ArmsMiddle East

UAE Spends Billions on Precision-Guided Weapons, Drones

EDGE Group subsidiary Halcon has received multiple contracts to supply precision-guided weapons for the UAE Armed Forces.

The deals were announced during IDEX 2023 in Abu Dhabi.

According to EDGE, the agreements build on the companies’ existing partnership with the armed forces to provide solutions “that meet mission requirements and ensure the safeguarding of the UAE.”

Precision-Guided Missiles

Valued at 2.14 billion dirhams ($583 million), one contract orders Thunder P3 Light precision-guided missiles (PGM) for the military’s semi-active laser seeker.

Thunder P3 is a short guided munition kit system converting general-purpose projectiles into PGMs with enhanced precision and range.

Another contract, worth 4.7 billion dirhams ($1.3 billion), will deliver Desert Sting 25 (DS-25) air-to-surface precision-guided munitions.

The DS-25 is a lightweight munition deployable from various aircraft and aerial drones. Once delivered, the DS-25 will be employed for air strike operations.

DS-25 air-to-surface precision-guided munition displayed at IDEX 2023
DS-25 air-to-surface precision-guided munition displayed at IDEX 2023. Photo: Edge Group

Loitering Munition Drones

A 1.1-billion dirham ($299 million) contract will supply Hunter 2-S (swarming), Hunter 5, and Hunter 10 autonomous loitering munition drone variants.

All versions can be transported through vehicle-mounted containers and are powered by advanced AI solutions.

Hunter 2-S loitering munition displayed at IDEX 2023
Hunter 2-S loitering munition displayed at IDEX 2023. Photo: Edge Group

Furthermore, a 1.33-billion dirham ($362 million) contract awarded to Edge Group subsidiary ADASI will supply Shadow 25 and Shadow 50 drones.

The Shadow variants are used for intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, and strike missions.

Shadow 25 and Shadow 50 autonomous loitering UAV
Shadow 25 and Shadow 50 autonomous loitering UAV. Photo: Edge Group

Edge and BAE Systems Collaboration

During IDEX 2023, EDGE Group also signed an agreement with BAE Systems to explore future technologies and co-creation opportunities to support the UAE’s defense and security capabilities.

“The new strategic partnership will see both companies bring their collective expertise in cyber, maritime, air, and defence technologies in support of the UAE’s industrialisation ambitions to become a leading global hub for future defence and security solutions,” a statement from EDGE Group said.

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