Shenzhen-based United Aircraft announced at the Dubai Airshow that it had secured 1,600 orders for industrial drones, the company said in a news release, a haul SCMP described as the largest single-order deal by a Chinese drone maker at the biennial show. The orders cover industrial models for low-altitude logistics, medical deliveries and agricultural applications across the UAE, South Korea and other markets.
United Aircraft also said it will expand cooperation with Middle Eastern partners and is piloting drone-delivered food services in Abu Dhabi through partnerships with local platforms. The company did not disclose total contract value; report language and company material indicate these are public announcements made during the Airshow rather than links to detailed purchaser contracts.
What United Aircraft announced
- Quantity: United Aircraft publicly announced 1,600 units placed by customers from the UAE, the Republic of Korea and other markets. SCMP and regional media carried the company’s claim.
- Applications cited: Company materials and coverage list low-altitude logistics, medical deliveries and agricultural plant protection as the principal use cases for the ordered models.
- Commercial terms: The total monetary value was not disclosed and available public material does not make clear whether orders are firm, conditional or part of framework agreements, a common feature of airshow announcements.
Why the Middle East matters for drone makers
- Operational need: The Middle East’s mix of dense cities and remote desert regions creates demand for point-to-point logistics and last-mile services that drones can address. Governments and private platforms are piloting drone delivery to cut delivery times and emissions.
- Regulatory momentum: UAE regulators have advanced permissive frameworks and pilot programmes (municipal and federal), enabling trials with food-delivery platforms, a factor that makes the UAE an attractive early market for drone deployment. Public MoUs (Talabat & K2) at the show exemplify this trend.
Corroboration & context
- Primary source: United Aircraft’s own news and media statements underpin the order claim; SCMP cites the company and SZnews. United Aircraft’s website lists products such as the Leiying Q20 and larger tandem rotor platforms that match the stated industrial use cases.
- Trade coverage: Industry outlets (EqualOcean, EDRMagazine, China regional media) reported demonstrations and interest in the Leiying Q20 and heavy-lift variants at Dubai, consistent with the announced order types.
- Caveat: Airshow order announcements often mix firm contracts and LOIs. For market-impact analysis and value estimates, request purchaser confirmation or contract details from United Aircraft or the named buyers.
Market & industrial implications
- Production & supply chain: If the order is firm and executed, manufacturing and supply chain demands would increase, benefiting propulsion, avionics and composite suppliers. United Aircraft has manufacturing and R&D capacity in multiple Chinese provinces and has showcased the TD550 and Q20 platforms at recent trade events.
- Aftermarket & services: Large fleet deployments create long-term demand for training, spares and maintenance, a potential revenue stream beyond initial unit sales.
Timeline, quick bullets
- 17–24 Nov 2025: Dubai Airshow 2025 takes place; multiple OEM and defence deals are announced.
- 18–20 Nov 2025: United Aircraft demonstrates Leiying Q20 and heavy-lift models at Dubai; pilots with local partners are announced.
- 24 Nov 2025: SCMP reports United Aircraft’s public claim of 1,600 orders announced at the show.
What’s next? watchlist for our readers
- Contract status: Seek purchaser confirmations or contract filings to determine whether the 1,600 units are firm orders, LOIs, or framework agreements. (Impact: revenue vs pipeline.)
- Delivery schedule: Monitor United Aircraft production schedules and export clearances. Delivery timelines determine short-term supply chain pressure.
- Regulatory approvals & trials: Track Talabat/K2 pilot outcomes and UAE regulatory approvals for large-scale drone delivery. Regulatory success will influence uptake across the GCC.
Sources
- South China Morning Post, Chinese drone maker scores record 1,600 orders at Dubai Airshow (Alice Li).
- United Aircraft (company site / news & product pages).
- EqualOcean, EDRMagazine and regional Guangdong / InfoGD reporting on United Aircraft product demos and orders.
