Abu Dhabi defence firms are moving deeper into Europe. Edge Group and Leonardo have formed a new joint venture. The plan targets about €4 billion in defence orders over the next five years. It marks a major step in UAE defence expansion into Europe.
The deal focuses on advanced airborne radar systems. These systems will be used for modern stealth aircraft. The companies also plan to sell the M-346 training and fighter aircraft in Europe and other markets. It will support next generation military systems.
Edge Group is a major defence company based in the United Arab Emirates. It was formed in 2019 to bring together national defence assets. Since then, it has grown fast through global partnerships. The company focuses on advanced defence innovation.
The joint venture builds on earlier cooperation between Edge Group and Leonardo. They signed a strategic agreement last year at a major defence exhibition in Abu Dhabi. It strengthens long term industrial cooperation between both sides.
Leaders from both companies say the partnership is strong. They expect long term growth in advanced sensor technology. They also expect strong demand from global defence markets. Both sides see strong future demand growth.
Hamad Al Marar, chief executive of Edge, said the project could build some of the world’s most advanced systems. He also said the order pipeline could go beyond €4 billion in five years. The project is part of a wider defence strategy.
Leonardo’s chief executive Lorenzo Mariani said joint work is now a key model. He said both companies aim to set a new standard for industrial cooperation. He added that trust between partners is key.
The UAE is expanding its defence industry quickly. It wants more global partnerships. It also wants to grow exports of advanced military technology. This supports national security and economic goals.
Edge has already expanded into Europe, Asia, and Latin America. It works on weapons systems, naval platforms, and electronic warfare tools. It also builds export strength for the UAE.
Recently, Edge opened a new office in France called Edge Europe. This office will help the company grow its European partnerships and investments. This move increases access to European markets.
Edge also signed new agreements with other defence companies. These include Safran Electronics and Defence and EM&E Group. These deals focus on weapons systems and new technology development. These deals show fast international growth.
The company has also been involved in regional security operations. Reports say Edge systems helped defend against drone attacks targeting the UAE. It shows rising regional security challenges.
Experts say this partnership shows a larger global trend. Countries are investing more in defence technology. At the same time, they are building stronger international industrial links. Defence partnerships are growing worldwide.
The Edge Leonardo joint venture is expected to strengthen both companies. It will also expand their reach in global defence markets over the coming years. This could reshape future defence supply chains.
Global defence spending is rising fast across many regions. Governments are investing in new technology air defence and digital systems. This is driving more partnerships between companies.
The joint venture may also create new jobs in engineering and research fields in Europe and the Middle East. It supports skills development in advanced defence sectors.
Analysts say the agreement reflects growing trust between Gulf and European defence industries. It may lead to more future deals.
The M-346 is a modern trainer aircraft developed by Leonardo. It is used to train military pilots for advanced jets. The aircraft can also be adapted for light combat roles. It is designed for efficiency and modern training needs. It is already used in several air forces worldwide.
The partnership is expected to grow further as demand for advanced defence systems increases globally. Both companies plan long term cooperation in new technologies. More joint projects are expected in coming years.
Industry experts see strong strategic alignment between UAE and Europe. This strengthens long term industrial ties.
