A new collaboration between the UAE’s EDGE Group and France’s Safran Electronics & Defense is set to reshape the smart weapons sector by merging large-scale industrial capacity with advanced systems expertise to deliver export-ready air-to-ground — and potentially surface-to-air — capabilities.
Representatives from both firms signed a memorandum of understanding in Abu Dhabi to establish a framework for the joint development, production, and commercialization of next-generation precision-guided weapons.
During the initial phase, the partnership will build upon Safran’s existing solutions, enhancing their performance while examining opportunities to expand into surface-to-air missile technologies and other advanced systems.
EDGE contributes manufacturing scale, a diversified technology portfolio, and strong regional production capabilities, while Safran offers decades of experience in defense electronics and navigation systems. EDGE Group CEO and Managing Director Hamad Al Marar stated that both companies recognize strong potential to meet evolving operational requirements across global markets.
EDGE Broadens International Partnerships
In recent years, EDGE Group has accelerated its international outreach to strengthen domestic expertise and expand its global footprint.
In November 2025, EDGE signed an MoU with Hanwha Aerospace to explore cooperation in air and missile defense, long-range strike systems, unmanned technologies, and defense-focused artificial intelligence.
Earlier in 2025, EDGE subsidiary EPI concluded a letter of intent with Lockheed Martin to deepen collaboration in aerospace and defense innovation. The same year, EDGE formalized an MoU with Leonardo DRS at IDEX 2025 to advance integrated defense solutions for the UAE Armed Forces.
Looking beyond conventional platforms, EDGE also announced plans in 2026 to establish a joint venture with Leonardo to manufacture sensors, platforms, and integrated systems for local and selected export markets.
Additionally, in 2025, EDGE entered into a landmark $7 billion cooperation agreement with Republikorp in Indonesia, focusing on local production, technology transfer, and co-development programs spanning air defense, unmanned systems, and advanced munitions.
