UMEX and SIMTEX 2026 wrapped up in Abu Dhabi with the UAE awarding three more defence contracts to local firms, bringing the final day’s total to around AED 1.26 billion ($342 million).
Tawazun Council spokesperson Manea Abdulkarim Al Mansoori said two of the Ministry of Defence agreements were signed with EDGE Group, underscoring continued reliance on domestic industry for advanced unmanned capabilities.
One contract, valued at AED 385.7 million ($105 million), covers the development of jet-engine unmanned aerial vehicles, while a second EDGE deal worth AED 525.2 million ($143 million) involves the acquisition of tracked robotic combat vehicles and the THeMIS unmanned ground platform.
Although specifications were not disclosed, EDGE displayed its Adasi Jeniah jet-powered combat drone at the show, alongside its Shadow 25 loitering UAV. The ground systems deal may build on a previous UMEX 2024 order for 60 Milrem Robotics THeMIS vehicles armed with 30 mm cannons.
The final contract of the day was awarded to Caracal International, an EDGE subsidiary specializing in small arms. Valued at AED 345.3 million ($94 million), the agreement covers the supply of remotely operated weapon systems.
Overall, the UAE signed 11 contracts with Emirati companies during UMEX, totaling $980 million — a 20 percent increase compared to the previous edition. Al Mansoori said the growth highlights rising confidence in the maturity and capabilities of the UAE’s defence industrial base.
3D-Printed Maritime Drones
Unmanned maritime platforms featured prominently at the exhibition, with several companies showcasing surface and subsurface drones. Industry executives noted increasing naval interest in USVs manufactured using 3D-printing techniques.
LIG’s UAE business lead, Wontaek Shin, said 3D printing offers lower production costs and simplifies integration of sensors and weapons, enabling up to 90 percent platform customization. LIG is offering USVs to the South Korean Navy for ISR, combat, and one-way attack missions.
Al Seer Marine’s head of boatbuilding, Piotr Zbigniew Targowski, confirmed that the UAE Navy has explored the feasibility of 3D-printed USVs. While large-scale production requires significant upfront investment, he said the technology is well suited for rapidly producing low-cost expendable vessels during conflict scenarios.
