Edge Group

Edge Group was established on 5 November 2019 by H.E Faisal Al Bannai, and has more than 25 entities from the Emirates Defence Industries Company (EDIC), Emirates Advanced Investments Group (EAIG), and Tawazun Holding. It employs approximately 12,000 employees.{{Cite web |last=Warner |first=Kelsey |date=20 November 2019 |title=Abu Dhabi defence group Edge looks to smart technology to tackle low-tech militants |url=https://www.thenationalnews.com/uae/government/abu-dhabi-defence-group-edge-looks-to-smart-technology-to-tackle-low-tech-militants-1.939217 |access-date=21 August 2023 |website=The National |language=en}}{{Cite web |title=Could EDGE boost R&D in the UAE? |url=https://www.wamda.com/2020/01/edge-boost-rd-uae |access-date=21 August 2023 |website=Wamda |language=en}}{{Cite web |last=Defaiya |first=Al |date=29 November 2022 |title=UAE's EDGE Marks Third Anniversary |url=https://defaiya.com/news/Defense%20News/Asia/2022/11/29/uae-s-edge-marks-3rd-anniversary-as-major-global-force-in-advanced-technology-defence |access-date=21 August 2023 |website=Al Defaiya |language=en}}

Edge was the official Advanced Technology Partner at the Dubai Airshow 2019.{{Cite web |title=Dubai Airshow Announces Edge as First Ever Advanced Technology Partner |url=https://www.dubaiairshow.aero/dubai-airshow-announces-edge-first-ever-advanced-technology-partner |access-date=21 August 2023 |website=www.dubaiairshow.aero |language=en}}{{dead link |date=February 2025}} Edge's 11 participating entities showcased their range of capabilities, which included unmanned aerial vehicles, and long-range munitions including the UAE-made ADASI RW-24. AMMROC also announced its plan to open a maintenance facility at to Al Ain International Airport.{{Cite web |date=17 November 2019 |title=AMMROC unveils state-of-the-art MRO Facility |url=https://wam.ae/en/details/1395302803720 |access-date=21 August 2023 |website=wam}}

Edge entity HALCON signed a US$1 billion contract in November 2019 to supply its Desert Sting precision guided missiles to UAE Armed Forces.{{cite web | url=https://uaetimes.ae/edge-wins-new-1-58-billion-contract-for-uae-armed-forces/ | title=EDGE wins new $1.58 billion contract for UAE Armed Forces |website=UAE Times | date=21 February 2023 }}{{Cite web|url=https://www.edrmagazine.eu/%E2%96%BA-halcon-to-supply-desert-sting-precision-weapons-to-uae-armed-forces-in-us1-billion-deal|title=► Halcon to Supply Desert Sting Precision Weapons to UAE Armed Forces in US$1 Billion Deal|first=Paolo|last=Valpolini|date=19 November 2019}}

GAL, part of Edge's Mission Support cluster, signed a contract with Kenya's Ministry of Defence to provide MRO services to the Kenyan Air Force. GAL also signed an AED 3.5 billion support contract with the UAE's Joint Aviation Command.{{cite web | url=https://gulfbusiness.com/abu-dhabis-edge-group-appoints-adqs-group-cio-as-new-ceo/ | title=Abu Dhabi's EDGE Group appoints ADQ's group CIO as new CEO | date=31 January 2022 }}

Edge joined Tawdheef, the UAE's leading event for Emiratisation,{{Cite web|date=21 January 2020|title=EDGE Joins Tawdheef as Advanced Technology Partner|url=https://www.cbnme.com/news/edge-joins-tawdheef-as-advanced-technology-partner/|access-date=1 July 2020|website=Construction Business News Middle East|language=en-US}} and the second edition of the biennial Mohamed bin Zayed International Robotics Challenge{{Cite web |date=17 May 2022 |title=Mohamed Bin Zayed International Robotics Challenge (MBZIRC) |url=https://www.gtechme.com/portfolio/mohamed-bin-zayed-international-robotics-challenge-mbzirc-website/ |access-date=3 June 2022 |website=GTECH |language=en}} 2020 (MBZIRC 2020), as the official Advanced Technology Partner in January 2020.{{Cite web|title=EDGE announced as Advanced Technology Partner for Mohamed bin Zayed International Robotics Challenge 2020, organised by Khalifa University|url=https://wam.ae/en/details/1395302825880|access-date=1 July 2020|website=wam}}

Edge's ADASI also launched its made-in-the-UAE VTOL drone at the UMEX exhibition in February 2020.{{Cite web |last=Warner |first=Kelsey |date=24 February 2020 |title=UAE's first locally-made drone unveiled at Umex |url=https://www.thenationalnews.com/uae/government/uae-s-first-locally-made-drone-unveiled-at-umex-1.983259 |access-date=13 September 2023 |website=The National |language=en}}

In December 2020, the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) issued a press release saying that Edge ranked 22nd in the world's largest arms companies list.{{Cite web |title=SIPRI Arms Industry Database {{!}} SIPRI |url=https://www.sipri.org/databases/armsindustry |access-date=13 September 2023 |website=www.sipri.org |language=en}} According to Pieter Wezeman, Senior Researcher with the SIPRI Arms and Military Expenditure Programme: "EDGE is a good illustration of how the combination of high national demand for military products and services with a desire to become less dependent on foreign suppliers is driving the growth of arms companies in the Middle East."{{Cite web |date=7 December 2020 |title=Global arms industry: Sales by the top 25 companies up 8.5 per cent; Big players active in Global South |url=https://www.sipri.org/media/press-release/2020/global-arms-industry-sales-top-25-companies-85-cent-big-players-active-global-south |access-date=13 September 2023 |website=SIPRI |language=en}} According to Defense News, Edge Group was the 24th largest defence contractor in the world as of July 2021, although it does not appear in the updated Defense News Top 100 list for 2024.{{Cite web |title=Top 100 |url=https://people.defensenews.com/top-100/ |access-date=13 September 2023 |website=Defense News }}

On 31 January 2022, Mansour AlMulla was appointed managing director and CEO of Edge, while H. E. Faisal Al Bannai became chairman of the board.{{Cite web |date=31 January 2022 |title=EDGE Group announces structural changes to its executive leadership team |url=https://wam.ae/en/details/1395303016429 |access-date=13 September 2023 |website=wam}}

In the same year, DIGITAL14, a developer of multi-sector innovative and ultra-secure communication solutions, merged into the Edge and was rebranded as KATIM.{{Cite web |last=Salian |first=Neesha |date=5 October 2022 |title=EDGE Group rebrand8s DIGITAL14 as KATIM |url=https://gulfbusiness.com/edge-group-rebrands-digital14-as-katim/ |access-date=13 September 2023 |language=en-US}}

In early 2023, Edge announced that orders for its products and solutions had exceeded US$5 billion for 2022, a third of which was made up of international exports—a 500%{{Cite web |last1=Darasha |first1=Brinda |last2=ZAWYA |title=UAE's EDGE Group secures orders worth $5bln in 2022 |url=https://www.zawya.com/en/business/manufacturing/uaes-edge-group-secures-orders-worth-5bln-in-2022-hb7fmb93 |access-date=13 September 2023 |website=www.zawya.com |language=en}} year-on-year increase. Edge Group's global footprint covers over 30 countries across North and South America, Europe, Asia, and Africa.

The company acquired a majority shareholding in Estonian robotic developer Milrem Robotics on 15 February 2023.{{Cite web |title=EDGE acquires majority stake in Milrem Robotics {{!}} Defense News February 2023 Global Security army industry {{!}} Defense Security global news industry army year 2023 {{!}} Archive News year |url=https://armyrecognition.com/defense_news_february_2023_global_security_army_industry/edge_acquires_majority_stake_in_milrem_robotics.html |access-date=13 September 2023 |website=armyrecognition.com|date=15 February 2023 }}

At the IDEX defence exhibition held in Abu Dhabi in February 2023, Edge announced over AED18.6 billion worth of contracts,{{Cite web |title=IDEX 2023: Edge awarded USD2.5 billion munitions contracts |url=https://www.janes.com/defence-news/news-detail/idex-2023-edge-awarded-usd25-billion-munitions-contracts |access-date=13 September 2023 |website=Janes.com |date=22 February 2023 |language=en}}{{dead link |date=February 2025}}{{Cite web |last=McNeil |first=Harry |date=28 February 2023 |title=IDEX 2023: EDGE Group dominates as strategic partner |url=https://www.army-technology.com/news/company-news/idex-2023-edge-group-dominates-as-strategic-partner/ |access-date=13 September 2023 |website=Army Technology |language=en-US}}{{dead link |date=February 2025}}{{Cite web |last=ESD |date=23 February 2023 |title=IDEX 2023: EDGE Group entities announce UAE armed forces contracts |url=https://euro-sd.com/2023/02/news/29796/idex-2023-edge-group-entities-announce-uae-armed-forces-contracts/ |access-date=13 September 2023 |website=euro-sd.com |language=en-US}} AED4 billion of which was in exports, including a landmark EUR1 billion export deal with the Angolan Navy to build a fleet of best-in-class 71 metre corvette vessels.{{Cite web |last=Helou |first=Agnes |date=21 February 2023 |title=EDGE announces $1.1B deal with Angolan navy, unveils 11 new autonomous systems |url=https://breakingdefense.sites.breakingmedia.com/2023/02/edge-announces-1-1b-deal-with-angolan-navy-unveils-11-new-autonomous-systems/ |access-date=13 September 2023 |website=Breaking Defense |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |last=Bahtić |first=Fatima |date=22 February 2023 |title=Angolan Navy orders BR71 MKII corvettes from Edge Group under €1bln deal |url=https://www.navaltoday.com/2023/02/22/angolan-navy-orders-br71-mkii-corvettes-from-edge-group-under-e1bln-deal/ |access-date=13 September 2023 |website=Naval Today |language=en-US}} Edge Group also launched 14 new products including 11 autonomous solutions. Contracts with the UAE Armed Forces at IDEX 2023 totalling AED9 billion were announced for Edge's Thunder and Desert Sting 25 Precision-Guided Munitions;  SHADOW 25 and SHADOW 50; and HUNTER Loitering Munitions; and a contract valued at AED4 billion to provide tactical communications and data-link solutions.

In April 2023, Edge announced the opening of a regional office in the Brazilian capital, Brasilia.{{Cite web |last=Helou |first=Agnes |date=13 April 2023 |title=Emirati defense conglomerate EDGE Group to open first international office in Brazil |url=https://breakingdefense.sites.breakingmedia.com/2023/04/emirati-defense-conglomerate-edge-group-to-open-first-international-office-in-brazil/ |access-date=13 September 2023 |website=Breaking Defense |language=en-US}} In the same month, Edge Group and the Brazilian Navy signed a cooperation agreement to develop anti-ship and supersonic missiles.{{Cite web |last=Defesa |first=Redação Forças de |date=18 April 2023 |title=EDGE Group e Marinha do Brasil assinam acordo de cooperação para o desenvolvimento de mísseis |url=https://www.naval.com.br/blog/2023/04/18/edge-group-e-marinha-do-brasil-assinam-acordo-de-cooperacao-para-o-desenvolvimento-de-misseis/ |access-date=13 September 2023 |website=Poder Naval |language=pt-BR}}{{Cite web|date=11 April 2023 |title=LAAD 2023 - EDGE Group abrirá escritório regional para América Latina no Brasil |url=https://www.defesanet.com.br/laad-2023/noticia/1050176/laad-2023-edge-group-abrira-escritorio-regional-para-america-latina-no-brasil/ |access-date=13 September 2023 |website=DefesaNet |language=pt-BR}} This was followed by the signing of a strategic partnership agreement which will see Edge become a strategic partner of the Brazilian Navy by co-investing in the development, as well as providing advanced solutions, such as anti-jamming technology, which is developed by Edge in the UAE. The Brazilian Navy has committed its fleet to support a full testing programme of the new missiles.

In July 2023, Edge acquired Abu Dhabi–based cybersecurity firm, OryxLabs, and 100% stake in Etimad Holding, a technology services group, based in the UAE capital. In September 2023, Edge acquired 50% shareholding in Brazilian Smart Weapons and Tech System Specialist SIATT.{{cite web | url=https://breakingdefense.com/2023/07/edge-group-acquires-oryxlabs-marking-first-move-into-cybersecurity/ | title=EDGE Group acquires Oryxlabs, marking first move into cybersecurity | date=7 July 2023 }}

In November 2023, Edge announced the acquisition of a 52% majority shareholding in Swiss VTOL manufacturer ANAVIA, and a 50% shareholding in Polish small jet aircraft manufacturer, FLARIS.{{Cite web|url=https://www.shephardmedia.com/news/air-warfare/dubai-air-show-2023-edge-group-acquires-majority-stake-in-vtol-company/|title=Dubai Airshow 2023: EDGE Group acquires majority stake in Swiss VTOL company |website=Shephard Media}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.airforce-technology.com/news/signal-edge-group-acquires-52-share-in-swiss-vtol-manufacturer/|title=Signal: EDGE Group acquires 52% share in Swiss VTOL manufacturer|first=John|last=Hill|date=6 November 2023}}{{Cite web|url=https://aviationweek.com/shownews/dubai-airshow/edge-group-invests-swiss-uas-developer-anavia|title=Edge Group Invests in Swiss UAS Developer Anavia | Aviation Week Network|website=aviationweek.com}}

At Dubai Airshow 2023, Edge launched twelve new systems and solutions, increasing the number of products to 160.{{cite web | url=https://www.edrmagazine.eu/edge-group-launches-several-advanced-defence-solutions-on-first-day-of-dubai-airshow-2023 | title=EDGE Group Launches Several Advanced Defence Solutions on First Day of Dubai Airshow 2023 | date=13 November 2023 }}{{Cite web|url=https://breakingdefense.sites.breakingmedia.com/2023/11/uae-firm-edge-group-rolls-out-11-new-drones-missiles-at-dubai-airshow/|title=UAE firm EDGE Group rolls out 11 new drones, missiles at Dubai Airshow|first=Agnes|last=Helou|date=13 November 2023}} These included several autonomous aircraft and smart weapons systems. It also launched the X Range, the MENA region's first fully comprehensive test range island, which will be available for commercial use.{{Cite web|url=https://www.defensenews.com/global/mideast-africa/2023/11/13/edge-group-touts-gulf-regions-first-multi-domain-military-test-island/|title=Edge Group touts Gulf region's first multidomain military test island|first=Elisabeth|last=Gosselin-Malo|date=13 November 2023|website=Defense News}} The total value of its sales and contracts at the airshow was US$2.37 billion {{cite web | url=https://www.navalnews.com/naval-news/2023/11/edge-group-to-supply-mansup-series-anti-ship-systems-to-the-brazilian-navy/#:~:text=EDGE%20has%20announced%20the%20sale%20of%20extended-range%20National,deal%20worth%20approximately%20AED%200.6%20billion%20%28~%24163.3%20million%29 | title=EDGE Group to Supply MANSUP Series Anti-Ship Systems to the Brazilian Navy | date=15 November 2023 }} ADSB also announced the sale of several ANAVIA HT-100 unmanned helicopters to an undisclosed international customer.{{cite web | url=https://www.edrmagazine.eu/edge-expands-global-vtol-capabilities-with-first-major-sale-of-ht-100-unmanned-helicopters | title=EDGE expands global VTOL capabilities with first major sale of HT-100 Unmanned Helicopters | date=16 November 2023 }}

In December 2023, Edge announced it has assumed full ownership of the Abu Dhabi–based investment company, the Strategic Development Fund (SDF).{{cite press release |title=EDGE Strengthens its Global Investment and Industrial Roadmap with the Addition of the Strategic Development Fund into the Group |url=https://www.edrmagazine.eu/%e2%96%ba-edge-strengthens-its-global-investment-and-industrial-roadmap-with-the-addition-of-the-strategic-development-fund-into-the-group |via=European Defence Review |date=22 November 2023 |author=Edge Group}}

In December 2023, Edge, completed acquisition of the Abu Dhabi–based investment company, the Strategic Development Fund (SDF). In January 2024, EDGE Group acquired a majority stake in the International Golden Group.{{Cite web|url=https://euro-sd.com/2024/03/major-news/36952/edge-group-and-indra-form-jv/|title=EDGE Group and Indra form joint venture to create UAE-based advanced radar house - European Security & Defence|first=Peter|last=Felstead|date=7 March 2024|website=euro-sd.com}}

In the same month, Edge collaborated with the São Paulo State Government on the 'Crystal Ball' project, slated for a six-month trial period. This initiative is to enhance public security in São Paulo through the deployment of technologies, including Smart CCTV Monitoring Solutions, Integrated Command and Control systems, Advanced Surveillance and Reconnaissance (C4ISR) tools, and Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology.{{Cite web|url=https://www.indracompany.com/en/noticia/indra-edge-group-sign-agreement-develop-manufacture-next-generation-radars-uae|title=Indra and EDGE Group sign an agreement to develop and manufacture next-generation radars in UAE | indra|website=www.indracompany.com}}

In January 2024, Edge and Baykar, the Türkiye-based leader in unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) and artificial intelligence technology, announced their collaboration on the integration of Edge smart weapons onto Bayraktar UAVs.{{Cite web|url=https://www.airforce-technology.com/news/edge-and-baykar-raise-drone-warfare-capabilities-with-smart-weapon-integration/|title=EDGE and Baykar raise drone warfare capabilities with smart weapon integration|first=Harry|last=McNeil|date=19 January 2024}}

On 14 May 2024, Edge signed a $27 million agreement to supply Indonesia's state-owned PT Pindad with new ammunition.{{Cite web|url=https://wire.thearabianpost.com/2024/05/uaes-edge-to-bolster-indonesias.html/|title=UAE's EDGE to Bolster Indonesia's Ammunition Production|date=14 May 2024|website=thearabianpost.com}}

Edge also acquired 51% of Brazil-based Condor Non-Lethal technologies.{{Cite web|url=https://gulfnews.com/business/markets/uaes-edge-becomes-a-global-non-lethal-technology-player-with-condor-acquisition-1.1714548524115|title=UAE's EDGE becomes a global non-lethal technology player with Condor acquisition |website=Gulf News|date=May 2024 }}

In May 2024, Edge, and Fincantieri, signed an agreement for the launch of MAESTRAL an Abu Dhabi-based shipbuilding joint venture.{{Cite web|url=https://breakingdefense.com/2024/05/emirates-edge-group-italys-fincantieri-team-up-for-434m-patrol-vessel-contract/|title=Emirate's EDGE Group, Italy's Fincantieri team up for $434M patrol vessel contract|first=Agnes|last=Helou|date=20 May 2024|website=Breaking Defense}}

Edge Group entered into a joint venture with Spain's Indra Sistemas (Indra) to develop and manufacture radar systems in the UAE.

In June 2024, Edge Group and Adani Defence & Aerospace entered into a cooperation agreement. The collaboration involves various areas, including missiles, weapons, unmanned systems, air defense products, and electronic warfare technologies, with potential for R&D and production facilities in India and the UAE.{{cite web | title=Adani Defence & Aerospace, UAE's EDGE sign defence cooperation agreement | website=Business Standard | date=11 June 2024 | url=https://www.business-standard.com/companies/news/adani-defence-aerospace-uae-s-edge-sign-defence-cooperation-agreement-124061100485_1.html | access-date=7 August 2024}}

Edge Group launched a new space firm Fada in September 2024 to enhance the United Arab Emirates' (UAE) sovereign space capabilities and advance the country's defense technology interests.{{Cite web|url=https://gulfbusiness.com/edge-unveils-new-space-company-fada/|title=UAE defence firm EDGE forays into space domain with 'FADA'|first=Kudakwashe|last=Muzoriwa|date=23 September 2024}}

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Category:Manufacturing companies based in Abu Dhabi

Category:Defence companies of the United Arab Emirates

Category:Government-owned companies of Abu Dhabi

Category:Holding companies of the United Arab Emirates

Category:Emirati companies established in 2019

Category:Conglomerate companies established in 2019