EDGE Group and Anduril Industries to Launch Joint Venture in UAE for Next-Generation Autonomous Systems

In a major step toward accelerating autonomous defense and commercial technologies in the Middle East, UAE’s EDGE Group and US-based Anduril Industries have announced the formation of a new joint venture to co-develop and manufacture advanced unmanned systems. The venture, named the EDGE–Anduril Production Alliance, will serve as a regional hub for production, sales, integration, and sustainment of autonomous systems for both military and civilian markets.

The initiative is currently awaiting final regulatory approval from both the United States and the United Arab Emirates, reflecting the sensitive nature of technology transfer and defense collaboration under export control regulations.

A New Industrial Alliance in the Middle East

The joint venture marks a significant expansion of Anduril’s presence outside the United States and positions the UAE as a major manufacturing center for software-defined, AI-enabled defense solutions. The alliance will combine:

• EDGE’s manufacturing scale, advanced facilities, and regional supply chain

• Anduril’s expertise in autonomy, AI-software architecture, and high-rate unmanned systems production

The partnership aims to develop a portfolio of new autonomous air, land, and maritime systems, while supporting long-term operational sustainment for both regional partners and global customers.

Omen AAV: First Platform and Anchor Order

The UAE has confirmed the procurement of 50 units of ‘Omen’, a hover-to-cruise Autonomous Air Vehicle (AAV) developed by Anduril. This order serves as the foundation for the new production facility and establishes a baseline for local industrial activity.

Omen AAV – Key Specifications (Indicative/Available Data)

(Based on Anduril’s Group 3 VTOL architecture and released system parameters)

• Category: Group 3 VTOL Autonomous Air Vehicle

• Take-off Method: Vertical take-off & landing (VTOL), no runway required

• Endurance: High-endurance hover-to-cruise profile (classified, but expected 4–12+ hours)

• Range: Long-range autonomous missions (satcom-enabled potential)

• Payload Capacity: Modular payload bay supporting ISR sensors, EW packages, comms relays, and light logistics

• Propulsion: Hybrid electric drive integrated into foldable, modular airframe

• Control Software: Anduril Lattice OS, enabling multi-aircraft coordination and real-time mission adaptation

• Crew Requirement: Deployable by two-person team

• Infrastructure Needs: Fully expeditionary; operates without dedicated launch/recovery systems

• Mission Roles:

  • Maritime surveillance

  • Logistics resupply

  • Air-defence sensing and early warning

  • Battlefield communications relay

  • Border monitoring

  • Civilian missions: humanitarian aid, emergency connectivity, remote delivery, disaster assessment

Omen is intended to deliver the payload and range performance of larger UAVs in a compact, easily deployable airframe, making it ideal for remote or austere environments.

Strategic Significance of the Partnership

His Excellency Faisal Al Bannai, Chairman of EDGE Group, stated:

“Our strategic partnership with Anduril opens new pathways for EDGE to harness some of the most advanced autonomous systems engineering in the world. Embedding that capability in the UAE fundamentally accelerates how we innovate, build and field next-generation systems.”

He emphasized that Omen demonstrates the UAE’s shift toward locally produced, AI-enabled platforms that integrate autonomy, modularity, and rapid manufacturing.

Anduril’s Co-Founder and Executive Chair Trae Stephens added:

“Defence innovation is measured not by ideas, but by the pace at which those ideas translate into capability. With EDGE, we’re aligning the means of production with the urgency of modern deterrence.”

The remarks highlight a shared focus on speed, scalability, and operational readiness — a departure from traditional defense procurement cycles.

Dual-Use Ecosystem for Military and Civilian Applications

Although the Omen platform has been designed with defense missions as its primary focus, its flexible airframe and adaptable onboard systems allow it to be used across a wide spectrum of civilian and government tasks. The system can support emergency communication during disaster-relief efforts, transport essential supplies to remote locations, assist in environmental monitoring, and carry out inspection missions for critical infrastructure such as pipelines, energy grids, and coastal facilities. It can also be employed in maritime safety operations, providing extended surveillance and communication coverage for coastal authorities.

This dual-use capability aligns with the UAE’s strategy to develop export-ready autonomous solutions that serve both defense and commercial markets.

Investment and Industrial Scale-Up

The Omen program builds on Anduril’s $850 million investment in autonomy and Group 3 VTOL technologies, complemented by $200 million in new funding from EDGE. Under the joint venture, Omen is expected to enter full-rate production by the end of 2028, with the UAE hosting the primary production and sustainment facility.

Systems for regional allies will be produced through UAE-based manufacturing lines, while U.S. orders will continue to be fulfilled from Anduril’s Arsenal-1 facility in Ohio. This structure ensures adherence to ITAR and export regulations while strengthening the UAE’s domestic defense and technology industrial base.

New 50,000-Square-Foot R&D and Simulation Center

Alongside the production facility, Anduril will establish a 50,000-square-foot research, development, and simulation center in the UAE. The center will support system prototyping, software testing, simulation-based evaluation, and AI-driven mission modeling. It will also facilitate trials related to autonomous swarm coordination, serving as a key regional engineering and support hub.

This marks one of Anduril’s first major R&D footprints outside the United States, expanding its global innovation ecosystem.

A Regional Hub for Autonomous Systems

Once operational, the EDGE–Anduril Production Alliance is expected to position the UAE as a leading regional hub for autonomous systems manufacturing. The facility will support customers across the Middle East, North Africa, and South Asia, with selected systems available to global markets pending export approvals.

The joint venture aims to build a more agile, self-reliant defense and commercial technology ecosystem, reducing dependence on foreign suppliers and enabling faster innovation cycles.