EDGE Group and Safran Sign Strategic Agreement to Explore Next Generation Air to Ground Defense Systems

EDGE Group and Safran Sign Strategic Agreement to Explore Next Generation Air to Ground Defense Systems

(IN BRIEF) EDGE Group and Safran Electronics & Defense have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to jointly explore the creation of advanced air-to-ground weapon systems, combining Safran’s expertise in propulsion and navigation with EDGE’s industrial and technological capabilities. The partnership will assess opportunities to enhance existing systems, expand into additional missile technologies, and develop next-generation smart weapons for international markets, while reinforcing localization and defense-industrial cooperation in the UAE.

(PRESS RELEASE) PARIS, 24-Feb-2026 — /EuropaWire/ — EDGE Group of the United Arab Emirates and Safran Electronics & Defense have entered into a Memorandum of Understanding to explore collaboration on the development, production, and commercialization of advanced air-to-ground weapon systems. The agreement marks the initial stage of a broader partnership intended to combine both companies’ technological expertise and industrial capabilities to address evolving defense requirements.

The cooperation will examine opportunities to build upon Safran’s existing solutions, extend operational range and performance, and potentially expand into surface-to-air missile capabilities, with a longer-term objective of contributing to the development of next-generation smart weapon technologies.

By aligning Safran’s strengths in propulsion, navigation, and guidance systems with EDGE’s manufacturing scale and integrated defense technologies, the two organizations aim to create competitive solutions designed for export markets while enhancing operational effectiveness for international customers.

The agreement was formalized during a signing ceremony at EDGE Group’s headquarters in Abu Dhabi, attended by senior leadership from both companies. The partnership reflects a shared ambition to deliver innovative, high-value defense solutions while supporting localization initiatives and strengthening industrial cooperation.

The collaboration builds on Safran’s longstanding presence in the UAE and is expected to leverage the complementary capabilities of both organizations to develop advanced systems tailored to the requirements of allied armed forces and global defense partners.

About EDGE

Launched in November 2019, the UAE’s EDGE is one of the world’s leading advanced technology groups, established to develop agile, bold, and disruptive solutions for defence and beyond, and to be a catalyst for change and transformation. It is dedicated to bringing breakthrough innovations, products, and services to market with greater speed and efficiency, to position the UAE as a leading global hub for future industries, and to creating clear paths within the sector for the next generation of highly skilled talent to thrive.  With a focus on the adoption of 4IR technologies, EDGE is driving the development of sovereign capabilities for global export and for the preservation of national security, working with front-line operators, international partners, and adopting advanced technologies such as autonomous capabilities, cyber-physical systems, advanced propulsion systems, robotics, and smart materials. EDGE converges R&D, emerging technologies, digital transformation, and commercial market innovations with military capabilities to develop disruptive solutions tailored to the specific requirements of its customers. Headquartered in Abu Dhabi, capital of the UAE, EDGE consolidates more than 35 entities into five core clusters: Platforms & Systems, Missiles & Weapons, Space & Cyber Technologies, Technologies & Industrialisation, and Homeland Security.

About Safran Electronics & Defense

Safran is an international high-technology group, operating in the aviation (propulsion, equipment and interiors), defense and space markets. Its core purpose is to contribute to a safer, more sustainable world, where air transport is more environmentally friendly, comfortable and accessible. Safran has a global presence, with more than 110,000 employees and revenue of 31.3 billion euros in 2025, and holds, alone or in partnership, global or regional leadership positions in its core markets. Safran is listed on the Euronext Paris stock exchange and is part of the CAC 40 and Euro Stoxx 50 indices.

Safran Electronics & Defense offers its customers on-board intelligence solutions allowing them to understand the environment, to reduce mental load and to guarantee a trajectory, even in critical situations, in all environments: on land, at sea, in the sky or space. The company harnesses the expertise of its 19,000 employees towards these three functions: observe, decide and guide, for the civil and military markets.

Media Contact:

Lucie Bâton
Safran Electronics & Defense
+33 6 30 27 71 41
lucie.baton@safrangroup.com

SOURCE: Safran