SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
EDGE Group, a leading defence technology conglomerate from Abu Dhabi, is making a concerted effort to solidify its presence in the Indian defence market. Following their proposal of the AL TARIQ smart weapon with a technology transfer option for the LCA-Tejas Mk1A fighter jet program, EDGE has now set its sights on fulfilling India’s aerial weapon needs with the DESERT STING 25 Guided-Glide Weapon.
The DESERT STING 25 is a family of lightweight, air-launched, precision-guided weapons designed for maximum impact. These weapons are ideal for integration with unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), particularly India’s Archer-NG and Archer-SRUAV programs.
The DESERT STING 25 utilizes a combination of inertial guidance and a global navigation satellite system (GNSS) for accurate targeting. Additionally, a semi-active laser (SAL) seeker option further enhances precision against designated targets.
Purpose-built for Medium-Altitude, Long-Endurance (MALE) and High-Altitude, Long-Endurance (HALE) UAVs, the DESERT STING 25 boasts an impressive range exceeding 22 kilometres when launched from a platform travelling at 250 knots (nautical miles per hour).
The DESERT STING 25 offers exceptional accuracy, with a Circular Error Probable (CEP) of 3 meters when using both GAINS and the SAL seeker. Even with GAINS alone, the CEP remains a respectable 10 meters.
Weighing in at only 47 kilograms, the DESERT STING 25’s lightweight design allows for greater payload capacity on UAVs, enabling them to carry more weapons or other mission-critical equipment.
The DESERT STING 25 packs a punch with a 25kg warhead, capable of delivering significant firepower against ground targets.
In addition to the DESERT STING 25, EDGE Group has also proposed its REACH-M medium-altitude, long-endurance unmanned combat aerial vehicle (UCAV) to India. This UCAV offers advanced capabilities for extended intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) missions, potentially complementing the DESERT STING 25’s offensive capabilities.
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