JERNAS-M
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| Jernas-M | |
|---|---|
| General information | |
| Type | Medium-altitude long-endurance unmanned aerial vehicle |
| National origin | United Arab Emirates |
| Manufacturer | ADASI |
| Status | Under development |
| Number built | At least one pre-prototype |
| History | |
| Manufactured | Production planned from 2027 |
| First flight | November 2025 (pre-prototype) |
| Developed from | Jernas-S |
The Jernas-M, stylised as JERNAS-M, is a compact medium-altitude long-endurance unmanned aerial vehicle under development in the United Arab Emirates by ADASI, an autonomous-systems company under the Emirati defence and advanced-technology conglomerate EDGE Group. It is designed for tactical intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, target acquisition, electronic-warfare support and precision ground-attack missions.[1][2]
Jernas-M was unveiled at the Dubai Airshow in November 2025 as an enlarged development of the smaller Jernas-S. The aircraft has a published maximum take-off weight of 1,200 kg (2,600 lb), an empty weight of 590 kg (1,300 lb), a wingspan of 10 m (33 ft) and a maximum mission payload of 280 kg (620 lb).[1][3]
The aircraft is powered by a 185 hp (138 kW) piston engine driving a four-bladed pusher propeller. Its stated endurance is up to 20 hours in an intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance configuration and 12 hours while carrying the maximum payload.[1]
A pre-prototype made its first flight shortly before the opening of the 2025 Dubai Airshow. ADASI planned to fly an updated composite-airframe design in late 2026 and begin production in 2027.[2]
Development
[edit]Origins
[edit]Jernas-M was developed as the larger member of the Jernas family of fixed-wing unmanned aircraft. The smaller Jernas-S provided the aerodynamic and flight-control foundation for the larger design.[2]
The programme was intended to provide greater payload capacity, fuel capacity and endurance than Jernas-S while retaining a relatively compact airframe for a medium-altitude long-endurance aircraft.
Both aircraft use:
- forward canard control surfaces;
- a high-mounted main wing;
- upward-pointing winglets;
- a rear-mounted piston engine;
- a pusher propeller;
- tricycle landing gear;
- an electro-optical sensor position beneath the forward fuselage; and
- external weapon stations beneath the wings.[2]
The larger Jernas-M required the scaling or redesign of several major systems, including:
- landing gear;
- wheel brakes;
- flight-control actuators;
- propulsion;
- fuel storage;
- structural components;
- payload supports; and
- mission-system interfaces.[2]
The similarity between the two airframes was intended to reduce the amount of new flight-control development required for Jernas-M.
Public unveiling
[edit]EDGE publicly unveiled Jernas-M during the Dubai Airshow held from 17 to 21 November 2025.[4]
The aircraft was one of several new autonomous systems introduced by EDGE at the exhibition. Independent defence publications described it as a compact medium-altitude long-endurance aircraft intended for persistent surveillance and precision-strike missions.[5][6]
The displayed aircraft featured:
- a long central fuselage;
- forward canard surfaces;
- a high-mounted straight main wing;
- winglets;
- a dorsal engine-air intake;
- a rear-mounted four-bladed pusher propeller;
- tricycle landing gear;
- an electro-optical turret beneath the forward fuselage; and
- external underwing hardpoints.[2]
Pre-prototype flight
[edit]An ADASI representative told European Defence Review that a Jernas-M pre-prototype flew shortly before the opening of the Dubai Airshow in November 2025.[2]
The exact date, duration and location of the flight were not publicly disclosed.
The initial pre-prototype had a reported maximum take-off mass of approximately 1,150 kg (2,540 lb) and a maximum mission payload of 280 kg (620 lb).[2]
The early flight-test programme was intended to evaluate:
- aerodynamic stability;
- flight-control laws;
- engine and propeller performance;
- runway handling;
- take-off and landing;
- landing-gear operation;
- communications;
- navigation;
- endurance;
- sensor integration; and
- external payload carriage.
The number of pre-prototypes and accumulated flight hours have not been publicly announced.
Updated configuration
[edit]ADASI planned to fly an updated Jernas-M configuration in late 2026.[2]
The updated design was expected to use a predominantly composite airframe and have a maximum take-off weight approaching 1,200 kg (2,600 lb). Current EDGE product information lists the maximum take-off weight as 1,200 kg (2,600 lb).[1]
The transition from the 1,150 kg (2,540 lb) pre-prototype to the 1,200 kg (2,600 lb) updated aircraft provides additional capacity for fuel, sensors, weapons or structural changes.
Production was planned to begin in 2027 following further development and flight testing.[2]
No production order, delivery quantity or operational military unit had been announced publicly as of July 2026.
Design
[edit]Airframe
[edit]Jernas-M is a single-engine, fixed-wing unmanned aircraft using a canard aerodynamic configuration.
The aircraft has two forward control surfaces positioned ahead of the main wing. The main wing is mounted high on the fuselage and incorporates winglets at its outer ends.
The published wingspan is 10 m (33 ft).[1]
The forward fuselage contains avionics and mission equipment. An electro-optical sensor turret can be installed beneath the nose, providing a broad downward and lateral field of view.
The rear fuselage houses the engine and propeller assembly. The engine's cooling-air intake is positioned on top of the rear fuselage.[2]
Jernas-M uses tricycle landing gear and operates from conventional runways. It is not a vertical-take-off-and-landing aircraft.
Current published mass figures are:
- empty weight of 590 kg (1,300 lb);
- maximum take-off weight of 1,200 kg (2,600 lb); and
- maximum mission payload of 280 kg (620 lb).[1]
The aircraft's overall length, height, wing area and maximum landing weight have not been publicly specified.
Canard configuration
[edit]The forward canards provide pitch control and contribute to aerodynamic stability.
The configuration allows the propulsion system to be installed at the rear of the aircraft without requiring a conventional horizontal tailplane directly behind the pusher propeller.
Jernas-S uses a similar canard configuration. ADASI stated that the aerodynamic similarity between the two aircraft limited the differences required in their flight-control systems.[2]
Composite construction
[edit]The updated aircraft scheduled to fly in late 2026 was expected to incorporate a full composite airframe.[2]
Composite construction can reduce structural weight while maintaining strength and stiffness. Lower structural weight can provide additional capacity for fuel, sensors or weapons within the maximum take-off-weight limit.
ADASI has not publicly disclosed:
- the precise composite materials;
- manufacturing process;
- percentage of the aircraft using composites;
- structural safety factors; or
- design service life.
Landing gear
[edit]Jernas-M uses tricycle landing gear consisting of one nose-wheel assembly and two main landing-gear assemblies.
The landing gear allows conventional runway take-off and landing.
The larger aircraft required strengthened landing gear, brakes and actuators compared with Jernas-S.[2]
Published information does not specify:
- take-off distance;
- landing distance;
- required runway surface;
- maximum crosswind component; or
- maximum landing weight.
Propulsion
[edit]Jernas-M is powered by an EP918Ti-185H piston engine.[1]
The engine is described as:
- four-stroke;
- four-cylinder;
- horizontally opposed;
- rated at 185 hp (138 kW) at 5,800 revolutions per minute; and
- fuelled by automotive gasoline.[3]
The engine drives a four-bladed pusher propeller positioned behind the fuselage.
The aircraft has a published fuel capacity of 350 L (92 US gal) and fuel consumption of approximately 17 L/h (4.5 gal/h).[1]
The pusher arrangement leaves the forward section of the aircraft available for sensors, avionics and mission equipment.
Publicly released information does not identify:
- engine manufacturer;
- engine displacement;
- propeller manufacturer;
- propeller diameter;
- reduction-drive arrangement;
- engine service interval; or
- maximum continuous power.
Flight performance
[edit]EDGE publishes a maximum or cruising speed of 240 km/h (150 mph).[1]
The aircraft has two principal endurance figures:
- up to 20 hours in an intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance configuration; and
- up to 12 hours while carrying its maximum mission payload.[1][2]
The difference reflects the effects of payload weight, aerodynamic drag and fuel allocation.
The published maximum operating altitude is 30,000 ft (9,100 m).[7]
The product description gives a line-of-sight command-and-control range of approximately 200 km (120 mi).[1]
The line-of-sight figure refers to communications distance from the ground station, not the total distance the aircraft can travel during a 20-hour mission.
No reliable public figures have been released for:
- total flight range;
- climb rate;
- take-off distance;
- landing distance;
- stall speed; or
- maximum wind tolerance.
Mission systems
[edit]Electro-optical surveillance
[edit]Jernas-M can carry an electro-optical and infrared sensor turret beneath the forward fuselage.[2]
Depending on the selected equipment, an electro-optical payload can support:
- daylight observation;
- thermal imaging;
- target detection;
- target tracking;
- identification;
- coordinate generation;
- laser ranging;
- laser designation; and
- battle-damage assessment.
The specific electro-optical system intended for production aircraft has not been publicly identified.
Radar payloads
[edit]EDGE lists radar as an available Jernas-M mission-payload category.[1]
Potential radar functions include:
- wide-area surveillance;
- ground mapping;
- moving-target detection;
- maritime observation; and
- operation during darkness or reduced visibility.
No particular radar model has been publicly confirmed as integrated with Jernas-M.
Electronic warfare
[edit]The aircraft can carry electronic-warfare equipment within its 280 kg (620 lb) mission-payload allowance.[1]
Potential electronic-warfare functions include:
- detection of radio-frequency emissions;
- electronic-support measures;
- signals collection;
- emitter-location support;
- communications intelligence; and
- electronic-countermeasure support.
The specific antennas, receivers, frequency coverage and processing equipment have not been publicly disclosed.
Multi-mission configuration
[edit]Jernas-M is designed to accept different combinations of sensors, weapons and communications equipment.
Published mission configurations include:
- electro-optical intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance;
- radar surveillance;
- electronic-warfare support;
- tactical target acquisition;
- persistent observation;
- precision ground attack; and
- combined sensor-and-weapon missions.[1]
The endurance of each configuration depends on payload mass, aerodynamic drag, electrical demand and fuel load.
Communications and control
[edit]Jernas-M uses a line-of-sight command-and-control link with a published range of up to 200 km (120 mi).[3]
The communications link can transmit:
- aircraft-control commands;
- navigation data;
- engine and system status;
- electro-optical imagery;
- radar information;
- electronic-warfare data;
- target coordinates; and
- mission updates.
Public sources have not identified:
- communication frequencies;
- encryption method;
- data-transfer capacity;
- satellite-communications capability;
- resistance to electronic interference;
- number of aircraft controllable from one station; or
- ground-control-station configuration.
The aircraft is intended to perform automated flight functions, although the precise level of autonomy has not been publicly detailed.
Armament
[edit]EDGE advertises Jernas-M with a mixed external weapon configuration consisting of:
The weapons are carried on external hardpoints beneath the wings.
RASH MK81
[edit]The RASH MK81 combines a guidance system with a compatible Mk 81-class bomb body.
Jernas-M is advertised as carrying one RASH MK81 weapon as part of its maximum published strike configuration.[1]
RASH-3
[edit]RASH-3 is a lighter guided munition intended for precision engagement of ground targets.
Jernas-M is advertised as carrying four RASH-3 munitions in addition to the RASH MK81.[3]
Public sources have not disclosed:
- weapon-release-test dates;
- weapon qualification status;
- maximum release altitude;
- maximum release speed;
- engagement range;
- target-designation procedures; or
- production-standard weapons load.
Relationship with Jernas-S
[edit]Jernas-M is an enlarged development based on experience acquired from Jernas-S.[2]
| Characteristic | Jernas-S | Jernas-M |
|---|---|---|
| Wingspan | 8 m (26 ft) | 10 m (33 ft) |
| Empty weight | 320 kg (710 lb) | 590 kg (1,300 lb) |
| Maximum take-off weight | 630 kg (1,390 lb) | 1,200 kg (2,600 lb) |
| Maximum mission payload | 155 kg (342 lb) | 280 kg (620 lb) |
| ISR endurance | Up to 15 hours | Up to 20 hours |
| Endurance with maximum payload | Up to 10 hours | Up to 12 hours |
| Maximum or cruising speed | 240 km/h (150 mph) | 240 km/h (150 mph) |
| Propeller | Three-bladed pusher propeller | Four-bladed pusher propeller |
| Maximum operating altitude | 24,000 ft (7,300 m) | 30,000 ft (9,100 m) |
| Published mission payloads | EO, radar, EW and lightweight guided weapons | EO, radar, EW, RASH MK81 and RASH-3 weapons |
The larger aircraft required more powerful propulsion and strengthened landing gear, brakes and flight-control actuators.[2]
Intended roles
[edit]Jernas-M is intended for missions including:
- intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance;
- tactical reconnaissance;
- persistent observation;
- target acquisition;
- border surveillance;
- radar surveillance;
- electronic-warfare support;
- precision ground attack;
- battle-damage assessment; and
- communications or sensor relay.[1]
Its larger payload and longer endurance distinguish it from the smaller Jernas-S while retaining a comparatively compact wingspan for a medium-altitude long-endurance aircraft.
Operational status
[edit]As of July 2026, Jernas-M remained under development.
The pre-prototype had completed an initial flight shortly before the 2025 Dubai Airshow. An updated composite-airframe design was scheduled to fly in late 2026, with production planned for 2027.[2]
No publicly available source had confirmed:
- a production contract;
- production quantity;
- delivery schedule;
- export customer;
- operational military unit;
- initial operational capability; or
- entry into military service.
Specifications
[edit]Current manufacturer figures unless otherwise indicated.[1][3]
| Characteristic | Published figure |
|---|---|
| Type | Medium-altitude long-endurance multi-mission unmanned aircraft |
| Country of origin | United Arab Emirates |
| Manufacturer | ADASI, under EDGE Group |
| Crew | Uncrewed |
| Empty weight | 590 kg (1,300 lb) |
| Maximum take-off weight | 1,200 kg (2,600 lb) |
| Maximum mission payload | 280 kg (620 lb) |
| Wingspan | 10 m (33 ft) |
| Engine | EP918Ti-185H |
| Engine type | Four-stroke, four-cylinder, horizontally opposed piston engine |
| Engine output | 185 hp (138 kW) at 5,800 rpm |
| Propeller | Four-bladed pusher propeller |
| Fuel | Automotive gasoline |
| Fuel capacity | 350 L (92 US gal) |
| Published fuel consumption | 17 L/h (4.5 gal/h) |
| Maximum or cruising speed | 240 km/h (150 mph) |
| ISR endurance | Up to 20 hours |
| Endurance with maximum payload | Up to 12 hours |
| Line-of-sight command range | Up to 200 km (120 mi) |
| Maximum operating altitude | Up to 30,000 ft (9,100 m) |
| Sensor payloads | Electro-optical, radar and electronic-warfare equipment |
| Published armament | One RASH MK81 guided bomb and four RASH-3 guided munitions |
| Take-off and landing | Conventional runway operation using tricycle landing gear |
See also
[edit]References
[edit]- 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 "JERNAS-M MALE Tactical Multi-Mission UAV". EDGE Group. Retrieved 19 July 2026.
- 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 Valpolini, Paolo (27 November 2025). "Dubai Airshow 2025 – ADASI unveils unmanned solutions ranging from C-UAS to MALE to precision guided munitions, widening the scope of EDGE portfolio". European Defence Review. Retrieved 19 July 2026.
- 1 2 3 4 5 6 "JERNAS-M – Compact, Capable, Tactical, Thrifty" (PDF). EDGE Group. January 2026. Retrieved 19 July 2026.
- ↑ "EDGE showcases its global evolution with 42 new launches at Dubai Airshow 2025" (Press release). EDGE Group. 16 November 2025. Retrieved 19 July 2026.
- ↑ Felstead, Peter (17 November 2025). "Dubai Airshow 2025: EDGE Group unveils 42 new products". European Security & Defence. Retrieved 19 July 2026.
- ↑ "EDGE Product Launches at Dubai Airshow 2025". Joint Forces News. 17 November 2025. Retrieved 19 July 2026.
- ↑ "JERNAS-M". EDGE Group (in Arabic). Retrieved 19 July 2026.
External links
[edit]- Official Jernas-M product page – EDGE Group
- Official Jernas-M product brochure – EDGE Group