Abu Dhabi's EDGE to develop unmanned aircraft systems with Israel's IAI

Dubai: The Abu Dhabi-based defence conglomerate EDGE on Thursday will in alliance with Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) develop an advanced C-UAS (Counter-Unmanned Aircraft System), tailored for the UAE market and with “wider ranging benefits” for the Middle East.

The unmanned system comprises advanced 3D radar, COMINT (communications intelligence), and electro-optic technologies integrated into a unified command and control system. The C-UAS is fully autonomous and requires no human intervention.

A series of countermeasures, ranging from soft-kill solutions such as spoofing and jamming, to hard-kill capabilities such as lasers and electromagnetic pulses, are offered based on the level of threat and targeted operating environment.

“In line with the Abraham Accords and the UAE’s newly-established cooperation with Israel, it is a defining moment for us to join forces with IAI," said Faisal Al Bannai, CEO and Managing Director, EDGE. "As EDGE invests extensively in autonomous capabilities, our co-development of a Counter-UAS will help strengthen our advanced technology portfolio,”

“This MoU serves as a stepping-stone for further business and strategic alliances between our countries, and will enhance cooperation for R&D and technological innovation,” said Boaz Levy, President and CEO of IAI.