Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates: February 23, 2026 -
The UAE's EDGE Group and Safran Electronics & Defense, part of the international high-tech group operating in the aerospace and defense sectors, have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to jointly explore the development, production and marketing of advanced air-to-ground weapon systems.
This first phase of cooperation lays the foundations for a partnership that will build on Safran's existing systems, increasing their range and performance, extending developments to ground-to-air missiles and, ultimately, moving towards a new generation of intelligent weapons.
By combining Safran's excellence in propulsion and navigation systems with EDGE's industrial capacity and advanced technology portfolio, the partnership aims to deliver highly competitive, export-ready solutions for the global market, offering enhanced operational efficiency to international customers.
The signing ceremony took place at EDGE Group's headquarters in Abu Dhabi. The agreement was formalized by Hamad Al Marar, Managing Director and CEO of EDGE Group, and Alexandre Ziegler, Director of Safran Electronics & Defense's Global Defense Business Unit.
Hamad Al Marar, Managing Director and CEO of EDGE Group, said:
«This collaboration brings together two companies with complementary strengths. Safran's long-standing capabilities and expertise in aerospace and defense, combined with EDGE's industrial capabilities, create a unique platform to deliver innovative, high-value solutions to defense customers worldwide. Together, we see clear potential to meet evolving operational requirements across a wide range of international markets.»
Alexandre Ziegler, Executive Vice President, Global Business Unit Defense, Safran Electronics & Defense, said: «For more than 30 years, Safran and the United Arab Emirates have built a relationship based on trust, long-term cooperation and operational excellence. The agreement signed today with EDGE reflects the strength and maturity of this partnership. Drawing on
leveraging our complementary strengths, particularly in the field of intelligent air-to-ground weapon systems, we intend to jointly develop innovative, localized solutions tailored to the evolving needs of allied armed forces, while supporting localization and innovation.»
About EDGE
Launched in November 2019, EDGE is one of the world's leading advanced technology groups. Created to develop agile, bold and disruptive solutions for defense and beyond, the group acts as a catalyst for transformation. It focuses on bringing disruptive innovations, products and services to market quickly and efficiently, to position the UAE as a global hub for the industries of the future, while creating attractive pathways for the next generation of highly skilled talent.
Focused on the adoption of Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) technologies, EDGE develops sovereign capabilities for export and the preservation of national security. The group works closely with front-line operators and international partners, drawing on advanced technologies such as autonomous capabilities, cyber-physical systems, advanced propulsion systems, robotics and smart materials.
Headquartered in Abu Dhabi, capital of the United Arab Emirates, EDGE comprises over 35 entities organized into five main divisions: Platforms & Systems, Missiles & Weapons, Space & Cyber Technologies, Technologies & Industrialization, and Homeland Security.
Press contact:
EDGE Group Press Office
media@edgegroup.ae
+971 52 220 2930; +971 55 358 4520
Safran is an international high-technology group operating in the aerospace (propulsion, equipment and interiors), space and defense markets. Its mission: to make a lasting contribution to a safer world, in which air transport becomes ever more environmentally friendly, comfortable and accessible. Present on every continent, the Group employs over 110,000 people and will post sales of 31.3 billion euros in 2025. Safran holds, alone or in partnership, world or European leadership positions in its markets. Safran is listed on Euronext Paris and is a component of the CAC 40 and Euro Stoxx 50 indices.
Safran Electronics & Defense offers its customers onboard intelligence solutions their to understand environment, reduce mental workload and guarantee trajectory, even in critical situations, in all environments: on land, at sea, in the sky or in space. The company applies the expertise of its 19,000 employees to these three functions: observing, deciding and guiding, for both civil and military markets.
Press contact:
Lucie Bâton / lucie.baton@safrangroup.com / +33 6 30 27 71 41
