On the sidelines of UMEX-SimTEX Exhibition which concluded in Abu Dhabi Thursday, EDGE announced it has signed a landmark contract to supply 200 HT-100 and HT-750 unmanned helicopters to the UAE Ministry of Defence, as part of a milestone deal which is the largest ever order for unmanned helicopter systems, to enhance their VTOL capabilities.
The unmanned VTOL systems will be manufactured by Switzerland-based EDGE entity, ANAVIA, which specialises in the development and manufacturing of autonomous aerial capabilities.
The compact HT-100 and larger HT-750 are multi-role unmanned performance helicopters for ISR (Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance) and logistics missions, designed to transport heavy payloads while maintaining exceptional flight stability - setting the standard for autonomous flying.
In November 2023, EDGE acquired a 52% majority shareholding in ANAVIA, which develops and manufactures unmanned helicopters capable of carrying out mission-critical surveillance, reconnaissance and transportation, as well as being readily adaptable across EDGE’s diverse portfolio of air, land, and maritime capabilities - further reinforcing EDGE’s position as a market leader in the field of autonomous systems.
EDGE also announced that its entity Milrem Robotics, Europe’s leading developer of robotics and autonomous systems, has signed a contract to supply 20 tracked Robotic Combat Vehicles (RCVs) and 40 THeMIS Unmanned Ground Vehicles (UGVs) to the UAE Ministry of Defence. The agreement represents the world’s largest combat robotics programme.
Under the terms of the contract, Milrem Robotics will lead an experimentation and trial programme aimed at integrating unmanned ground capabilities into the UAE Armed Forces’ arsenal. This initiative is a significant step towards enhancing the Armed Forces’ combat capabilities through the deployment of THeMIS UGVs and tracked RCVs, which are both equipped with advanced autonomy features, third party payloads and high-quality communication solutions.
The contract includes the supply of tracked RCVs with 30mm MK44 cannons, THeMIS Combat units equipped with 30mm M230LF Remote Weapon Stations and with Indirect Fire Systems, and THeMIS Observe units with radar and camera systems, including shot detection capabilities. Milrem Robotics will also provide comprehensive training and supervision to ensure the relevant personnel achieve a satisfactory skill level in operating combat unmanned ground systems.
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 25 entities into five core clusters: Platforms & Systems, Missiles & Weapons, Space & Cyber Technologies, Trading & Mission Support, and Homeland Security.
