UAE unveils world's first jet-powered firefighting drone ‘Suhail’ at Expo 2025 in Osaka

Abu Dhabi: In a groundbreaking development set to transform emergency response systems, the Abu Dhabi Civil Defence Authority has unveiled ‘Suhail’ — the world’s first jet-powered drone specifically designed for firefighting missions.

The advanced unmanned aerial vehicle, designed and developed in the United Arab Emirates, was revealed at the UAE Pavilion during Expo 2025 in Osaka, Japan.

Designed to address the challenges of modern firefighting, ‘Suhail’ is equipped with state-of-the-art technologies that enable it to access hazardous areas beyond the reach of human responders.

Its jet propulsion engine and integrated smart systems allow for vertical take-off, precise manoeuvring, and high performance under extreme conditions.

“This drone marks a turning point in how we approach fire-related emergencies,” said Brigadier General Salem Abdullah bin Barak Al Dhaheri, Director General of the Abu Dhabi Civil Defence Authority. “’Suhail’ embodies our vision for a future where emergency response is smarter, faster, and safer. It reflects our commitment to innovation and public safety, made possible by the unwavering support of our leadership and government.”

With onboard computer vision and a LiDAR-based 3D scanning system, ‘Suhail’ can map its surroundings in real time, detect targets, and avoid obstacles with high precision. This allows it to operate autonomously, even in GPS-denied environments such as dense urban areas, industrial zones, or enclosed structures.

“The drone provides immediate aerial support in situations where ground teams may be delayed or face accessibility issues,” Brigadier General Al Dhaheri added. “It can significantly improve response times and enhance operational effectiveness.”

Major Engineer Ali Hassan Al Madfaei, Project Director for Autonomous Systems and AI Control Development at the Authority, highlighted that the concept for ‘Suhail’ stemmed from direct field experience. “We saw the urgent need for a solution that not only improves efficiency but also prioritizes the safety of our emergency crews,” he said.

Al Madfaei explained that the drone is built to withstand the high pressure and recoil of aerial firefighting operations. It is equipped with a high-powered water cannon mounted on a stabilized axis to reduce vibration and ensure accurate discharge. Its AI-supported navigation system allows the drone to execute missions independently, minimizing the risk to human firefighters.

“These features make ‘Suhail’ a powerful tool, especially for tackling fires in high-rise buildings, industrial complexes, and other challenging environments,” he noted.

The unveiling of ‘Suhail’ underscores Abu Dhabi’s leadership in adopting next-generation technologies to safeguard lives and property. It also signals the UAE’s growing role in advancing global standards in emergency response and disaster management.

“This innovation sends a clear message,” Brigadier General Al Dhaheri concluded. “The UAE is moving steadily towards a future where technology and safety go hand in hand, paving the way for smarter, more sustainable cities.”