EDGE Group-Leonardo Will Co-Develop Advanced Defence Technology: Abu Dhabi, UAE – In a move set to reshape the landscape of advanced defence technology, UAE’s EDGE Group and Italian industrial giant Leonardo have inked a landmark collaboration agreement. Signed at the International Defence Exhibition (IDEX) 2025 in Abu Dhabi, the strategic alliance is designed to amplify the capabilities of both entities in designing and producing cutting-edge, complex, and disruptive defence systems, primarily targeting the international export market.
The agreement signifies a pivotal step for both EDGE and Leonardo, aiming to diversify and comprehensively bolster their respective portfolios across airborne, terrestrial, naval, and cyber domains. This groundbreaking partnership will leverage existing synergies and cultivate new, complementary opportunities, forging a deeper cooperation across six critical defence domains identified as key to future global security needs.
The strategic framework established by the agreement prioritizes not only bolstering defence capabilities within the UAE market but also aggressively pursuing a global export strategy. The collaboration is structured to enhance operational synergies, streamline the exchange of vital knowledge and expertise, and optimize the utilization of specialized resources. This coordinated approach will enable EDGE and Leonardo to collectively and more effectively capitalize on burgeoning opportunities within the rapidly evolving global defence landscape.
READ: EDGE Group Unveils Powerful EW, Radar & EO/IR Suite at IDEX 2025
The six core domains earmarked for this intense collaboration encompass a broad spectrum of critical defence technologies:
Airborne Capabilities including Radar: With a specific focus on radar systems, particularly advanced radars for Multi-Mission Aircraft, this area aims to enhance aerial surveillance, intelligence gathering, and combat capabilities.
Anti-Tactical Ballistic Missile Defence: Joint development efforts will target advanced systems to counter the growing threat of tactical ballistic missiles, a critical component of modern integrated air defence architectures.
Counter-Drone and Mobile Surveillance Systems: Addressing the escalating threat posed by unmanned aerial systems, the partnership will focus on developing advanced counter-drone technologies and highly mobile surveillance platforms for rapid deployment and threat neutralization.
Naval Combat Management Systems: The collaboration extends to naval domains, aiming to enhance and develop next-generation Naval Combat Management Systems, crucial for modern maritime warfare and naval operations.
Radio Communications: Secure and resilient communication systems are paramount in modern defence. The partnership will explore advanced radio communication technologies to ensure robust and interoperable communication across diverse operational environments.
Optronics Commander Sight: Enhancing situational awareness for ground forces, the collaboration will focus on developing state-of-the-art Optronics Commander Sight systems, providing superior visual and thermal capabilities for commanders in the field.
READ: Rheinmetall Dominates Xponential Europe Debut, Stakes Claim to Unmanned Systems Leadership
Lorenzo Mariani (L) of Leonardo with Hamad Al Marar (R) of EDGE Group.
READ: Israel’s Steadicopter, India’s Lotus Team Up to Manufacture Drones in India
Hamad Al Marar, Managing Director & CEO of EDGE Group, underscored the strategic significance of the agreement, stating, “This important step marks the next phase in our existing strategic agreement with industry leader Leonardo, building on the opportunities presented by the strong relationship between the UAE and Italy.”
Hamad Al Marar emphasized the mutually beneficial nature of the partnership, adding, “Fundamentally, however, it reinforces our vision of growth through mutually beneficial partnerships, ensuring a win-win approach to sourcing and realising complementary multi-domain opportunities across the world, and expanding these synergies for continued economic growth, innovation, and excellence, all in support of the sustainable preservation of security.”
Lorenzo Mariani, Co-General Manager of Leonardo, said: “We are deeply honoured and thrilled to collaborate with EDGE Group, aiming to establish unprecedented industrial capabilities for national and export requirements.”
Lorenzo Mariani further highlighted the evolving nature of the global security landscape, stating, “The sectors identified as pillars of this joint strategy are getting more and more important in an evolving market and operational scenario. That is why we believe that joining forces in these fields will deliver the level of capabilities that the UAE and other export markets are requiring.”
READ: Indian Army Unveils Xploder, MRMS Mine Warfare Systems at Aero India 2025
Beyond immediate product development, the agreement lays the foundation for a structured partnership focused on joint marketing strategies, aimed at presenting these co-developed products and solutions to governments across numerous countries. Critically, the alliance also formalizes a commitment to the joint development of shared intellectual property (IP) and to fostering future design innovations, ensuring the partnership remains at the cutting edge of defence technology for years to come.
For EDGE Group, launched in 2019 as a consolidation of over 35 UAE-based defence entities, this collaboration represents a significant step in its ambition to become a leading global advanced technology group. EDGE is focused on developing agile and disruptive solutions, driving innovation through 4IR technologies, and building sovereign capabilities for both domestic security and international export.
This alliance with Leonardo, a global aerospace, defence and security powerhouse, underscores EDGE’s commitment to achieving these ambitious goals through strategic partnerships and cutting-edge technological development. The collaboration promises to deliver a powerful combination of expertise, resources, and innovation, poised to make a significant impact on the global defence market and beyond.
READ: Navantia UK Invests in Harland & Wolff, Bolstering UK Shipbuilding and Clean Energy
