EDGE signs agreements with Hungary's 4iG SDT to localise defence solutions for European and African markets
Abu Dhabi, UAE: EDGE, one of the world's leading advanced technology and defence groups, and 4iG Space and Defence Technologies (SDT), one of the leading telecommunications, IT, and space and defence industrial groups in Hungary and the Western Balkans, have signed three Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) to establish significant and expansive industrial cooperation between the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Hungary.
During an official UAE state visit to Hungary, EDGE and 4iG SDT signed three MoUs aimed at enabling a broad technology partnership to jointly develop, localise, and market advanced defence systems, including EDGE's SKYKNIGHT air defence missile system, SHADOW 25 and SHADOW 50 loitering munitions, and VEGA and ORION unmanned air traffic control solutions.
Hamad Al Marar, Managing Director and CEO, EDGE, said: 'Our goal with partners such as 4iG SDT is to aid nations in developing and achieving advanced sovereign defence technology and industrial capabilities. The global security landscape has necessitated modernisation programmes to capitalise on the latest autonomous technology and address rapidly evolving aerial threats. This collaboration strengthens EDGE's ability to deliver competitive, NATO-compatible, and export-ready solutions, not only in support of Hungary's national objectives, but also as a gateway to deeper engagement across Europe and NATO member states.'
István Sárhegyi, CEO of 4iG SDT, said: 'The agreements signed today mark a milestone in 4iG SDT international defence industry efforts. Through this partnership with one of the world's fastest-growing defence technology companies, we can develop systems with strong potential for success in both European and African markets on a mutual basis. EDGE's trust and openness provide an opportunity for Hungary to become a strategic player in the global defence innovation ecosystem.'
Under the first agreement, the two companies will establish a broad technological partnership to co-develop and explore market opportunities of next-generation unmanned aerial systems (UASs), counter-UAS (C-UAS) solutions, and space technologies in Central and Eastern Europe, and Africa. The agreement also covers the potential establishment of a joint venture.
The second agreement is focused on the potential development and production of EDGE's rapidly deployable SKYKNIGHT inner-layer air defence missile system and SHADOW line of precision-strike loitering munitions in Hungary.
The final agreement is aimed at offering EDGE's VEGA uncrewed traffic management and ORION drone fleet management systems to the European market, with the potential to jointly develop air traffic control solutions. The MoU also includes the assessment of a joint venture to serve as a European development and sales hub for VEGA and ORION.
Following an MoU between EDGE and 4iG SDT signed earlier this year to co-develop UAS and space technologies, the three subsequent agreements underscore EDGE's renewed commitment to strengthening ties with key European defence ecosystems and to delivering jointly developed, export-ready solutions that meet the technological and security requirements of NATO countries.
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.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Arabian Business
25 minutes ago
- Arabian Business
Etihad Airways plans to double passenger numbers to 21.5mn by end of 2025: Report
Etihad Airways plans to carry 21.5 million passengers by the end of 2025, more than double the number recorded in 2022, Chief Executive Officer Antonoaldo Neves has announced. The Abu Dhabi-based carrier expects to receive 18 new aircraft before the year ends as part of its expansion strategy. Two aircraft have already joined the fleet, with 16 more scheduled for delivery in the coming months. Etihad's ambitious growth and expansion plans Having transported more than 10 million passengers during the first half of the year, the airline is on track to close 2025 with a fleet of between 115 and 120 aircraft, Neves told the Emirates News Agency (WAM). The airline reached financial break-even in 2022, achieved a profit margin of 3 per cent in 2023, and increased that to around 6 per cent last year. This year, profit margins are expected to range between 7 and 8 per cent. The company is following a strategy of 'gradually expanding margins each year' and is funding its growth through internal cash flows, contributing to sustainable financial performance, Neves said. Etihad's network is approaching 100 destinations. The growth strategy includes adding new routes and increasing frequencies on existing routes. Flights to destinations such as Frankfurt and Barcelona have doubled to twice daily, while Bangkok now receives five daily flights during peak periods. Around two-thirds of the increased capacity is allocated to existing destinations, with only one-third targeting new routes. Atlanta launched with five weekly flights and now operates daily. New York, which had one daily flight 18 months ago, now operates two, and all western destinations are now served with daily flights. Neves confirmed that Etihad Airways' strategy through to 2030 focuses on strengthening its presence in markets within a four-hour flight radius, including India, Pakistan and the Middle East. The airline currently operates four daily flights to destinations such as Colombo, Riyadh, Jeddah, Mumbai and Muscat. The airline aims to offer at least two daily flights to all its destinations across Southeast Asia, Europe and the eastern United States, he said. Etihad will take delivery of its first A321 Long Range aircraft this week in Hamburg. This will be the first narrow-body aircraft in the fleet to feature a first-class cabin with fully flat luxury seats, describing it as 'the world's best travel experience on a narrow-body aircraft.' Zayed International Airport has the capacity to support the growth, with plans to grow the fleet to around 200 aircraft and serve between 38 and 39 million passengers by 2030, doubling the company's size over the next five years. Neves praised the development in Abu Dhabi, noting that the capital's population is growing at an annual rate of 7 per cent – five to six times the global average – which is driving demand for travel and services. 'We have doubled our flight capacity in Abu Dhabi in just two and a half years. This positions us as a major contributor to development, while also benefiting significantly from government investment in infrastructure and tourism,' he said. International events hosted by Abu Dhabi, including exhibitions and conferences, along with its expanding tourism and cultural sectors, are contributing to increased travel demand to and from the capital. Etihad had expected delays from manufacturers and structured its operational plans by accelerating the induction of leased aircraft and reintroducing seven A380 aircraft into service. The airline is now more agile and better positioned to respond to market dynamics as it continues advancing towards its vision of becoming the preferred airline for travellers by offering service, flexibility and expansion.
Arabian Business
25 minutes ago
- Arabian Business
Dubai RTA completes free Wi-Fi rollout on 259 intercity buses
Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has completed the installation of free Wi-Fi across its entire fleet of 259 intercity buses. The rollout, conducted in partnership with telecommunications company e&, now provides passengers with internet access on routes connecting Dubai to Sharjah, Abu Dhabi, Ajman, and Fujairah. The service allows passengers to connect smartphones, tablets, and laptops to the internet throughout their journey, the Dubai Media Office said in a statement. Commuters can now maintain work connections, handle personal matters, and browse online whilst travelling between emirates. The Wi-Fi initiative represents part of RTA's wider digital transformation programme across its transport services. The authority aims to serve all community segments through these technological upgrades. The rollout supports the UAE Digital Government Strategy and demonstrates RTA's focus on improving daily transport experiences. The service enhancement contributes to Dubai's goal of becoming the world's smartest and happiest city by making bus travel more productive and enjoyable for passengers. RTA and e& will monitor the Wi-Fi service through ongoing assessments. The evaluation process will determine potential expansions and feature improvements to maintain high-quality connectivity standards. The telecommunications partnership may extend the Wi-Fi service to Dubai's marine transport network in future phases. This expansion would provide connectivity across multiple transport modes for the emirate's passengers.
Arabian Business
25 minutes ago
- Arabian Business
Sharjah real estate: Property transactions surge 48% to $7.35bn in H1 2025
Sharjah's real estate sector recorded AED 27 billion in transactions during the first half of 2025, marking a 48.1 per cent increase from AED 18.2 billion in the same period last year. The Sharjah Real Estate Registration Department processed 48,059 transactions, representing a 3.3 per cent increase compared to 46,524 transactions during the same period in 2024. View this post on Instagram A post shared by دائرة التسجيل العقاري بالشارقة (@shjrerd) The performance reflects growing investor confidence in Sharjah's real estate sector, supported by economic stability, investor-friendly legislation, and infrastructure developments. The diversity of investor nationalities has reinforced the emirate's position as a competitive property market. Abdulaziz Ahmed Al-Shamsi, Director-General of the Sharjah Real Estate Registration Department, said: 'This significant increase is a direct translation of the firm confidence in the emirate's real estate sector, both locally and internationally, and the continuous support of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, and the keen follow-up of H.H. Sheikh Sultan bin Muhammad bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Crown Prince, Deputy Ruler of Sharjah, and Chairman of Sharjah's Executive Council, which has firmly positioned Sharjah on the regional and international real estate sector.' Transaction growth outpaces last year Sales transactions reached 15,686 with a value of AED 21.2 billion, distributed across 214 areas and covering a total area of 90 million square feet. This represents a 45.1 per cent increase from 10,809 sales in the first half of 2024. The Muwailih Commercial area led with 2,898 transactions worth AED 3.5 billion, followed by Al-Belaida with 1,593 transactions valued at AED 1.3 billion, and Al-Metraq with 1,387 transactions worth AED 430 million. Residential transactions dominated the market with 11,459 transactions, representing 74.6 per cent of the total. Industrial properties accounted for 3,195 transactions (20.8 per cent), commercial properties recorded 603 transactions (4 per cent), and agricultural properties registered 95 transactions (0.6 per cent). Mortgage transactions reached 2,582 with a total value of AED 5.7 billion, completed through 24 financing entities. The growth in mortgage transactions reflects the partnership between the real estate sector and financing institutions in the emirate. Tilal topped mortgage transactions with 194 deals valued at AED 339.2 million, followed by Muwailih Commercial with 167 transactions worth AED 707.3 million, Um Fanain with 146 transactions valued at AED 222.6 million, and Al-Saja'a Industrial with 71 transactions worth AED 204.8 million. Eight new real estate projects were registered during the period, including four residential complexes in Muwailih Commercial, Al-Tay, and Al-Tay West. Four new towers were also registered—two industrial in Al-Saja'a Industrial, and two residential/commercial towers in Al-Belaida and Al-Waha. Emiratis dominate Sharjah real estate A total of 109 nationalities invested in Sharjah's real estate market in the first half of 2025. UAE nationals accounted for AED 12.2 billion in investments across 14,307 properties, representing 45.2 per cent of total investments. GCC nationals invested AED 1.2 billion across 889 properties (4.6 per cent), while other Arab investors contributed AED 5.4 billion through 4,057 properties (20.1 per cent). Investments by other nationalities totalled AED 8.1 billion across 3,878 properties, representing 30.1 per cent of the total investment value. The number of foreign investors in Sharjah rose 39.4 per cent year-on-year to 6,662, with 7,448 properties traded, up 40.6 per cent. By number of properties traded, Emirati investors led with 14,307 properties, followed by investors from India (1,525), Syria (969), Egypt (685), Jordan (678), and Iraq (576).
