GRADEONE, a defense trading specialist concentrating in manufacturing non-lethal pyrotechnics, ammunition, defense-related components and packing solutions, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with UAVOS, a developer and manufacturer of advanced unmanned systems, to create a joint research and development, production and commercialisation centre for autonomous solutions and weapon systems.
As per the MoU, the centre will initially focus on the development of laser-based counter UAV solutions and high-speed aerial targets for the region. The companies will jointly work in additional key areas regarding the development and adoption of security technology for autonomous platforms, including piloted aircraft conversion.
Khalifa Al Ali, Managing Director of GRADEONE, said: “In establishing a joint research and development centre with UAVOS, we will be perfectly positioned to address the needs of clients in local and international markets for unique, state of the art autonomous solutions and weapons systems.”
“This strategic relationship marks a proud moment in GRADEONE’s history, as our cooperation will be conducive to strengthening autonomous capabilities and specialised products in the UAE market and beyond. As we pursue advancements in autonomous systems, we look forward to the current and future collaboration this tactical framework provides,” he added.
“UAVOS is delighted to be formalising our long-term partnership with the GRADEONE Group. Our combined strength will provide the capacity for innovation needed to respond to complex global issues and autonomous systems industry challenges,” said Vadim Tarasov, Board Member, UAVOS.
“Our strategic relationship will leverage the best talent and ideas from both companies to produce innovative solutions for our future,” he stressed.
At the recent IDEX Exhibition, EDGE Group announced it has taken a 70% stake in Abu Dhabi-based GRADEONE. The company, which specialises in manufacturing non-lethal pyrotechnics, ammunition, defence-related components and packing solutions, as well as defence trading, will join EDGE under its Trading & Mission Support cluster.
Established in 2018, GRADEONE has a significant international network of partnerships within the defence, security, and rescue sectors, allowing it to deliver innovative and structured solutions that meet and exceed clients’ needs and requirements.
Launched in November 2019, EDGE is one of the world’s leading advanced technology groups, established to develop agile, bold and disruptive solutions for defence and beyond, and to be a catalyst for change and transformation. It is dedicated to bringing breakthrough innovations, products, and services to market with greater speed and efficiency, to position the UAE as a leading global hub for future industries, and to creating clear paths within the sector for the next generation of highly-skilled talent to thrive.
With a focus on the adoption of 4IR technologies, EDGE is driving the development of sovereign capabilities for global export and for the preservation of national security, working with front-line operators, international partners, and adopting advanced technologies such as autonomous capabilities, cyber-physical systems, advanced propulsion systems, robotics and smart materials. EDGE converges R&D, emerging technologies, digital transformation, and commercial market innovations with military capabilities to develop disruptive solutions tailored to the specific requirements of its customers.
Headquartered in Abu Dhabi, capital of the UAE, EDGE consolidates more than 20 entities into four core clusters: Platforms & Systems, Missiles & Weapons, Electronic Warfare & Cyber Technologies, and Trading & Mission Support.
UAVOS is a developer and manufacturer of security and commercial solutions based on advanced Unmanned Systems with an international investor base. UAVOS technology, products, and tailored services include multi-role UAVs, unique proprietary autopilots, advanced communication systems, UAV components, and experiential training. UAVOS is involved in stratospheric R&D projects having developed the HAPS ApusDuo autonomous aircraft and the HiDRON meteo- missions stratospheric glider ready to deploy missions to the stratosphere.
