IDEX 2021: Edge unveils long-range anti-ship missile

The United Arab Emirate’s (UAE’s) Edge group unveiled the HAS-250 anti-ship missile as a ground-launched system developed by its Halcon guided weapons division at the International Defence Exhibition & Conference (IDEX) 2021 show held in Abu Dhabi from 21–25 February.

The HAS-250 on display at IDEX 2021. (Edge)

“The HAS-250 is a UAE-designed and developed surface-to-surface missile capable of travelling at speeds of up to 0.8 Mach, with a range of over 250 km,” Edge said in a press release. “During its terminal phase, it can fly towards its target at a sea-skimming altitude of below 5 m.”

It said it uses a combination of GNSS and INS mid-course guidance systems and has an active/passive radar seeker for the terminal phase. A video released by Edge said the missile uses the HS-350 turbojet engine and has an anti-jamming system. It also showed it has a solid-propellant booster that drops off after launch.

A launcher on an Iveco Astra truck with two missile canisters was displayed at the show.

“The HAS-250 is a significant advancement in our quest to equip naval forces with the highest performing cruise missile system,” Halcon CEO Saeed Al-Mansoori was quoted as saying.

He suggested the HAS-250 is being developed for the UAE Naval Forces, saying “this weapon will assist in the active defence of the UAE’s waterways”.