Leonardo, EDGE to establish UAE defence joint venture in 2026

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Leonardo and EDGE to establish UAE defence joint venture in 2026

November 20, 2025

MILAN,— Italian defense and aerospace contractor Leonardo said Wednesday that it will form a new joint venture with Abu Dhabi based EDGE next year to design and manufacture a range of military technologies in the United Arab Emirates.

The companies announced the plan during the Dubai Airshow, stating that the partnership will focus on systems used across air, land and sea operations.

According to the statement, the new company will develop sensors, platforms and integrated solutions aimed at meeting requirements in the United Arab Emirates and in selected foreign markets.

Many of the systems involved will build on products already in Leonardo’s catalog. Officials said the effort will expand cooperation that began earlier this year, when the two sides signed a memorandum of understanding outlining initial goals for the venture.

EDGE will hold a 51 percent stake while Leonardo will own 49 percent. Leonardo Chief Executive Roberto Cingolani said the agreement followed months of detailed exchanges between the two groups.

He added that both sides expect the venture to support long term industrial cooperation.

EDGE Managing Director and Chief Executive Hamad Al Marar said the partnership will allow the groups to adapt technologies for customers both inside the United Arab Emirates and in additional markets that have not yet been developed.

He also said this week that EDGE, which is fully owned by the Abu Dhabi government, is seeking broader collaboration with major American defense companies.

The companies noted that the new venture will also focus on testing, industrial preparation, workforce training and the expansion of technical skills among local employees.

(With files from Reuters)