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Emirati defence conglomerate EDGE Group has signed a strategic agreement with Italian defence group Leonardo at the International Defence Exhibition and Conference (IDEX).
EDGE Group will cooperate with the partially Italian government-owned defence giant to design complex and disruptive systems for international export, according to statements released in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, on 18 February.
The strategic agreement is expected to enhance the capabilities of both EDGE and Leonardo, as well as diversifying and completing both groups’ portfolios of airborne, terrestrial, naval and cyber solutions.
“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,” EDGE Group managing director and chief executive Hamad Al Marar 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.”
The agreement establishes a strategic framework for the UAE market while advancing a global export strategy – as well as aiming to enhance synergies, facilitate knowledge exchange, and optimise specialised resources to capitalise on emerging opportunities more effectively.
The collaboration will focus on key domains such as airborne capabilities including radar, particularly for multi-mission aircraft, anti-tactical ballistic missile defence, counter-drone and mobile surveillance systems, naval combat management systems, radio communications and optronics commander sight.
The agreement is a precursor to a structured partnership focused on jointly marketing these products and solutions to governments across multiple countries. It also commits to the development of shared intellectual property and future design innovations.
“We are deeply honoured and thrilled to collaborate with EDGE Group, aiming to establish unprecedented industrial capabilities for national and export requirements,” Leonardo co-general manager Lorenzo Mariani said.
“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.”
