Barq–Elroy ink $200 mn JV for drones in Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi will soon host a US$ 200 million JV between Barq Group and US drone maker, Elroy Air to build the Chaparral, an autonomous hybrid-electric cargo drone. The new facility will produce Chaparral aircraft for commercial and humanitarian use across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), while also offering maintenance and repair services.

Barq Group CEO Ahmed AlMazrui said, “Our partnership with Elroy Air is a testament to Abu Dhabi’s position as a global leader in the future of mobility. This US$ 200 million investment is more than a manufacturing agreement; it is a commitment to building a self-sustaining aerospace ecosystem in the UAE. The massive demand we are seeing from logistics providers across MENA makes it clear that local production is the only way to scale effectively.”

The Chaparral is a pioneering drone capable of carrying 300 pounds of cargo over 300 miles without needing charging infrastructure, thanks to its hybrid-electric design. Its first flight with a turbogenerator-hybrid system was completed in 2023.

The JV will meet the rising demand for autonomous logistics in the region, supporting fast, middle-mile deliveries across diverse geographies. Initial flight operations in the UAE are planned for 2027 using US-built drones, with local production beginning in 2028.

Barq Group CEO Ahmed AlMazrui said the partnership strengthens Abu Dhabi’s position in advanced mobility and builds a self-sustaining aerospace ecosystem. Elroy Air CEO Dr. Andrew Clare highlighted the region’s high demand and said local manufacturing will reduce lead times and better serve customers. The venture is expected to boost the local economy by creating aerospace jobs, developing a regional supply chain, and advancing Abu Dhabi’s Smart and Autonomous Vehicle Industry (SAVI) objectives.