ABU DHABI, UAE — EDGE Group has completed the development and testing of the MK 82 Penetrator, an aircraft munition designed to defeat hardened targets and bunkers. The weapon was designed and manufactured in the United Arab Emirates by LAHAB, EDGE’s medium- and large-calibre ammunition manufacturer.
Successful Penetration Tests
The development programme included performance trials against different hardened targets and a full series of environmental qualification tests. During live trials, the MK 82 Penetrator breached reinforced concrete more than one metre thick.
The munition also demonstrated no “J” effect, meaning it maintained its trajectory through the target material without significant deviation.
Aircraft Compatibility and Guidance Systems
The MK 82 Penetrator is designed for use with a wide range of NATO-configured aircraft, including fourth-generation and 4.5-generation multirole fighters, fifth-generation fighters, variable-geometry strike aircraft, advanced jet trainers and light-attack platforms.
It can be used on aircraft already cleared to carry the standard MK 82 General Purpose bomb, subject to applicable integration and clearance requirements.
The munition is compatible with existing MK 82 precision-guidance kits, including EDGE’s domestically developed AL TARIQ and THUNDER guidance families. This allows operators to add hardened-target capabilities to existing guided-weapon configurations without requiring an entirely separate guidance system.
LAHAB Developing Heavier MK 83 Variant
Mohammed Arbabi, CEO of LAHAB, said the new munition expands military operators’ capabilities while maintaining familiarity and ease of use. He added that it provides greater flexibility without unnecessary complexity and reflects the company’s commitment to meeting users’ evolving requirements.
The MK 82 Penetrator is the first in a planned family of hardened-target weapons. LAHAB is already at an advanced stage of developing the heavier MK 83 Penetrator aircraft munition.
UAE’s Domestic Munitions Production
LAHAB operates within EDGE’s Missiles and Weapons cluster and is the UAE’s only manufacturer of medium- and large-calibre munitions. Its existing product range includes the MK 81, MK 82, MK 83 and MK 84 general-purpose aerial bombs.
The company has secured long-term supply contracts with the UAE Ministry of Defence and signed partnership agreements to expand MK-series production and exports.
The MK 82 and MK 83 Penetrator programmes form part of the UAE’s broader effort to develop, qualify and manufacture advanced munitions domestically, strengthening its defence industrial capabilities and supply options for the UAE and its strategic partners.
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