Sheikh Hamdan inspects UAE-made Calidus B-250 aircraft at Dubai Airshow 2025

Dubai: Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, and Minister of Defence of the UAE, and the Chairman of Dubai Executive Council, reviewed the UAE-made Calidus B-250 aircraft, currently on display at the 19th Dubai Airshow.

The airshow, held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, brings together more than 1,500 exhibitors — making it the show’s biggest iteration to date.

While touring the exhibition, Sheikh Hamdan received a comprehensive briefing on the Calidus B-250. This light multirole aircraft has been engineered for a spectrum of combat scenarios — close air support, reconnaissance, surveillance. With a 12-hour operational endurance and utility in pilot training, the B-250 showcases the UAE’s ability to create purpose-built military assets suited for contemporary operational demands.

Sheikh Hamdan drew attention to the necessity of strong defence, remarking, “the UAE is strengthening its position as a global hub for developing advanced defence industries and solutions.” He added, “excellence in this field is vital for protecting national achievements and safeguarding the country’s security.”

Praising the contributions of Abu Dhabi’s Calidus Holding, Sheikh Hamdan acknowledged the impact of national organisations in raising the UAE’s profile in the global defence sector. He emphasised that investment in local defence industries is an investment in the nation’s future.

Sheikh Hamdan also noted the sector’s focus on forging international links and fostering highly specialised homegrown expertise, all directed at constructing a more sophisticated and effective defence sector.

The B-250 is a next-generation light combat aircraft, designed and built in the UAE to meet modern military demands. It combines durability, agility, and integrated smart systems in a lightweight airframe, and delivering exceptional performance across a wide range of missions.