EDGE, one of the world’s leading advanced technology and defence groups, and Leonardo, a major global industrial group that builds technological capabilities in aerospace, defence, and security, have signed a groundbreaking collaboration agreement to further enhance their partnership in developing solutions across six critical domains. The agreement aims to strengthen existing synergies and capitalise on new complementary opportunities for deeper cooperation.

The pivotal agreement, signed at the International Defence Exhibition (IDEX) 2025, currently taking place in Abu Dhabi, establishes a strategic framework for the UAE market while advancing a global export strategy. It aims to enhance synergies, facilitate knowledge exchange, and optimise specialised resources to capitalise on emerging opportunities more effectively. The collaboration will focus on key domains:Airborne Capabilities including Radar - particularly for Multi Mission Aircraft; Anti-Tactical Ballistic Missile Defence; Counter-Drone and Mobile Surveillance Systems; Naval Combat Management Systems; Radio Communications; and Optronics Commander Sight.

Hamad Al Marar, EDGE Group Managing Director & CEO, said: “This important step marks the next phase in our existing strategic agreement with industry leader Leonardo, building on the opportunities presented by the strong relationship between the UAE and Italy.”

The agreement is a precursor to a structured partnership focused on jointly marketing these products and solutions to governments across multiple countries. It also commits to the development of shared intellectual property (IP) and future design innovations.

Lorenzo Mariani, Co-General Manager of Leonardo, added: “We are deeply honoured and thrilled to collaborate with EDGE Group, aiming to establish unprecedented industrial capabilities for national and export requirements. The sectors identified as pillars of this joint strategy are getting more and more important in an evolving market and operational scenario.”

The strategic agreement aims to further enhance the capabilities of both EDGE and Leonardo in the design of cutting-edge, complex systems in disruptive sectors with significant market potential, and is a crucial step in diversifying and expanding both groups’ portfolios of airborne, terrestrial, naval, and cyber solutions.

Meantime, EDGE entity TRUST, a leading provider of advanced equipment, technologies, and services for national security and defence forces, also announced that it is partnering with Leonardo DRS, a leading provider of advanced defence solutions, to fortify the UAE’s defence capabilities. The partners will work together on the development, production, and long-term support for defence solutions tailored to the UAE Armed Forces.

The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed by Dr. Jasem Al Zaabi, Vice President of Business Development - EDGE, and Joe Rahbany, Vice President of Business Development in Middle East, Leonardo DRS; Dr. Abdulmunem Alshehhi, Chief Operations Officer - TRUST; Bill Guyan, SVP of Business Development and President of International Business, Leonardo DRS; Dennis Crumley - SVP and General Manager, Leonardo DRS Land Electronics; and Cameron Dadgar - Business Development Executive, Air Combat at Leonardo DRS.

Under the terms of the MoU, the two entities are mandated to collaborate in the procurement and systems integration of cutting-edge technologies with a focus on situational awareness systems for vehicle integration. The collaboration has been designed to support the growing operational requirements of the UAE Armed Forces and to ensure the self-sufficiency of the national defence sector through establishing advanced and reliable defence systems.

TRUST International Group and Leonardo DRS are committed to supporting the UAE’s defence sector by encouraging innovation and developing localised solutions to meet the rapidly changing defence and national security landscape.

“This partnership represents a significant step in our commitment to providing the UAE Armed Forces with state-of-the-art defence systems. Partnering with Leonardo DRS, further strengthens our confidence in our ability to deliver innovative solutions that address the evolving needs of the UAE Armed Forces,” Dr. Jasem Al Zaabi said

“Leonardo DRS is proud to partner with TRUST International Group to support the UAE’s defence modernisation efforts. Our shared expertise and commitment to excellence will ensure that we deliver world-class solutions to the UAE Armed Forces, strengthening their operational readiness and technological edge,” said Joe Rahbany