Muscat, Jan 8
The Sultanate of Oman unveiled the indigenously assembled 'Sahm' unmanned aerial vehicle during the "Sky Bridge" event hosted at the Military Technological College (MTC) on Thursday.
The inaugural operational demonstration of this launch involved an aerial dispatch of pharmaceuticals and medical supplies weighing 100 kg. The consignment traversed a distance of approximately 100 km, departing from the Military Technological College (MTC) and arriving at the Al Jabal Al Akhdhar highlands.
The ceremony was held under the auspices of Eng Said bin Hamoud al Maawali, Minister of Transport, Communications and Information Technology. Al Maawali said the Sahm drone has multiple applications and can be utilised in various civil fields, including cargo transportation, long-range flights with extended
operational range, and monitoring conditions—particularly maritime conditions. He added that the project represents a pioneering initiative, commending those behind it, and affirmed that the Ministry and the government as a whole are ready to support this direction, as well as to support Omani youth and the companies leading such initiatives.
Engineered for more substantial operations, it features a maximum payload capacity of 250 kilogrammes and an operational range extending to 300 kilometres, thereby qualifying it for executing strategic, long-distance logistical missions across diverse conditions.
Mohammed bin Abdullah al Harithy, CEO of the Ibn Firnas Center for Drones, elucidated that this technological feat was realised through Omani craftsmanship and expertise. "The successful trial voyage to Al Jabal Al Akhdhar represents merely a commencement. The 'Sahm' drone possesses the latent potential to cover extended ranges and bear more substantial loads, mirroring the progressive strides the Sultanate of Oman is making in domesticating advanced unmanned aerial vehicle manufacturing and constructing a comprehensive ecosystem for future technologies."He noted the official announcement of the 'Sky Bridge' project, through which the Ibn Firnas Center seeks to localise sophisticated aircraft production and institute a national manufacturing foundation within the Sultanate of Oman.
The launch ceremony was attended by Dr Mohammed bin Nasser al Zaabi, Secretary-General of the Ministry of Defence, alongside an assembly of senior leaders, high-ranking officers, and chief executives.
The project aims to confirm the efficiency of aerial supply chains and their future role in supporting logistical and medical services in remote areas with speed and high efficiency. It also reflects national directions toward employing advanced technologies to develop productive and service sectors, and to support technological innovation in line with the pillars of Oman Vision 2040, which seeks to strengthen sustainability and enhance national capabilities in this field.
The ceremony also featured presentations on a range of advanced drone-related technologies, including drone assembly mechanisms, monitoring and control systems, and advanced air mobility solutions, reflecting the progress achieved by the Sultanate of Oman in employing drones to serve vital sectors.
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