A New Era of Strategic MoUs and Industrial Collaboration
Launched in November 2019, EDGE has rapidly grown into one of the world’s foremost advanced technology and defence conglomerates. Established to accelerate innovation and disrupt traditional approaches to defence and security, EDGE embodies the UAE’s ambition to become a global hub for future-ready industries. With a mandate to deliver bold, agile, and efficient solutions across military and civilian domains, the group continues to push the boundaries of what sovereign capability can look like in the 21st century.
At its core, EDGE is committed to harnessing Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) technologies, autonomous systems, advanced propulsion, cyber-physical platforms, robotics, AI, and smart materials, to strengthen national security while building competitive export-ready products. By integrating emerging technologies, digital transformation, and commercial innovations with complex military requirements, EDGE is redefining the ecosystem of defence manufacturing and capability development.
Today, headquartered in Abu Dhabi, EDGE consolidates more than 35 entities across six clusters: Platforms & Systems, Missiles & Weapons, Space & Cyber Technologies, EDGE Commercial, Technology & Innovation, and Homeland Security. At Dubai Airshow 2025, EDGE showcased its expanding global partnerships through a series of strategic Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) and major announcements that underline its growing influence across continents.
Strengthening Sovereign Space Capabilities: KATIM–Space42 SATCOM Alliance
A major highlight is the strategic SATCOM manufacturing alliance between EDGE entity KATIM, a leader in ultra-secure communications, and Space42, the UAE’s prominent AI-driven SpaceTech company. This collaboration establishes a sovereign SATCOM hardware ecosystem within the UAE.
By combining KATIM’s government-grade secure communications, cryptographic technologies, and advanced waveforms with Space42’s satellite infrastructure and manufacturing capabilities, the partnership positions the UAE as a global force in secure satellite communications for defence, government, and commercial use.
Waleid Al Mesmari, President of Space & Cyber Technologies at EDGE, emphasised the strategic importance of sovereign SATCOM assets, highlighting the alliance’s role in advancing national technological independence. Space42 CEO Ali Al Hashemi noted that the collaboration builds on years of operational experience, particularly the Foresight constellation, enabling world-class antenna systems and reinforcing the UAE’s space infrastructure ambitions.
Expanding Aerospace and ISR Capabilities: EDGE–EIC MoU
EDGE also entered a significant partnership with Canada’s Exchange Income Corporation (EIC), including its subsidiary PAL Aerospace, to combine special mission aircraft expertise with EDGE’s advancements in UAVs and defence AI.
This collaboration aligns with Canada’s evolving defence requirements while strengthening UAE-Canada industrial cooperation. It will support the development of advanced special mission assets, including those operated under Contractor Owned Contractor Operated (COCO) models, an increasingly vital capability in modern defence operations.
Advancing Air and Missile Defence: EDGE–Hanwha Aerospace Cooperation
A major cross-continental collaboration came with the signing of an MoU between EDGE and Hanwha Aerospace, a South Korean leader in defence, aviation, and space technologies. The partnership explores cooperation in:
The two sides will also evaluate opportunities for UAE-based MRO facilities, training, and sustainment programmes. The MoU follows the UAE–South Korea leadership summit, underscoring rising bilateral cooperation.
EDGE President of Platforms & Systems, Khaled Al Zaabi, highlighted the potential for next-generation systems that enhance national resilience. Hanwha’s regional president, Sung Il, noted the opportunity to create long-term industrial value.
UAE Aerospace Strengthening: EPI Extends Partnership with Strata
EDGE Group’s EPI, a cornerstone of precision engineering in the UAE, extended its contract with Mubadala-owned Strata to continue manufacturing complex titanium parts for the Airbus A330 programme until 2030.
This partnership supports:
EPI CEO Michael Deshaies called the extension a testament to EPI’s reliability and precision engineering excellence. Strata Acting CEO Sara Al Memari reaffirmed the UAE's commitment to world-class aerospace manufacturing and Emirati talent development.
Brazil–UAE Defence Cooperation: Joint Anti-Drone System Moves Forward
Following a Letter of Intent earlier this year, EDGE and the Brazilian Navy progressed to the next phase of developing a joint anti-drone system for strategic site protection. A joint technical working group has been established, with demonstrations set for December and the first capability package planned for 2026.
The collaboration could expand into anti-missile shields and broader naval defence enhancement. The agreement, signed at Dubai Airshow 2025, marks a landmark in EDGE’s growing presence in Latin America.
EDGE CEO Hamad Al Marar emphasised the system’s operational value and the strengthening of Brazil-UAE defence ties.
Expanding MRO Capabilities: EPI–Etihad Engineering Collaboration
EPI and Etihad Engineering announced a collaboration to advance local MRO and machining capabilities, including aircraft wheel hub maintenance. Since early 2025, the partnership has enhanced EPI’s technical expertise and readiness through hands-on integration with Etihad Engineering’s world-leading maintenance teams.
This initiative strengthens the UAE’s aerospace ecosystem under national strategies to enhance In-Country Value and global competitiveness.
Unmanned Systems Collaboration: EDGE–Magnaghi Aerospace Group
EDGE also signed an agreement with Italy’s Magnaghi Aerospace Group (MA Group) to explore cooperation in UAV and aerial platform enhancement. This includes:
With a global footprint across Italy, Türkiye, the UK, USA, Canada, and Brazil, MA Group brings decades of trusted supplier experience to major OEMs such as Airbus, Leonardo, Boeing, and Embraer.
Brazilian Marine Corps Contracts SIATT for Advanced Anti-Tank System
EDGE Group entity SIATT announced a major contract with the Brazilian Marine Corps to deliver the Expeditionary Anti-Tank Missile System (SMACE). Mounted on two high-mobility 4x4 vehicles, the system integrates:
Operational assessment is scheduled for 2026, with plans to scale production thereafter.
EDGE–Leonardo Joint Venture Moves Closer
Following an MoU signed in June, EDGE and Leonardo announced the completion of a preliminary assessment for a joint venture to be established in Abu Dhabi by 2026. The JV will focus on:
EDGE Group would own 51% of the JV, with Leonardo owning the remaining 49%. The activities being considered include, among others, design, development, testing, industrialisation and production, sale/lease and through-life support and training for the JV’s products in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), IP right licensing, and the creation of a skilled locally based workforce. The JV’s products will be marketed in the UAE, and through the UAE to selected international export markets. The portfolio under consideration will be based on a range of Leonardo’s solutions covering various business areas spanning sensors, system integration, and platforms.
Hamad Al Marar, Managing Director and CEO of EDGE Group, said: “This latest milestone on the path towards the full establishment of a landmark joint venture between EDGE and Leonardo underscores not only the speed with which we are moving, but highlights what can be achieved when two industry players collaborate on the development of a smart strategy to deliver technological excellence for global security. By collaborating across several critical domains including air, land, sea, and electro-optics, we can tailor solutions born from solid experience, expertise, and innovation, through the UAE to existing and new untapped markets.”
Roberto Cingolani, CEO and General Manager of Leonardo, said: “This latest milestone, which follows months of intense work between the partners, testifies our mutual understanding of the added value we can create paving the path for an even stronger collaboration. The combination of our capabilities in the UAE, in some premium technology fields we’ve identified for an in-depth evaluation, can deliver highly competitive solutions to the reference market. We look forward to continuing to work towards the next stage of cooperation.”
EDGE–KAI: Exploring Future Aerospace Cooperation
EDGE and Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) signed an MoU to explore potential collaboration in defence, aerospace, and advanced technologies. This early engagement could pave the way for joint programmes that support both nations’ technological and industrial ambitions.
The MoU was signed by Jaehong Kim, VP and Head of International Business Development, MENA, and Khaled Al Zaabi, President - Platforms & Systems, EDGE, witnessed by JaeByoung Cha, CEO of KAI, and Hamad Al Marar, Managing Director and CEO, EDGE.
Enhancing Italy–UAE Defence Industry Linkages: EDGE–AIAD MoU
Rounding off its extensive engagements at Dubai Airshow 2025, EDGE signed an MoU with Italy’s Federation of Italian Aerospace, Defence and Security Companies (AIAD). This partnership aims to pursue new industrial cooperation opportunities while expanding EDGE’s ongoing collaborations with major Italian defence companies such as Fincantieri, Leonardo, and ELT Group.
EDGE is currently engaged with several major Italian defence companies, including Fincantieri through an established joint venture in the UAE, as well as strong industrial partnerships with both Leonardo and ELT Group. The group is now seeking to expand this collaboration to include innovative small and medium sized Italian companies. This expansion will support their growth, promote broader technological exchange, and create opportunities for new partnerships that reinforce industrial ties between the UAE and Italy.
The initiative emphasises the integration of Italian SMEs into the UAE’s fast-growing defence ecosystem, strengthening bilateral cooperation and technological exchange.
EDGE’s Expanding Global Landscape
Through these MoUs, contract announcements, and strategic alliances, EDGE has reaffirmed its position as one of the world’s most dynamic and rapidly advancing defence technology groups. The breadth of its engagements, from South Korea to Brazil, Canada to Italy, reflects a global footprint grounded in innovation, sovereign capability development, and strategic partnership.
As the UAE accelerates its ascent as a global powerhouse in defence, aerospace, and advanced technologies, EDGE stands at the forefront, reshaping the technological landscape and driving a new era of international cooperation.
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