The BSDA 2026 event in Bucharest has set the stage for the first public appearance of Sahara, an AI-enabled cruise missile developed by Oves Enterprise.
Designed to engage high-value targets in contested environments, Sahara has a launch weight of 55 kilograms (121 pounds) and can carry payloads of up to 10 kilograms (22 pounds).
Its AI-enabled functionality suggests the use of machine learning or computer vision to support target identification, terminal guidance, or in-flight route adjustments.
Powered by a turbojet engine, the missile carries around 20 kilograms (44 pounds) of fuel, giving it a range of up to 200 kilometers (124 miles).
Sahara is designed as a fully integrated weapons system rather than a standalone platform, combining guidance, software, electronics, and flight controls into a single package.
Flying at around 50 meters (164 feet) above ground level, it can follow terrain contours to reduce radar visibility and use ground clutter to help mask its approach from air defense systems.
According to The Defence Blog, this flight profile aligns with established cruise missile concepts seen in systems such as the Franco-British Storm Shadow/SCALP family.
What’s Next for Sahara?
Earlier reporting indicates the company invested over 1 million euros ($1.1 million) in research and development for the Sahara missile and assembled a 25-member specialist team to advance the project.
The figure reflects overall development costs rather than per-unit production expenses, which have not been disclosed publicly.
Details on flight testing, certification progress, and any potential procurement by the Romanian armed forces or export interest also remain undisclosed.
