Oman launches Middle East’s first strategic cargo drone 'Sahm' for remote logistics

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Muscat: Oman has unveiled the Middle East’s first strategic heavy-lift cargo drone ‘Sahm’, marking a major milestone in regional logistics and drone manufacturing. Fully assembled in the Sultanate, the aircraft can carry payloads of up to 250 kilograms and operate over distances of 300 kilometres.

The launch took place at the Military Technical College during the “Sky Bridge” event, held under the patronage of Minister of Transport, Communications and Information Technology Eng. Saeed bin Hamoud Al Maawali. The ceremony was attended by senior defence officials, including Ministry of Defence Secretary General Dr. Mohammed bin Nasser Al Zaabi, along with military leaders and industry executives.

As part of its inaugural mission, Sahm successfully transported a 100-kilogram consignment of medical supplies across nearly 100 kilometres from the Military Technical College to Jebel Akhdar. The flight crossed rugged mountains and valleys, demonstrating the drone’s ability to provide fast and secure logistics links to remote and hard-to-reach areas.

Officials said the successful mission confirmed the platform’s readiness for larger strategic operations. Designed for varied operating conditions, Sahm’s full specifications qualify it for long-range cargo missions that could support healthcare, emergency response and commercial logistics.

Mohammed bin Abdullah Al Harthy, CEO of the Ibn Firnas Centre for Drones, said the project reflected Oman’s growing capabilities in advanced technology. He noted that Sahm was built using local expertise and represents a shift from innovation concepts to practical applications serving key sectors.

The event also marked the launch of the ‘Sky Bridge’ project, a strategic initiative by the Ibn Firnas Centre aimed at localising advanced aircraft production and establishing a national manufacturing base for future aviation technologies in Oman.

In addition, the centre showcased other locally developed systems, including a drone traffic management platform to regulate low-altitude airspace and a specialised drone designed for precision monitoring and advanced aerial services.