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EDGE Receives UAV Orders From UAE

The order to supply 100 REACH-S is the first of its kind for the for UAE-made fixed-wing drones….reports Asian Lite News

EDGE, one of the world’s leading advanced technology and defence groups, announced its first major order from the UAE Armed Forces for the locally-manufactured REACH-S fixed-wing UAV. Announced at the Dubai Airshow, the order to supply 100 REACH-S is the first of its kind for the for UAE-made fixed-wing drones.

“Advanced Concepts”, a business unit within EDGE dedicated to the design and development of innovative technologies, is currently developing the REACH-S in line with end users’ requirements. ADASI, an EDGE entity which designs and develops autonomous systems, will oversee the production and deliver the contract to the UAE Armed Forces.

Saeed Al Mansoori, SVP of Advanced Concepts, said, “The development of the REACH-S, one of the first locally-made medium altitude, long endurance (MALE) unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), marks a significant milestone for EDGE. Thanks to the dedicated team at Advanced Concepts, we have successfully completed two flight tests and a weapon release campaign for the REACH-S, and we are currently gearing up for a long-endurance flight test.”

Juma Al Kaabi, CEO of ADASI, added. “This significant order demonstrates our expanding expertise in the aerospace sector and our ongoing investment in autonomous systems which meet the UAE Armed Forces’ requirements. Collaborating with Advanced Concepts to deliver this solution also exemplifies how synergies between entities within EDGE Group lead to optimised benefits for the end user.”

The REACH-S will provide the UAE Armed Forces with a cost-effective, 24-hour intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) capability. The aircraft features autonomous take-off and landing, a mount on the underbelly for an electro-optical sensor, and the ability to fly up to 200 kilometres away from the Ground Control Station, making it ideal for border security and long-range operations.

Dh239M ‘Garmoosha’ Deal

EDGE Group entity ADASI, the regional leader in autonomous systems and services, announced that it has signed an AED 239 million contract to supply “Garmoosha” unmanned aerial systems (UAS) to the Ministry of Defence.

Juma Al Kaabi, CEO of ADASI, said, “We are honoured to deliver our best-in-class Garmoosha drones to the Ministry of Defence. With years of experience in advanced technology and developing the autonomous systems, this opportunity underlines our position as a regional industry leader.”

Aimed at further advancing air operations, Garmoosha is an unmanned aircraft designed to carry payloads of approximately 120 kilogrammes with an endurance of eight hours and a range of 150 kilometres. With a low-consumption fuel engine, its sensor capabilities make it a versatile system capable of solving some of the most difficult challenges.

ALSO READ: UAE President Tours Dubai Airshow

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UAE President Tours Dubai Airshow

The President was briefed on the latest advances in the aviation sector, including the use of innovative technologies and developments in the utilisation of sustainable aviation fuel….reports Asian Lite News

President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan attended the Dubai Airshow 2023 at DWC, where he toured the exhibition spaces and pavilions and viewed the exhibits of the various local and international companies participating in this year’s event.

The President engaged in discussions with exhibitors and was briefed on the latest advances in the aviation sector, including the use of innovative technologies and developments in the utilisation of sustainable aviation fuel. He expressed his best wishes for the success of the event and its participants.

Sheikh Mohamed noted that the 18th edition of the Dubai Airshow, and the event’s continued success since its inception, reflect the UAE’s significant role as a key partner in the global aviation industry. His Highness noted that the airshow serves as a platform for decision-makers, industry leaders, experts, and stakeholders to discuss innovative solutions and future trends in aviation development, underlining the sector’s vital role in stimulating and supporting the growth of related industries in the UAE.

Sheikh Mohamed was accompanied during his tour by His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of the Presidential Court; H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan; and Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Tahnoun Al Nahyan, Advisor for Special Affairs at the Presidential Court.

UAE, EDGE Seal Anti-Ship Missile Deal

The Ministry of Defence has signed a Letter of Intent with EDGE Group, one of the world’s leading advanced technology and defence groups, for the purchase of extended range MANSUP-ER and the shorter-range variant of the advanced anti-ship missile. The total value of the deal is AED 1.102 billion and follows another major order for the same systems placed by the Brazilian Navy at Dubai Airshow 2023.

Mansour AlMulla, Managing Director CEO of EDGE Group, said: “The success of the MANSUP programme is now being demonstrated by the commitments being placed by customers, now including the UAE and Brazilian Armed Forces. This is a testament to the power of international partnership and the sharing of technological excellence and know-how. Together with SIATT, and with the support of the Brazilian Navy, we have developed a solution with superior capabilities which is proving to be globally competitive. The speed with which we have moved from design, testing, and manufacture underscores EDGE’s growth strategy and drive to establish the UAE as a global defence industry ecosystem.”

Co-developed with the Brazilian Navy, and Brazilian Smart Weapons and High-Tech System specialist, SIATT, in which EDGE has a 50% shareholding, the MANSUP-ER systems have been developed to meet the defence requirements of both the UAE Navy, the Brazilian Navy’s Frigate programme, and for international export. EDGE is currently in advanced discussions with a number of potential customers for the long-range surface-to-surface missile, which features adaptive sea-skimming capabilities, has a range of 200 km, and is fitted with inertial guidance and active radar homing. MANSUP solutions are undergoing intensive testing by Brazil’s naval fleet, and will eventually also be adapted for integration onto selected air and land systems.

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Munitions Deal

EDGE has also announced an AED 4.1 billion contract today, for the supply of aircraft munitions, at Dubai Air Show (DAS) 2023.

EDGE entity LAHAB DEFENCE SYSTEMS, the UAE’s sole munitions manufacturer, was awarded the contract which includes the production and delivery of the MK 81, MK 82, MK 83, and MK 84 general-purpose aircraft munitions.

Hamad Al Marar, President of the Missiles Weapons cluster within EDGE, said: “This contract strengthens the confidence of the Ministry of Defence in LAHAB DEFENSE SYSTEMS and reflects our ambitions to develop capabilities that meet future needs in the long term. We look forward to continuing to provide support and strengthening our commitment to the Ministry of Defence.”

The munitions will be produced at LAHAB DEFENCE SYSTEMS’ facilities, directly contributing to the UAE government’s ‘Make it in the Emirates’ initiative and ‘Operation 300bn’, a national industrial strategy aimed at raising the manufacturing sector’s GDP contribution to AED 300 billion over the next nine years.

ALSO READ: Dubai Airshow Displays Latest Aircraft Innovations

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Dubai Airshow Unveils Future-Focused Conference Agenda

The CPD-accredited conferences at Dubai Airshow 2023 will play a pivotal role in addressing critical industry challenges and fostering innovation….reports Asian Lite News

The Dubai Airshow 2023, scheduled to take place from 13th-17th November, is set to make waves in the aerospace, space and defence industry with a comprehensive conference agenda featuring nine thought-leadership tracks across five days. More than 300 speakers will deliver upwards of 80 hours of engaging content that will drive the conversation forward on key industry topics.

The CPD-accredited conferences at Dubai Airshow 2023 will play a pivotal role in addressing critical industry challenges and fostering innovation.

The event will bring together experts, leaders, and stakeholders to shape the future of aerospace with a focus on priority topics such as Advanced Aerial Mobility, Sustainability, Passenger Experience, Air Traffic Management, Diversity & Inclusion, Space, start-ups and mentoring platform Vista, student-focused NextGen Leaders, along with the Airworthiness & Safety Conference.

Global leaders confirmed to speak during the conferences include Paul Griffiths, Chief Executive Officer, Dubai Airports, Sarah Al Amiri, Minister of State for Public Education and Advanced Technology and Chairwoman, UAE Space Agency; Dr. Mohammed Hamad Al Kuwaiti, Chairman of the UAE Cyber Security Council; Tony Douglas, Chief Executive Officer, Riyadh Air; Julie Marks, Acting Executive Director for the Office of Environment and Energy; and Ibrahim Ahli, Deputy CEO, Dubai Air Navigation Services.

The Aviation Mobility stage will host conferences around essential topics on Air Traffic Management (ATM) and Advanced Aerial Mobility, while bringing two new tracks: Passenger Experience, and Diversity & Inclusion.

“Striking the right balance between fostering innovation and ensuring safety and security within regulatory frameworks is paramount for the future of VTOL aircraft. We are looking forward to sharing the global airport perspective on behalf of ACI members at the Dubai Airshow, where we’ll explore how innovative regulation can empower airports and the industry to soar to new heights while safeguarding the skies and passengers’ trust, bringing added value to local communities, businesses, as well as facilitating the societal transformation towards sustainability,” commented Luis Felipe de Oliveira, Director General, Airports Council International (ACI) World.

The Aerospace 2050 stage will feature a host of conferences on Sustainability, Space and NextGen Leaders. Topics in focus will include exploring the future of aviation in the context of environmental sustainability and assessing how airlines, airports, and governments can support renewable fuels and energy policies.

This year, Dubai Airshow in partnership with the UAE Space Agency will host a 2-day Space-focused conference and will address fostering innovation, highlighting projects and space programs in partnership with private companies and government agencies.

The sessions will align with the show’s focus on sustainability, highlighting how space plays a vital role in informing sustainable policies and finding solutions for climate change through earth observation. An interview on Emirates’ mission to the asteroid belt and a discussion on quantum tech in space will offer further insights.

The VISTA stage will showcase the startups conference theme featuring panels on aerospace startups’ success stories in the UAE and the innovation and business models of start-up airlines. Air Worthiness & Safety Conference will be a defence-focused conference track and stage organised by the UAE Ministry of Defence and accessible by invitation only.

The show’s conference sponsors include TII, Airbus, Boeing, Lilium, NATS and NERA. The Dubai Airshow 2023 conference agenda is set to be a comprehensive exploration of the aerospace and defence industry’s most critical and forward-looking topics, bringing together experts, leaders, and innovators to drive progress and shape the industry’s future.

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