Calidus Holding Group, a leading defense and manufacturing company, has launched the Badr-250 (B-250) light attack aircraft, the first of its kind to be fully developed and manufactured in the UAE by Emirati expertise, showcasing the country’s growing capability in advanced military aviation.
The unveiling of B-250 took place during the Dubai Airshow 2025, which is currently being held until 21st November at Dubai World Central. This milestone, which marks a turning point in the region’s aviation industry, follows the aircraft’s successful completion of qualification requirements and core testing programs, as well as its maiden flight.
The B-250 is a multi-role aircraft equipped with advanced, high-precision technologies and systems, ranking among the most sophisticated in the global aviation industry.
It has been designed for combat missions such as close air support (CAS), intelligence surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR), persistent air support (PAS), counterinsurgency (COIN), in addition to basic and advanced training.
Equipped with one Pratt and Whitney PT6A-68 engine providing 1,600 SHP, B-250 achieves a maximum horizontal speed of 301 knots with endurance up to 12 hours and a maximum range up to 2,400 nautical mile depending on the aircraft configuration, and a maximum ceiling of 30,000 ft.
B-250 also contains seven external stores with an external payload of approximately 1,800 kg in addition to a pressurized cockpit equipped with OBOGS. In addition, a wide variety of weapons, ammunition, smart missiles, and laser-guided bombs can be qualified for the aircraft to strike targets with extreme accuracy. The aircraft is also designed to rearm quickly after landing, even in bases with rugged terrain.
Dr. Khalifa Murad Alblooshi MD and CEO Calidus Holding Group
“We are proud to launch the first light attack aircraft developed entirely by Calidus, fully designed, manufactured and produced in the Emirates by Emirati talent. The B-250 is the first of its kind in the UAE and the region – an achievement that embodies our leadership in designing, producing, and delivering advanced aviation systems to global standards,”
Alblooshi explained that the B-250 aircraft is the first in its class to be fully designed and developed for its mission, featuring a lightweight, high-strength carbon fibre structure. He added that it is equipped with next-generation avionics, mission, communication, and self-protection systems, as well as seven external stores and an EO/IR gimbal, the milestone aligns with the UAE’s vision to empower its defense industry and strengthen its global leadership in this vital sector.
Calidus produces a range of advanced aviation systems, including the ‘Badr‑250’ light attack aircraft, the B‑250T trainer aircraft, and the WX‑80 cloud‑seeding and weather research aircraft.
