Abu dhabi: EDGE, a leading advanced technology and defense group, and Anduril, a global defense technology company, are set to establish a joint venture focused on accelerating the development of autonomous systems for both civil and defense missions in the Middle East and surrounding regions.
According to Emirates News Agency, this collaboration enhances the longstanding defense partnership between the United States and the United Arab Emirates, rooted in shared security and commercial interests. The joint venture, named the EDGE-Anduril Production Alliance, aims to co-develop critical capabilities that will strengthen the commercial aerospace and defense ecosystems of both nations while expanding access to advanced, software-defined technologies.
The new partnership will see the formation of a jointly-owned production, sales, and sustainment vehicle, which will serve as a hub for modern commercial and defense manufacturing in the region. The companies are currently finalizing the necessary arrangements, pending requisite US and UAE government approvals.
The venture leverages EDGE's established regional presence and trust across the Middle East alongside Anduril's expertise in rapid, software-driven development and large-scale production. Together, they aim to deliver affordable and scalable systems ready for operational use across a wide range of applications.
The UAE has committed to acquiring 50 Omen systems, marking a significant investment to anchor production and accelerate future system development. The Omen systems, a hover-to-cruise Autonomous Air Vehicle (AAV), are designed to provide long-range autonomous airpower for various operations, including maritime surveillance, logistics resupply, and air defense sensing.
Faisal Al Bannai, Chairman of EDGE Group, emphasized the strategic partnership's potential to harness some of the most advanced autonomous systems engineering globally, enhancing the UAE's position in autonomous air capability. Trae Stephens, Co-Founder and Executive Chair of Anduril, highlighted the collaboration's focus on translating ideas into real capabilities swiftly.
The joint venture agreements also outline collaboration on defined projects, global business development coordination, and oversight of a shared portfolio of autonomous systems for military and civilian use. Compliance with US and UAE laws, including trade regulations, will be ensured.
The venture will grant EDGE access to Anduril's Lattice software platform, enhancing the command and control capabilities of joint systems. For Anduril, it establishes a trusted production base in the Middle East, allowing for the local design, adaptation, and manufacturing of systems.
The Omen systems represent the first in a line of co-developed products, expected to transition from development to full-rate production by 2028. The systems will be produced locally by the EDGE-Anduril Production Alliance, with US orders fulfilled at Anduril's Ohio facility.
Beyond military applications, Omen's modular architecture allows for reconfiguration across various civilian missions, including acting as airborne cell towers in disaster scenarios and supporting humanitarian efforts.
Additionally, Anduril is investing in a 50,000-square-foot research, development, and virtual simulation center in the UAE, which will act as a regional hub for engineering and testing advanced autonomous systems.
By embedding production capacity in the UAE, the joint venture aims to create a more agile and self-reliant commercial and defense industrial base, capable of producing systems at scale for critical missions.