems, the Rash 2 guidance kit and new versions of the RW-24 loitering munition.

At its unveiling, Shadow 25 was presented as a high-speed system intended to reach designated target areas more rapidly than propeller-powered loitering munitions.

EDGE described the system as incorporating:

• satellite-based navigation;
• onboard video navigation;
• autonomous flight-control functions;
• precision engagement of fixed targets; and
• operation in environments where satellite-navigation signals are degraded or unavailable.

The combination of turbojet propulsion and an hour of endurance was intended to provide both rapid transit and limited loitering time over a designated mission area.

UMEX 2022

Shadow 25 was displayed again at the Unmanned Systems Exhibition and Conference in Abu Dhabi in February 2022.

EDGE presented the system as part of HALCON's expanding portfolio of unmanned aircraft, loitering munitions and precision-strike systems.

A product brochure published during this period gave the aircraft:

• a maximum range of 295 km (183 mi);
• a cruise speed of 400 km/h (250 mph);
• a ceiling altitude of 20,000 ft (6,100 m);
• an endurance of one hour;
• a data-link range of 100 km (62 mi);
• a wingspan of 2.15 m (7.1 ft);
• a length of 2.25 m (7.4 ft);
• a maximum take-off weight of 90 kg (200 lb); and
• a maximum payload of 25 kg (55 lb).

Later product information revised several of these figures.

UAE Armed Forces procurement

On 21 February 2023, ADASI announced an AED1.33 billion contract to supply Shadow 25 and Shadow 50 systems to the United Arab Emirates Armed Forces.

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 published contract value covered both members of the Shadow family. Separate values for Shadow 25 and Shadow 50 were not announced.

The agreement established the United Arab Emirates Armed Forces as the first publicly confirmed customer for the Shadow family.

The following contract details were not disclosed publicly:

• number of Shadow 25 systems ordered;
• ratio of Shadow 25 to Shadow 50 systems;
• production schedule;
• delivery timetable;
• launcher quantity;
• ground-control-station quantity; and
• allocation among individual UAE military branches.

The procurement announcement identified the customer as the wider United Arab Emirates Armed Forces.

Updated configuration

An updated Shadow 25 brochure published in 2024 revised the maximum range from 295 km (183 mi) to 250 km (160 mi) and increased the published maximum take-off weight from 90 kg (200 lb) to 103 kg (227 lb).

The updated brochure retained:

• a cruise speed of 400 km/h (250 mph);
• endurance of one hour;
• a data-link range of 100 km (62 mi);
• length of 2.25 m (7.4 ft);
• a 25 kg (55 lb) payload;
• pneumatic launch; and
• canister launch using a rocket booster.

EDGE's current product page gives a slightly larger wingspan of 2.17 m (7.1 ft) and an operational speed of up to 450 km/h (280 mph).

The difference between the 400 km/h (250 mph) and 450 km/h (280 mph) figures reflects the distinction between the published cruise speed and maximum operational speed.

Serbian acquisition

Shadow 25 systems were publicly displayed by the Serbian Armed Forces during the Power of Unity military parade held in Belgrade on 20 September 2025.

The Serbian Ministry of Defence describes Shadow 25 as a medium-range loitering munition intended to engage stationary, unprotected personnel and equipment in open terrain at ranges of up to 250 km (160 mi). It identifies the system as carrying a 25 kg (55 lb) warhead.

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.

Janes identified Serbia as the first export customer for the Shadow family.

The Serbian government and EDGE did not publicly disclose:

• quantity purchased;
• contract value;
• signing date;
• delivery schedule;
• launcher configuration;
• operating unit; or
• training and support arrangements.

Design

Airframe

Shadow 25 is a compact, fixed-wing aircraft designed for one-way precision-strike missions.

The current published dimensions are:

• length of 2.25 m (7.4 ft);
• wingspan of 2.17 m (7.1 ft); and
• maximum take-off weight of approximately 103 kg (227 lb).

The aircraft has a central fuselage, swept main wings and rear control surfaces. The airframe contains:

• turbojet engine;
• fuel system;
• navigation equipment;
• communications equipment;
• flight-control computer;
• optical guidance equipment; and
• payload or warhead.

Its relatively compact dimensions allow it to be transported and deployed from a mobile launcher.

Shadow 25 does not require conventional landing gear because it is launched from a ground-based system and is expended during its terminal attack.

Propulsion

Shadow 25 is powered by a turbojet engine.

Jet propulsion allows the aircraft to travel significantly faster than the piston-powered Shadow 50. EDGE publishes:

• a cruise speed of approximately 400 km/h (250 mph); and
• an operational speed of up to 450 km/h (280 mph).

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

The turbojet configuration is designed to emphasise rapid transit and shorter reaction time rather than the extended endurance provided by larger propeller-powered systems.

Range and endurance

Current manufacturer information gives Shadow 25:

• maximum range of up to 250 km (160 mi);
• endurance of approximately one hour;
• cruise speed of 400 km/h (250 mph);
• operational speed of up to 450 km/h (280 mph); and
• data-link range of approximately 100 km (62 mi).

The one-hour endurance includes the combined time used for:

• launch;
• transit;
• route manoeuvring;
• loitering;
• target confirmation; and
• terminal attack.

The available loitering time depends on the distance between the launcher and target area, flight altitude, route and selected speed.

Earlier manufacturer material gave a maximum range of 295 km (183 mi). Current manufacturer and Serbian military information use the 250 km (160 mi) figure.

Guidance and navigation

Shadow 25 uses a guidance arrangement incorporating:

• Global Navigation Satellite System navigation;
• onboard video navigation;
• visual navigation; and
• optical guidance.

GNSS provides position and route information during normal flight.

Visual and video-navigation systems provide an additional method of determining the aircraft's route using imagery available to the onboard system. This capability is intended to support flight where conventional satellite-navigation signals are degraded or unavailable.

Optical guidance supports the final attack phase by directing the aircraft towards its designated aim point.

The manufacturer has not publicly identified the optical sensor model, imaging resolution or communications frequencies used by the system.

Communications and control

The Shadow 25 brochure gives a line-of-sight data-link range of approximately 100 km (62 mi).

The communications link can transmit:

• mission commands;
• aircraft position;
• system status;
• navigation information;
• sensor imagery;
• target information; and
• terminal-attack commands.

The published data-link radius is shorter than the aircraft's maximum flight range. Beyond direct communications range, the system can continue along a pre-programmed route using its onboard navigation equipment.

Shadow 25 is described as an autonomous loitering system, although mission planning and engagement parameters are provided through its ground-control equipment.

Payload and warhead

Shadow 25 carries a payload weighing up to 25 kg (55 lb).

The Serbian Ministry of Defence identifies the operational payload as a 25 kg (55 lb) warhead intended for stationary targets in open terrain.

Published target categories include:

• personnel in open terrain;
• unprotected vehicles;
• equipment;
• fixed military positions;
• communications facilities;
• radar sites;
• logistics facilities; and
• other designated fixed ground targets.

The precise explosive filling, fragmentation arrangement and fuse configuration have not been publicly detailed.

Launch system

Shadow 25 can be deployed using:

• a pneumatic launcher; or
• a transport-and-launch canister fitted with a rocket booster.

Both arrangements allow launch without a runway.

During pneumatic launch, compressed air accelerates the aircraft from the launcher until it reaches sufficient speed for sustained turbojet-powered flight.

During canister launch, a rocket booster propels the aircraft from its container and provides initial acceleration before the turbojet assumes sustained propulsion.

A launch canister combines:

• protected storage;
• transportation;
• pre-launch preparation; and
• launch.

The launcher can be installed on a mobile road vehicle or trailer, allowing the system to be transported and deployed from dispersed locations.

Mission profile

A representative Shadow 25 mission consists of several phases.

Mission planning

Before launch, operators prepare the aircraft's planned route, target coordinates, navigation points and engagement parameters.

Mission data can include:

• target location;
• route to the target area;
• flight altitude;
• visual-reference information;
• loitering area; and
• terminal approach.

Launch

The aircraft is launched pneumatically or by rocket booster from a transport-and-launch canister.

The turbojet engine provides sustained propulsion after the initial launch phase.

Transit

Shadow 25 travels towards the designated target area at a published cruise speed of approximately 400 km/h (250 mph).

Its higher speed allows it to cover the distance between the launcher and target area more rapidly than longer-endurance propeller-powered systems.

Loitering

After reaching the designated area, the aircraft can remain airborne while awaiting target confirmation or an engagement command.

The amount of time available for loitering depends on the distance travelled and fuel consumed during transit.

Terminal attack

Following target confirmation, Shadow 25 transitions from loitering flight into its final approach.

GNSS, visual navigation and optical guidance direct the aircraft towards the designated aim point.

The aircraft and its warhead are expended during the terminal attack.

Comparison with Shadow 50

Shadow 25 and Shadow 50 are designed for different mission requirements.

Comparison of Shadow 25 and Shadow 50

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	103 kg (227 lb)	135 kg (298 lb)
Published speed	400 km/h (250 mph) cruise; up to 450 km/h (280 mph) operational	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
Maximum payload	25 kg (55 lb)	50 kg (110 lb)
Primary emphasis	Rapid transit and short reaction time	Extended endurance and heavier payload

Shadow 25 emphasises speed and rapid response, while Shadow 50 emphasises airborne persistence and payload capacity.

Published specification changes

Published Shadow 25 specifications have changed as the system developed.

Published Shadow 25 specifications

Characteristic	2022 brochure	2024 brochure/current product page
Maximum range	295 km (183 mi)	250 km (160 mi)
Cruise speed	400 km/h (250 mph)	400 km/h (250 mph)
Maximum operational speed	Not separately stated	Up to 450 km/h (280 mph)
Endurance	1 hour	1 hour
Data-link range	100 km (62 mi)	100 km (62 mi)
Wingspan	2.15 m (7.1 ft)	2.15 m (7.1 ft) in brochure; 2.17 m (7.1 ft) on current product page
Length	2.25 m (7.4 ft)	2.25 m (7.4 ft)
Maximum take-off weight	90 kg (200 lb)	103 kg (227 lb)
Maximum payload	25 kg (55 lb)	25 kg (55 lb)

The differences may reflect continued development, changes in configuration or updated manufacturer measurements.

Operators

Serbia

• Serbian Armed Forces – Shadow 25 systems were publicly displayed during the Power of Unity military parade in September 2025. EDGE confirmed an agreement to supply Shadow 25, Shadow 50 and SM-2 systems to Serbia.

United Arab Emirates

• United Arab Emirates Armed Forces – Shadow 25 and Shadow 50 systems were ordered under a combined AED1.33 billion contract announced in February 2023.

Specifications

Current manufacturer specifications unless otherwise stated.

Shadow 25 specifications

Characteristic	Published figure
Type	Jet-powered loitering munition
Country of origin	United Arab Emirates
Designer	HALCON
Manufacturer	ADASI, under EDGE Group
Crew	Uncrewed
Length	2.25 m (7.4 ft)
Wingspan	2.17 m (7.1 ft)
Maximum take-off weight	103 kg (227 lb)
Propulsion	Turbojet engine
Cruise speed	400 km/h (250 mph)
Maximum operational speed	Up to 450 km/h (280 mph)
Maximum range	Up to 250 km (160 mi)
Endurance	Up to 1 hour
Data-link range	Up to 100 km (62 mi)
Maximum payload or warhead	25 kg (55 lb)
Guidance	GNSS, visual navigation and optical guidance
Intended target type	Fixed ground targets
Launch options	Pneumatic launcher or canister launcher with rocket booster

See also

• Shadow 50
• Edge Group
• Loitering munition
• Unmanned combat aerial vehicle
• IAI Harop
• IAI Harpy
• Shahed 238
• ZALA Lancet
• List of unmanned aerial vehicles
• Defence industry of the United Arab Emirates

External links

• Official Shadow 25 product page – EDGE Group
• Official Shadow 25 brochure – EDGE Group
• Media related to Adasi EDGE Shadow 25 at Wikimedia Commons