UAE-based technology and defense group EDGE and global industrial group Leonardo have signed a collaboration agreement to further enhance their partnership in developing solutions across six critical domains.
As disclosed, the agreement aims to strengthen existing synergies and capitalize on new complementary opportunities for deeper cooperation. Furthermore, it aims to enhance synergies, facilitate knowledge exchange, and optimize specialized resources to capitalize on emerging opportunities more effectively.
The collaboration will focus on key domains: airborne capabilities including radar – particularly for multi-mission aircraft; anti-tactical ballistic missile defense; counter-drone and mobile surveillance systems; naval combat management systems; radio communications; and optronics commander sight.
“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 , EDGE Group Managing Director & CEO, said.
“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.”
“We are deeply honoured and thrilled to collaborate with EDGE Group, aiming to establish unprecedented industrial capabilities for national and export requirements,” Lorenzo Mariani , Co-General Manager of Leonardo, added.
“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.”
The agreement, which was signed at the International Defence Exhibition (IDEX) 2025, currently taking place in Abu Dhabi, is a precursor to a structured partnership focused on jointly marketing products and solutions to governments across multiple countries. It also commits to developing shared intellectual property (IP) and future design innovations.
A few days ago, MAESTRAL, the Abu Dhabi-based shipbuilding joint venture of EDGE and Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri, revealed it will be awarded a major in-service support strategic partnership project for the entire UAE Navy’s fleet.