EDGE Group

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EDGE Group PJSC[1]
Native name
Arabic: مجموعة إيدج ش.م.ع
Company typePublic Joint Stock Company
IndustryAdvanced Technology, Defence
PredecessorEmirates Defence Industries Company
FoundedNovember 5, 2019; 4 years ago (2019-11-05) in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Headquarters
Abu Dhabi
,
United Arab Emirates
Area served
Worldwide2
Key people
Faisal Al Bannai (Chairman of the Board of Directors)[2] Hamad Al Marar (Managing Director & CEO)[3]
Number of employees
10,000
Subsidiaries25. See list
Footnotes / references
[4]

EDGE Group (Arabic: مجموعة إيدج) is a United Arab Emirates (UAE) advanced technology and defence conglomerate comprising 25 companies involved in military and civilian products, and technologies.[5][6][7]

Edge Headquarters Abu Dhabi, UAE

History[edit]

The EDGE Group was established on 5 November 2019 by H.E Faisal Al Bannai, and consists of more than 25 entities from the Emirates Defence Industries Company (EDIC), Emirates Advanced Investments Group (EAIG), Tawazun Holding.[5] The Group employs approximately 8,000 employees.[8][9][10]

Edge, Umex Defence Exhibition

EDGE was the official Advanced Technology Partner at the Dubai Airshow 2019.[11] The Group'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.[12]

EDGE entity HALCON signed a US$1 billion contract in November 2019 to supply its Desert Sting precision guided missiles to UAE Armed Forces.[13][14]

EDGE joined Tawdheef, the UAE’s leading event for Emiratisation,[15] and the second edition of the biennial Mohamed bin Zayed International Robotics Challenge[16] 2020 (MBZIRC 2020), as the official Advanced Technology Partner in January 2020.[17]

EDGE’s ADASI also launched its made-in-the-UAE VTOL drone at the UMEX exhibition in February 2020.[18]

In December 2020, the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) reported that EDGE had ranked 22nd in the world's largest arms companies list.[19] 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."[20] According to DefenseNews.com’s 2021 July report, EDGE Group is the 24th largest defence contractor in the world.[21]

On 31 January, 2022, Mansour AlMulla was appointed Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of EDGE Group, while H.E Faisal Al Bannai assumed the role of Chairman of the Board.[22]

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.[23]

In early 2023, EDGE disclosed 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%[24] year-on-year increase. The 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.[25] At the IDEX defence exhibition held in Abu Dhabi in February 2023, EDGE announced over AED18.6 billion worth of contracts,[26][27][28] 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.[29][30] The group also launched 14 new products including 11 autonomous solutions.[29] 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;[28] and a contract valued at AED4 billion to provide tactical communications and data-link solutions.[28]

In April 2023, EDGE announced the opening of a regional office in the Brazilian capital, Brasilia.[31] In the same month, EDGE Group and the Brazilian Navy signed a cooperation agreement to develop anti-ship and supersonic missiles.[32][33] 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.

Faisal Al Bannai, Chairman Edge Group

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.[34]

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. [35][36][37]

At Dubai Airshow 2023, EDGE launched 12 new systems and solutions, increasing the number of products to 160.[38] [39]These included several autonomous aircraft and smart weapons systems.[40]It also launched the X Range, the MENA region’s first fully comprehensive test range island, which will be available for commercial use.[41]The total value of its sales and contracts at the airshow was US$ 2.37 billion [42] ADSB also announced the sale of several ANAVIA HT-100 unmanned helicopters to an undisclosed international customer.[43]

Edge,Reach

In December 2023, EDGE announced it has assumed full ownership of Abu Dhabi–based investment company, the Strategic Development Fund (SDF).[44]

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.[45]

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.[46]

Capabilities[edit]

  • Missiles & Weapons
    Al Tariq Precisions Guided Munitions
  • Electronic Warfare
  • Air Platforms
  • Land Systems
  • Naval Systems
  • Cyber Defence & Secure Communications
  • Sub-Systems
  • Training & Services
  • Precision Engineering
  • MRO
  • Homeland Security[7]


References[edit]

  1. ^ Salian, Neesha (October 1, 2023). "UAE-based Edge Group acquires 50% stake in Brazil's SIATT".
  2. ^ "UAE's defence giant EDGE appoints Hamad Al Marar as new CEO, eyes global expansion - Dailynewsegypt". January 29, 2024.
  3. ^ "EDGE Group appoints Hamad Mohamed al Marar as Managing Director and CEO".
  4. ^ Sharma, Alkesh (September 22, 2023). "UAE's Edge partners with Bulgarian entities as it expands portfolio". The National.
  5. ^ a b Helou, Agnes (2019-11-06). "UAE launches 'Edge' conglomerate to address its 'antiquated military industry'". Defense News. Retrieved 2023-08-21.
  6. ^ "UAE Defense Firm Weighs Multibillion-Dollar Turkey Investments". Bloomberg. October 12, 2023 – via www.bloomberg.com.
  7. ^ a b "UAE's EDGE Group weighs multibillion-dollar Turkey investments". gulfnews.com. October 12, 2023.
  8. ^ Warner, Kelsey (2019-11-20). "Abu Dhabi defence group Edge looks to smart technology to tackle low-tech militants". The National. Retrieved 2023-08-21.
  9. ^ "Could EDGE boost R&D in the UAE?". Wamda. Retrieved 2023-08-21.
  10. ^ Defaiya, Al (2022-11-29). "Al Defaiya | UAE's EDGE Marks Third Anniversary". defaiya.com. Retrieved 2023-08-21.
  11. ^ "DUBAI AIRSHOW ANNOUNCES EDGE AS FIRST EVER ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY PARTNER". www.dubaiairshow.aero. Retrieved 2023-08-21.
  12. ^ "AMMROC unveils state-of-the-art MRO Facility". wam. 2019-11-17. Retrieved 2023-08-21.
  13. ^ https://uaetimes.ae/edge-wins-new-1-58-billion-contract-for-uae-armed-forces/
  14. ^ https://www.edrmagazine.eu/%E2%96%BA-halcon-to-supply-desert-sting-precision-weapons-to-uae-armed-forces-in-us1-billion-deal
  15. ^ "EDGE Joins Tawdheef as Advanced Technology Partner". Construction Business News Middle East. 2020-01-21. Retrieved 2020-07-01.
  16. ^ "Mohamed Bin Zayed International Robotics Challenge (MBZIRC)". GTECH. 2022-05-17. Retrieved 2022-06-03.
  17. ^ "EDGE announced as Advanced Technology Partner for Mohamed bin Zayed International Robotics Challenge 2020, organised by Khalifa University". wam. Retrieved 2020-07-01.
  18. ^ Warner, Kelsey (2020-02-24). "UAE's first locally-made drone unveiled at Umex". The National. Retrieved 2023-09-13.
  19. ^ "SIPRI Arms Industry Database | SIPRI". www.sipri.org. Retrieved 2023-09-13.
  20. ^ "Global arms industry: Sales by the top 25 companies up 8.5 per cent; Big players active in Global South | SIPRI". www.sipri.org. 2020-12-07. Retrieved 2023-09-13.
  21. ^ "Top 100 | Defense News, News about defense programs, business, and technology". people.defensenews.com. Retrieved 2023-09-13.
  22. ^ "EDGE Group announces structural changes to its executive leadership team". wam. 2022-01-31. Retrieved 2023-09-13.
  23. ^ Salian, Neesha (2022-10-05). "EDGE Group rebrand8s DIGITAL14 as KATIM". Retrieved 2023-09-13.
  24. ^ Darasha, Brinda; ZAWYA. "UAE's EDGE Group secures orders worth $5bln in 2022". www.zawya.com. Retrieved 2023-09-13.
  25. ^ "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". armyrecognition.com. 15 February 2023. Retrieved 2023-09-13.
  26. ^ "IDEX 2023: Edge awarded USD2.5 billion munitions contracts". Janes.com. Retrieved 2023-09-13.
  27. ^ McNeil, Harry (2023-02-28). "IDEX 2023: EDGE Group dominates as strategic partner". Army Technology. Retrieved 2023-09-13.
  28. ^ a b c ESD (2023-02-23). "IDEX 2023: EDGE Group entities announce UAE armed forces contracts". euro-sd.com. Retrieved 2023-09-13.
  29. ^ a b Helou, Agnes (2023-02-21). "EDGE announces $1.1B deal with Angolan navy, unveils 11 new autonomous systems". Breaking Defense. Retrieved 2023-09-13.
  30. ^ Bahtić, Fatima (2023-02-22). "Angolan Navy orders BR71 MKII corvettes from Edge Group under €1bln deal". Naval Today. Retrieved 2023-09-13.
  31. ^ Helou, Agnes (2023-04-13). "Emirati defense conglomerate EDGE Group to open first international office in Brazil". Breaking Defense. Retrieved 2023-09-13.
  32. ^ Defesa, Redação Forças de (2023-04-18). "EDGE Group e Marinha do Brasil assinam acordo de cooperação para o desenvolvimento de mísseis". Poder Naval (in Brazilian Portuguese). Retrieved 2023-09-13.
  33. ^ "LAAD 2023 - EDGE Group abrirá escritório regional para América Latina no Brasil". DefesaNet (in Brazilian Portuguese). 2023-04-11. Retrieved 2023-09-13.
  34. ^ https://breakingdefense.com/2023/07/edge-group-acquires-oryxlabs-marking-first-move-into-cybersecurity/
  35. ^ "Dubai Airshow 2023: EDGE Group acquires majority stake in Swiss VTOL company | Shephard". www.shephardmedia.com.
  36. ^ Hill, John (November 6, 2023). "Signal: EDGE Group acquires 52% share in Swiss VTOL manufacturer".
  37. ^ "Edge Group Invests in Swiss UAS Developer Anavia | Aviation Week Network". aviationweek.com.
  38. ^ "EDGE Group Launches Several Advanced Defence Solutions on First Day of Dubai Airshow 2023". 13 November 2023.
  39. ^ Helou, Agnes (November 13, 2023). "UAE firm EDGE Group rolls out 11 new drones, missiles at Dubai Airshow".
  40. ^ "EDGE Group Launches Several Advanced Defence Solutions on First Day of Dubai Airshow 2023". 14 November 2023.
  41. ^ Gosselin-Malo, Elisabeth (November 13, 2023). "Edge Group touts Gulf region's first multidomain military test island". Defense News.
  42. ^ "EDGE Group to Supply MANSUP Series Anti-Ship Systems to the Brazilian Navy". 15 November 2023.
  43. ^ "EDGE expands global VTOL capabilities with first major sale of HT-100 Unmanned Helicopters". 16 November 2023.
  44. ^ 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.
  45. ^ Felstead, Peter (March 7, 2024). "EDGE Group and Indra form joint venture to create UAE-based advanced radar house - European Security & Defence". euro-sd.com.
  46. ^ "Indra and EDGE Group sign an agreement to develop and manufacture next-generation radars in UAE | indra".
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