EDGE entity, HALCON, a regional leader in the design and production of guided weapon systems and beyond, has announced a partnership with Rheinmetall Air Defence in Switzerland, a leading manufacturer of state-of-the-art air defence and anti-aircraft systems and subsidiary of Rheinmetall.

Under the contract, Rheinmetall Air Defence will develop and qualify the truck-mounted Oerlikon Multi Sensor Unit (MSU), which is a remote controlled, rapidly deployable sensor unit. The MSU is part of the Oerlikon Skynex Air Defence System, which includes HALCON’s SKYKNIGHT counter rocket, artillery, and mortar (C-RAM) missile system.

Hamad Al Marar, President of Missiles & Weapons, EDGE, said: “Adequate air defence needs an encompassing, multi-layered approach. Rheinmetall Air Defence, an international leader in the development of air defence systems, thoroughly understands this approach and it is reflected in the sophisticated Skynex SKYKNIGHT Air Defence System. HALCON takes an active involvement in the systems development, having designed the SKYKNIGHT Missile and Missile Launcher Unit, providing a critical layer of protection against saturation attacks.”

“We are proud to be taking the next step in our partnership with Rheinmetall Air Defence, as the development of the MSU will be another notable contribution from HALCON. Signing this contract marks an important milestone as we continue to push the boundaries in the air defence domain and find new ways to safeguard our skies,” he added.

Marco Parisi, Sales Director at Rheinmetall Air Defence, said: “Rheinmetall Air Defence is excited to collaborate with HALCON for the development of this state-of-the-art sensor system. It shows both companies’ commitment to providing the UAE with leading edge Air Defence Systems. The Oerlikon Skynex Air Defence System paired with HALCON's SkyKnight Missile is the ideal solution for the protection of UAE's most vital infrastructure.”

The MSU features a 4D active electronically scanned array search radar, covering 360° and is capable of automatically classifying detected targets and handing the generated tracks over to the most suitable gun or missile launcher autonomously or by the push of a button.

Development and qualification of the MSU will take place in Switzerland. Under a future contract, it will be initially produced in Switzerland and Italy, thereafter localised to enable production in the UAE.

Rheinmetall Air Defence AG has been providing the UAE with the Oerlikon Air Defence Systems since more than 40 years. The core competency of Rheinmetall Air Defence is the development and manufacture of advanced air defence systems as well as simulators and training systems.

Among the company’s best-known products are the Skyguard twin-gun fire units, the Skyshield generation with its pioneering revolver guns, and the highly mobile Skyranger family, as well as the new, integrated air defence system Skynex. For Navies around the globe, self-protection systems such as the Millennium Gun and the Searanger remote controlled weapon station are available. Radars and electro-optical sensors complement the naval product portfolio.

HALCON is a regional leader in development and production of precision-guided munitions, loitering munitions and autonomous systems. Established in 2017, the company innovates and develops high-performance and cost-effective products. HALCON relies on strong in-house research and development, supported by one of the region’s most advanced testing facilities delivering high-tolerance, high-precision components and sub-systems, finished through the company’s full assembly line services. HALCON also provide special manufacturing solutions, and automation and robotics consulting, and advisory services that help customers achieve their operational and tactical goals.

The company is part of the Missiles & Weapons cluster of EDGE Group, one of the world’s leading advanced technology and defence groups.

Launched in November 2019, the UAE’s 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.