EDGE Group PJSC (‘The Group’ or ‘EDGE’), one of the world’s leading advanced technology and defence groups, has announced the acquisition of UAE-based TRUST International Group (‘TRUST’), a defence trading specialist and major supplier of premium solutions to the UAE Armed Forces and security establishments.
TRUST will join EDGE within its Trading & Mission Support cluster, complementing the Group’s existing multi-domain capabilities.
Originally founded in 2004, TRUST acts as a supplier and military equipment provider to the UAE armed forces, helping with capability needs assessments, requirement identification, acquisition support, and maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) service provision, and through partnerships with international companies. Providing high-tech solutions to its customers, TRUST also specialises in logistics and supply chain services for land, aerial, maritime, C4ISR, and unmanned systems and also facilitates the supply of tactical equipment to military and security organisations.
On the acquisition, Mansour AlMulla, Managing Director and CEO of EDGE, said: “We are pleased to have TRUST join our Group. As we rapidly expand our defence trading scope, we believe that acquiring TRUST is a logical step toward strengthening sovereign capabilities, extending our supply chain and broadening our opportunities for further growth.”
The acquisition will allow both organisations to share manufacturing methods and expertise, as well as to provide TRUST with the necessary support to expand its talent base and scope of capabilities for further international reach.
Omar Al Zaabi, Trading & Mission Support Senior Vice President, added: “Fitting seamlessly into the Group, TRUST aligns with EDGE goals and values, as they are committed to providing innovative, cutting-edge solutions that improve performance for clients and the overall security and wellbeing of the UAE. There is great potential here for both companies, and our investment in TRUST will allow it to take advantage of EDGE’s considerable resources, offering customers a more robust, high-tech manufacturing and trading portfolio at competitive costs.”
The acquisition is yet another example of sensible defence sector consolidation to create a national champion with global outreach.
Ahmed Ibrahim, TRUST International Group CEO, said: “This not just a step towards growth, but a strategic move to unlock new opportunities and achieve greater heights. By combining our strengths, resources, and networks, EDGE and TRUST can create a more powerful force in the industry and deliver excellent value to customers and stakeholders. Our joining the Group will further position the UAE as a global leader in defence trading capabilities and an advanced military supplier, supporting the entire defence system.”
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.
