The UAE’s EDGE Group has partnered with France-based Safran Electronics & Defense in a move aimed at transforming the smart weapons market through a blend of industrial-scale production and advanced technological expertise.
The two companies signed a memorandum of understanding in Abu Dhabi outlining plans to jointly design, manufacture, and market next-generation precision weapons systems.
Initially, the collaboration will enhance and expand upon Safran’s current technologies, with longer-term ambitions to explore surface-to-air missile capabilities and other high-end defense solutions.
EDGE brings extensive manufacturing infrastructure and a broad defense technology portfolio, while Safran contributes longstanding experience in navigation and defense electronics. According to EDGE CEO Hamad Al Marar, the partnership positions both firms to address emerging operational needs across a wide spectrum of international customers.
Expanding Global Engagement
Over the past two years, EDGE Group has actively pursued international alliances to boost its technological base and increase its presence in global markets.
In late 2025, EDGE entered into an MoU with Hanwha Aerospace covering potential collaboration in advanced missile defense, precision strike capabilities, unmanned systems, and AI-driven defense applications.
Earlier that year, EDGE’s engineering arm EPI signed a letter of intent with Lockheed Martin, aimed at strengthening aerospace and defense cooperation. EDGE also signed an MoU with Leonardo DRS at IDEX 2025 to co-develop integrated systems for the UAE Armed Forces.
In 2026, EDGE plans to launch a joint venture with Leonardo to produce sensors and integrated defense platforms for domestic and selected export markets.
Further expanding its reach, EDGE secured a $7 billion agreement in 2025 with Republikorp to establish defense manufacturing capabilities in Indonesia, focusing on technology transfer and joint development in air defense, unmanned systems, and advanced weaponry.
