EDGE Group has successfully completed the first dynamic firing trial of a UAE-designed 155mm extended-range artillery projectile, marking a significant milestone in the country’s efforts to strengthen its indigenous ammunition manufacturing capabilities.
The projectile, designated the Extended Range Full Bore (ERFB), was developed and manufactured in-house by LAHAB, EDGE’s producer of medium- and large-calibre ammunition. The trial evaluated the projectile’s ballistic performance, accuracy and compatibility with existing artillery systems.
During the test, projectiles fired from a 52-calibre barrel followed their predicted trajectories and landed within the designated target area. The results demonstrated consistent grouping and tight dispersion, indicating promising initial ballistic performance.
The trial assessed several technical parameters, including compatibility with artillery systems manufactured in accordance with the Joint Ballistics Memorandum of Understanding standard. Engineers also evaluated whether measured chamber pressures corresponded with theoretical calculations, whether actual impact locations matched predicted trajectories and whether the projectile’s structural components remained intact during firing.
The next stage of development will involve arena testing to assess the projectile’s effectiveness. This will be followed by qualification trials against applicable Military Standard requirements and NATO Standardization Agreement (STANAG) 4224. The programme must also demonstrate that the ammunition meets the required safety and operational suitability standards before entering service.
The ERFB development effort forms part of HAZEEM, EDGE’s broader initiative to develop and manufacture a range of artillery ammunition entirely within the UAE. The programme supports the country’s objective of expanding domestic defence production and reducing reliance on foreign ammunition suppliers.
EDGE Expands Indigenous Ammunition Manufacturing Capabilities
Alongside the development of advanced artillery ammunition, EDGE is expanding its domestic production infrastructure to increase the UAE’s manufacturing capacity for military munitions.
The company’s automated 40mm grenade ammunition production line has achieved full-rate production, with an annual manufacturing capacity of up to 1.5 million rounds. The facility incorporates automated processes covering multiple stages of production, including cartridge case and projectile assembly, final assembly and belting.
A real-time production monitoring system tracks manufacturing performance and output, allowing operators to identify operational issues and address potential disruptions during production. This approach is intended to improve manufacturing efficiency, consistency and quality control while supporting higher production volumes.
The expansion of automated ammunition manufacturing represents part of EDGE’s broader investment in strengthening the UAE’s domestic defence industrial base. By developing indigenous ammunition designs, expanding production infrastructure and improving manufacturing processes, the group aims to enhance national supply chain resilience and support the country’s long-term defence requirements.
The successful completion of the ERFB’s initial dynamic firing trial is an important step towards qualifying a locally developed 155mm artillery projectile. Further testing and certification will determine its readiness for operational use, while the HAZEEM programme continues to advance the UAE’s ambition to establish a stronger indigenous ammunition manufacturing ecosystem.
