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2024-02-01

EDGE Wins Largest Deal for Unmanned Helicopters from UAE

EDGE, a global technology and defence leader, 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 Vertical Take-Off and Landing (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.

Khaled Al Zaabi, President of Platform & Systems of Edge Group, said: “This landmark deal marks an important milestone both for the HT-100 and HT-750 systems and for EDGE. This order represents the first order by the UAE Ministry of Defence for these advanced aircraft, and largest order ever for ANAVIA, reinforcing the confidence placed in these exceptional products from customers around the world.

It exemplifies EDGE’s strategy of pursuing mutually beneficial partnerships worldwide, as we have done with ANAVIA, which allow us to expand the scope of our technological capabilities across multiple domains, while ensuring sustainable growth for both partners, and playing our role in the development of sovereign capabilities across the air, land, and naval domains.”

In November 2023, EDGE acquired a 52 per cent 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.

Combat UGV Order

Milrem Robotics, an EDGE Group entity, has entered a significant contract with the UAE Ministry of Defence. The deal, which involves supplying 20 tracked robotic combat vehicles (RCVs) and 40 THeMIS unmanned ground vehicles (UGVs), making it the world’s largest combat robotics programme, was announced at the Unmanned Systems Exhibition & Conference.

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.

Kuldar Väärsi, CEO of Milrem Robotics said: “EDGE Group’s investment in Milrem Robotics has opened new avenues, expanding our international growth and market presence. Initiating the world’s largest combat robotics programme with the UAE Ministry of Defence not only demonstrates the competitive edge of our solutions, but also highlights the strategic value of incorporating advanced robotic systems into force structure, enhancing their combat capabilities and operational efficiency.”

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.

IGG Acquisition

EDGE Group has expanded its capabilities by adding International Golden Group (IGG) to its portfolio of companies. Recognised as the UAE’s leading agent for high-end defene supplies and security solutions, IGG’s inclusion in EDGE aims to offer complete end-to-end solutions to customers.

Faisal Al Bannai, Chairman of EDGE, said: “As part our wider growth strategy, the addition of IGG to EDGE is a major move towards securing and consolidating defence industry capabilities in the UAE. This underscores our commitment to maximising benefits and harnessing corresponding strengths to the fullest extent for the benefit of our customers in the UAE, and overseas.”

Fadel Saif Al-Kaabi, Chief Executive Officer of International Golden Group, expressed his satisfaction in joining efforts with EDGE. He highlighted the impressive track record of achievements of EDGE, a leading company in the UAE, in developing innovative solutions in the areas of defence, security, and other fields. Al Kaabi emphasised that the addition of IGG to EDGE aligns with the growth and expansion strategies of both groups at the local, regional, and international levels, with the objective of strengthening the UAE’s position as a leading global hub for defence industries.

IGG can supply a large range of military solutions including all major types of arms and ammunition, tanks and multi-purpose military vehicles, maritime vessels, radar and communications systems, field hospitals, control and command systems, military training ranges, night vision and surveillance systems, anti-riot equipment, land and marine security barriers, military uniforms, and more.

Services include consultancy services, military vehicle maintenance and upgrade, military and security training, and information technology services, as well as systems integration, technical support, navigation, air-traffic control, protection and security services, among others.

Unmanned Trio

On the first day of the Unmanned Systems Exhibition and Conference (UMEX) and Simulation and Training Exhibition (SimTEX) 2024, EDGE unveiled three new innovative remotely piloted vehicles.

Returning as the Strategic Partner for the sixth edition of UMEX, EDGE is rapidly accelerating UAE designed and manufactured autonomous technology, and expertise, to meet the evolving requirements of its international customers. The platforms are purpose-built to operate in demanding environments, covering tactical intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) and logistics support.

Mansour Al Mulla, Managing Director and CEO of EDGE Group, emphasised the group’s commitment to delivering advanced and cost-effective solutions across multiple domains.

“We are proud to have made our third appearance as the event’s Strategic Partner, where we launched innovative new products that offer customers new technologically advanced and cost-effective force multipliers across multiple domains, highlighting the Group’s dedication to developing extensive and diverse capabilities that significantly contribute to strengthening a forward-thinking sovereign defence ecosystem,” he noted.

Designed for short take-off and landing (STOL) on unprepared and rough terrain, the GY300 is an unmanned low-maintenance, high-reliability logistics autogyro, capable of transporting a 300kg payload at a low operational cost.

Under land systems, the BUNKER PRO is a tracked, high-performance unmanned ground vehicle (UGV), offering fully autonomous operations such as remote surveillance, exploration, platooning, target identification, and perimeter patrol.

The M-BUGGY is a wheeled, multi-terrain UGV, utilising the latest imaging and sensor technology to provide actionable ISR data. The M-BUGGY was part of the live demonstrations for land systems at the ADNEC Grandstand Area..

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