PARIS — United Arab Emirates defense technology group EDGE is accelerating its international expansion through new partnerships, overseas manufacturing plans and regional subsidiaries as it seeks to increase exports of military technologies and strengthen its position in global defense markets.
The Abu Dhabi-based company has announced a series of agreements in Europe in recent weeks, including joint ventures with France's Safran Electronics & Defense and Spain's EM&E Group, alongside the launch of a new European subsidiary headquartered in Paris with engineering and manufacturing operations in Bordeaux. The moves form part of a broader strategy to expand industrial cooperation and market advanced defense systems beyond the Gulf.
EDGE said its agreement with EM&E Group establishes a framework for producing advanced remotely operated weapon systems through a co-production model that combines technology transfer with manufacturing in both the UAE and Spain. The companies said the venture's estimated commercial pipeline has increased to about $1.725 billion and operations are expected to begin during the final quarter of 2026.
Separately, EDGE and Safran signed a term sheet covering proposed joint ventures in the UAE and France to develop next-generation precision-guided weapons for domestic and international customers. The companies said the partnership aims to combine Safran's expertise in propulsion and navigation with EDGE's manufacturing capabilities.
Chief Executive Hamad Al Marar said Europe represents the company's "next large market," citing demand for locally produced defense systems and the importance of maintaining an industrial presence within the region.
The expansion comes as governments worldwide increase defense spending in response to heightened geopolitical tensions and growing demand for advanced military technologies. Defense manufacturers have responded by expanding production capacity, pursuing cross-border partnerships and investing in new technologies, including autonomous systems, precision weapons and maritime security capabilities.
The United States also eased export controls on selected military equipment, advanced computing technologies and dual-use items destined for approved UAE entities this month, a move the U.S. Commerce Department said reflects the Emirates' strategic partnership with Washington. The policy has nevertheless drawn scrutiny from some U.S. lawmakers over concerns about technology security and diversion risks.
EDGE has said it expects its European operations to serve as a platform for additional partnerships, investment and technology development as it continues expanding its international industrial footprint. The company has not announced further acquisitions but has indicated it is pursuing additional collaborations in Europe and other priority export markets.
