EDGE and Leonardo DRS Partner to Reinforce UAE Defence and Industrial Capabilities - Middle East Business News and Information
Under the MoU, the two will collaborate in the procurement and systems integration of cutting-edge technologies.
Abu Dhabi, UAE:February, 2025 – EDGE entity TRUST, a leading provider of advanced equipment, technologies, and services for national security and defence forces, today announced that it is partnering with Leonardo DRS, a leading provider of advanced defence solutions, to fortify the UAE's defence capabilities. The partners will work together on the development, production, and long-term support for defence solutions tailored to the UAE Armed Forces.
The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed by Dr. Jasem Al Zaabi, Vice President of Business Development – EDGE, and Joe Rahbany, Vice President of Business Development in Middle East, Leonardo DRS; Dr. Abdulmunem Alshehhi, Chief Operations Officer – TRUST; Bill Guyan, SVP of Business Development and President of International Business, Leonardo DRS; Dennis Crumley – SVP and General Manager, Leonardo DRS Land Electronics; and Cameron Dadgar – Business Development Executive, Air Combat at Leonardo DRS, at a ceremony held during the International Defence Exhibition and Conference (IDEX) 2025, running at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre from 17 to 21 February.
Under the terms of the MoU, the two entities are mandated to collaborate in the procurement and systems integration of cutting-edge technologies with a focus on situational awareness systems for vehicle integration. The collaboration has been designed to support the growing operational requirements of the UAE Armed Forces and to ensure the self-sufficiency of the national defence sector through establishing advanced and reliable defence systems. This initiative aligns with the country's vision of enhancing local defence capabilities and fostering partnerships that bring advanced technologies to the region.
TRUST International Group and Leonardo DRS are committed to supporting the UAE's defence sector by encouraging innovation and developing localised solutions to meet the rapidly changing defence and national security landscape.
Speaking on the synergy, Dr. Jasem Al Zaabi said: 'This partnership represents a significant step in our commitment to providing the UAE Armed Forces with state-of-the-art defence systems. Partnering with Leonardo DRS, further strengthens our confidence in our ability to deliver innovative solutions that address the evolving needs of the UAE Armed Forces.'
'Leonardo DRS is proud to partner with TRUST International Group to support the UAE's defence modernisation efforts,' said Joe Rahbany. 'Our shared expertise and commitment to excellence will ensure that we deliver world-class solutions to the UAE Armed Forces, strengthening their operational readiness and technological edge.'
About EDGE:
Launched in November 2019, the UAE's EDGE is one of the world's leading advanced technology groups, established to develop agile, bold and disruptive solutions for defence and beyond, and to be a catalyst for change and transformation. It is dedicated to bringing breakthrough innovations, products, and services to market with greater speed and efficiency, to position the UAE as a leading global hub for future industries, and to creating clear paths within the sector for the next generation of highly-skilled talent to thrive.
With a focus on the adoption of 4IR technologies, EDGE is driving the development of sovereign capabilities for global export and for the preservation of national security, working with front-line operators, international partners, and adopting advanced technologies such as autonomous capabilities, cyber-physical systems, advanced propulsion systems, robotics and smart materials. EDGE converges R&D, emerging technologies, digital transformation, and commercial market innovations with military capabilities to develop disruptive solutions tailored to the specific requirements of its customers. Headquartered in Abu Dhabi, capital of the UAE, EDGE consolidates more than 35 entities into six core clusters: Platforms & Systems, Missiles & Weapons, Space & Cyber Technologies, Trading & Mission Support, Technology & Innovation, and Homeland Security.
About Leonardo DRS:
Headquartered in Arlington, VA, Leonardo DRS, Inc. is an innovative and agile provider of advanced defense technology to U.S. national security customers and allies around the world. We specialize in the design, development and manufacture of advanced sensing, network computing, force protection, and electric power and propulsion, and other leading mission-critical technologies. Our innovative people are leading the way in developing disruptive technologies for autonomous, dynamic, interconnected, and multi-domain capabilities to defend against new and emerging threats.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Mid East Info
6 days ago
- Mid East Info
EDGE and CS Group Sign MoU to Collaborate on Tactical Communications Project - Middle East Business News and Information
EDGE, one of the world's leading advanced technology and defence groups, and CS Group – part of Sopra Steria, the European tech leader – specialising in the design, development, and implementation of tactical communication solutions and information systems, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to collaborate on an advanced tactical communications project. Signed at the International Paris Airshow 2025 by Mr. Waleid Al Mesmari, President – Space & Cyber Technologies, EDGE, and Pierre Lopez, Chief Executive Officer of CS Group, the MoU lays the foundation for the integration of an operational command system with a tactical data network, enabling the development of a world-class sovereign solution. EDGE's Space & Cyber Technologies Cluster would lead the collaboration with CS Group to co-develop advanced technologies as part of a broader strategic initiative to strengthen multi-domain digital battlespace capabilities. The MoU is the latest development in EDGE's drive to develop and produce innovative and ultra-secure communication systems for armed forces, governments, and businesses seeking reliable and highly secure communication solutions in the most challenging operational environments. About EDGE: Launched in November 2019, the UAE's EDGE is one of the world's leading advanced technology groups, established to develop agile, bold and disruptive solutions for defence and beyond, and to be a catalyst for change and transformation. It is dedicated to bringing breakthrough innovations, products, and services to market with greater speed and efficiency, to position the UAE as a leading global hub for future industries, and to creating clear paths within the sector for the next generation of highly-skilled talent to thrive. With a focus on the adoption of 4IR technologies, EDGE is driving the development of sovereign capabilities for global export and for the preservation of national security, working with front-line operators, international partners, and adopting advanced technologies such as autonomous capabilities, cyber-physical systems, advanced propulsion systems, robotics and smart materials. EDGE converges R&D, emerging technologies, digital transformation, and commercial market innovations with military capabilities to develop disruptive solutions tailored to the specific requirements of its customers. Headquartered in Abu Dhabi, capital of the UAE, EDGE consolidates more than 35 entities into six core clusters: Platforms & Systems, Missiles & Weapons, Space & Cyber Technologies, Trading & Mission Support, Technology & Innovation, and Homeland Security. About CS GROUP: As a designer, integrator, and operator of mission critical systems, CS GROUP, a subsidiary of the Sopra Steria Group, operates in defense and security, space, aeronautics, and cybersecurity markets. With 3,200 employees combining a high level of technical and business expertise, CS GROUP is its clients' trusted partner for the integration and deployment of operational systems that ensure Command, Control & Communication of their missions. CS Group is present in Europe, North America and the United Arab Emirates.
Mid East Info
23-06-2025
- Mid East Info
EDGE Recognised as ‘Best Company to Work For' at the Employee Happiness Awards 2025 - Middle East Business News and Information
EDGE wins gold in 'Best Company to Work For' category, further elevating its reputation as an employer of choice for top talents to thrive. Abu Dhabi, UAE: June, 2025 – EDGE, one of the world's leading advanced technology and defence groups, has been awarded gold in the 'Best Company to Work For – Large' category at the Employee Happiness Awards 2025 (EHA 2025), a platform that recognises companies and human resources (HR) professionals who promote happiness and well-being in the workplace. The award reflects EDGE's unwavering dedication to HR best practices, employee satisfaction, and constant innovation. Sana Al Daoumi, Senior Vice President of Human Capital, EDGE, said: 'Our relentless pursuit of excellence in HR continues to drive our successes. This award belongs to every team member whose passion, dedication, and care make our culture exceptional. As a testament to our team's hard work and commitment to people-first practices, this award further elevates EDGE as an organisation that values its people and fosters a culture of continuous improvement in HR.' The latest HR award follows EDGE's certification as a Great Place to Work® in December 2024, reinforcing its reputation as an employer of choice and organisation where top talents thrive in a a dynamic, supportive, and innovative workplace. About EDGE: Launched in November 2019, the UAE's EDGE is one of the world's leading advanced technology groups, established to develop agile, bold and disruptive solutions for defence and beyond, and to be a catalyst for change and transformation. It is dedicated to bringing breakthrough innovations, products, and services to market with greater speed and efficiency, to position the UAE as a leading global hub for future industries, and to creating clear paths within the sector for the next generation of highly-skilled talent to thrive. With a focus on the adoption of 4IR technologies, EDGE is driving the development of sovereign capabilities for global export and for the preservation of national security, working with front-line operators, international partners, and adopting advanced technologies such as autonomous capabilities, cyber-physical systems, advanced propulsion systems, robotics and smart materials. EDGE converges R&D, emerging technologies, digital transformation, and commercial market innovations with military capabilities to develop disruptive solutions tailored to the specific requirements of its customers. Headquartered in Abu Dhabi, capital of the UAE, EDGE consolidates more than 35 entities into six core clusters: Platforms & Systems, Missiles & Weapons, Space & Cyber Technologies, Trading & Mission Support, Technology & Innovation, and Homeland Security.
Mid East Info
18-06-2025
- Mid East Info
EDGE Signs MoU to Localise Maintenance Capabilities of Thales' Advanced Optronic Systems in the UAE - Middle East Business News and Information
Paris, France/Abu Dhabi, UAE:June 2025 – At the 2025 edition of the Paris Airshow, EDGE, one of the world's leading advanced technology and defence groups, and Thales, a global leader in high technology solutions for defence and security, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to enhance cooperation in the production and maintenance of Thales' advanced electro-optic systems. This MoU supports the shared commitment of both parties to strengthen the UAE's sovereign defence capabilities and localise key technologies through sustainable in-country industrial solutions. Under the MoU, EDGE's Electro-Optic Centre of Excellence (EOCE) and Thales will explore the creation of dedicated capabilities in the UAE for a range of Thales' cutting-edge optronic systems currently in operational service with the UAE Armed Forces. The areas of intended cooperation include: Hand-Held Thermal Imagers (HHTI): Maintenance of Thales' field-proven SOPHIE family of thermal imagers, supporting ground forces with superior detection and identification performance. Weapon Sights: Local support for Thales' XTRAIM weapon sights, which combine red dot sighting and thermal imaging in a compact, high-performance solution. Electro-Optic Vehicular Cameras: Maintenance and support for Thales' advanced vehicular optronics systems, designed to enhance crew awareness and targeting capabilities across a range of armoured platforms. The MoU was signed by Dr. Chaouki Kasmi, President of Technology and Innovation at EDGE, Alexis Morel, Vice-President of the Optronics and Missile Electronics activities at Thales, and Abdelhafid Mordi, Chief Executive Officer of Thales in the UAE. The signing ceremony was witnessed by Hamad Al Marar, Managing Director and CEO of EDGE, Patrice Caine, Chairman and CEO of Thales Group, and Pascale Sourisse, President of Thales International. By leveraging their respective areas of expertise, EDGE's EOCE and Thales aim to increase operational readiness and lifecycle support for advanced defence technologies deployed across the UAE Armed Forces. Dr. Chaouki Kasmi, President of Technology and Innovation at EDGE, said: 'This MoU marks another important step in our journey to strengthen local defence capabilities through industrial partnerships. Together with Thales, EDGE is taking a significant step towards enabling unique and centralised maintenance capabilities for mission-critical electro-optical systems.' Abdelhafid Mordi, CEO of Thales in the UAE, said: 'We are proud to deepen our collaboration with EDGE and contribute to the UAE's strategic vision for localised defence readiness. This partnership will ensure sustained performance of our advanced optronics systems across multiple operational domains, and reinforce our shared commitment to bolster the local industrial ecosystem and reinforce the UAE's leadership in the global defence sector'.
