Vector-SR2 Team Unveils a Saudi-built Shahed Drone Clone

Looks like Saudi Arabia and Utah have more in common than deserts. SR2Vector, a joint venture between Saudi Arabia’s SR2 Defense Systems and Utah-based startup Vector, has unveiled a co-produced Shahed-esque (or in US terms, LUCAS-esque) long-range one-way attack drone called SKYWASP, which’ll be manufactured at the JV’s upcoming factory near Riyadh. The news was first reported by Semafor. Drones in the desert: SKYWASP is the first new-build system produced by SR2Vector after the two announced an MoU to “jointly explore opportunities for localized manufacturing, assembly, and sustainment of Vector systems” in Saudi Arabia in March. Mission critical: The announcement—and team-up—are well-timed. Saudi Arabia and other Gulf states are speedrunning a build-up of their sovereign defense industries to help counter the continuing barrage of Iranian drone strikes on military and critical infrastructure, including several of the world’s most important energy facilities. Big buzz: Much of Saudi Arabia’s boom in investment and interest has focused on interceptors and defensive capabilities. But, with SKYWASP, SR2Vector is betting that the Saudis are also pretty interested in giving the Iranians a taste of their own Shahed-flavored medicine. For Vector, SKYWASP could also see some action stateside. Over the weekend, the startup was named to the Drone Dominance Program’s Phase 2 Qualifier list, which will put drones to the test “in one—or both—critical mission areas: Long Range Strike and Tactical Assault in Close Quarters.” Good thing Vector now makes both.