Succeeded in making deals to export its products

UAE companies cater to global markets for defense industries

National companies specialized in military industries presented their latest innovations in the field of military production. Cinematographer: Eric Arazas

Emirati companies were able to conclude deals to export their products to global military markets, in addition to meeting local needs, during their participation in IDEX 2023, which is currently being held in Abu Dhabi, to confirm the level of confidence and quality reached by the UAE military industries, and meet international standards in the field of military manufacturing. National companies specialized in military industries showcased their latest innovations in the field of military production during their participation in IDEX, and their products carried the "Made in the UAE" label, where they were produced by highly qualified national cadres and the ability to develop and innovate.

EDGE, one of the world's leading advanced technology groups, has won two contracts worth a total of more than AED 70 million to deliver several V-Protect and Skyshield anti-drone solutions to a key international customer.

The agreement, which was announced on the sidelines of the International Defence Exhibition and Conference (IDEX 2023), contribute to strengthening the UAE's export development strategy and consolidating the country's position as a major global player in the defence and advanced technology sectors.

Omar Al Zaabi, Senior Vice President, Trade and Mission Support, EDGE, said: "We are delighted to announce another major export transaction for Signal and EDGE which will see us manufacture and deliver Skyshield Anti-Drone and V-Protect anti-drone and UAE-made convoy protection solutions to an international customer.

Al Zaabi stressed that the signing of these two deals will confirm the quality of our outstanding offerings that meet the highest international standards, and we will continue to promote our superior solutions in the international market to support the country's exports of advanced technology products, as well as strengthen the UAE's defense industrial base.

EDGE Group revealed that it received orders worth more than $2022 billion in 35, with global exports reaching 2023%, and in the first two days of IDEX 10, the group announced new orders for products and solutions totaling more than AED <> billion, including international exports, with more orders expected before the end of the event.

The V-Protect is a radio frequency blocking jamming system designed to protect convoys from radio-controlled improvised explosive devices, and Skyshield is a comprehensive, multi-layered solution for advanced drone protection with a wide range of detection and interception capabilities.

EDGE Group also signed a €71 billion contract under which leading shipbuilder Abu Dhabi Ship Building will build a fleet of 2023-metre advanced frigates for the Angolan Navy during its participation in IDEX and NAVDEX <>.

The frigate BR71 MKII is a highly sophisticated ship, equipped with modern mission systems, including three-dimensional radar, electronic warfare kit, secure communications, a main gun, and surface-to-surface and surface-to-air missile systems.

Khalid Al Breiki, Head of Platforms & Systems at EDGE, said: "The signing of the €1 billion defence export deal marks a significant milestone for EDGE Group and ADSB.

EDGE's leading small arms manufacturer Caracal has signed a licensing agreement with India's ICOMM, under which ICOMM is collaborating with Caracal to develop a full range of domestically manufactured small arms for the Indian market.

EDGE ranks among the top 25 military supply companies in the world, according to data from the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI). Research Center specialized in analyzing data on military spending and arms trade, as well as other disciplines related to international peace and security

Tawazun Technology and Innovation, the national company specialized in research and development in the field of technology and advanced sciences, signed a memorandum of understanding to produce missile systems in the UAE, with Caldes, the national company specialized in the development and manufacture of defense technologies, on the sidelines of IDEX 2023 held in Abu Dhabi.

Under the strategic partnership agreement for the manufacturing of the system, Caldus will cover the national needs of the system, which has been developed and tested efficiently by Tawazun Technology and Innovation over the past years.

Muammar Abu Shehab, Managing Director of Tawazun Technology and Innovation, said: "The MoU for the production of the missile blacksmith system in the UAE with Caldus is a realistic model for responding to the national strategic requirements in order to advance the capabilities of the military industries, build competitive capabilities at the international level, and integrate research and development institutions and defense industries.

For his part, Hamad Faris Al Mazrouei, General Manager of Caldes, said: "Promoting local content is a national priority whose objectives are in line with the state's efforts to enhance constructive partnership and fruitful cooperation between research and development institutions with national defense companies, as the state has intensified its efforts to increase and raise the efficiency and level of industrial capabilities in the military field, through the establishment of entities, and the conclusion of partnerships to build a local military industry with high competitive capabilities that enjoy global trust."

IDEX and NAVDEX Talks

IDEX and NAVDEX 2023 witnessed the launch of the IDEX and NAVDEX Talks, which are being held for the first time at this event, and attract a wide participation of thought leaders, policymakers and leading global experts to discuss the most important topics, technologies and solutions in the defense fields.

The first day of the panel discussion featured six panel discussions, attended by Sarah bint Yousef Al Amiri, Minister of State for Public Education and Advanced Technology and Chairperson of the Emirates Schools Establishment, and several senior officials. The panel discussions provide an ideal platform to review the most important issues in the defense and maritime defense sectors, where participants discuss a range of vital topics, such as artificial intelligence and autonomous systems, diversity and inclusion, and emerging technologies, which play a key role in efficiency, decision-making support, and the ability to predict future needs.