Coyote System Production UAE: Raytheon Signs Key Agreement
**Raytheon has officially entered into a pivotal agreement with Tawazun, a company based in the United Arab Emirates, to initiate the production of the Coyote system within the region.** This agreement marks a significant milestone in the collaboration between the two entities and was finalized in an event attended by notable figures from both nations. Fahad Al Mheiri, the General Manager of Raytheon Emirates, and Matar Al Romaithi, Head of Defense and Security Industries at Tawazun, were the signatories of this crucial deal. The ceremony also welcomed the presence of Martina Strong, the U.S. Ambassador to the UAE, alongside HE Dr. Nasser Al Nuaimi, Secretary General of Tawazun, signaling strong international ties in defense initiatives.
In his remarks, Al Mheiri highlighted the agreement’s vital role in bolstering the U.S. defense industry while enhancing capabilities in a critical operational area. He emphasized, “This partnership reflects our mutual commitment to fostering innovation and preparedness through consistent collaboration,” underlining the importance of strategic alliances in today’s defense landscape. The partnership aims not only to strengthen local production capabilities but also to enable faster response times for both the UAE and its allies.
The Coyote system, currently in use by the U.S. Army, has established its effectiveness in countering the escalating drone threat. Reports from Defence Blog indicate that local manufacturing of this system will allow for quicker delivery times and greater operational flexibility for the UAE and allied forces in the region. This will significantly enhance their defensive posture against unmanned aerial systems, a growing concern in modern warfare.
The specifications of the Coyote Block 2+ system are noteworthy, measuring 600 mm in length with a wingspan of 1473 mm, deployed via a pneumatic box launcher. Initially designed for loitering munitions and reconnaissance missions, the Coyote Block 2+ can reach speeds up to 130 km/h while weighing 5.9 kg. Its operational capability allows for the destruction of hostile drones through direct impact or by detonating a 1.8 kg warhead at a safe distance to maximize fragmentation.
Moreover, the Coyote system features a man-in-the-loop control that enables continuous oversight during operations. This advanced capability complements its integration with Raytheon’s Ku-band radar system, known as KuRFS, allowing for the effective interception of Class I and II drones. Such technical advancements signify Raytheon’s continued commitment to innovative defense solutions.
In related developments, the U.S. military is also rolling out a helicopter-launched anti-drone system, further indicating a robust response to the challenges posed by drone warfare. This multifaceted approach demonstrates an evolving strategy to ensure comprehensive aerial defense capabilities, reinforcing the importance of such collaborations in maintaining regional security.
