At the 2025 Paris Air Show, EDGE signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with French technology leader Thales to localise maintenance capabilities for advanced optronic systems in the United Arab Emirates.
The agreement aims to enhance long-term operational support for several Thales systems currently in use by the UAE Armed Forces. EDGE’s Electro-Optic Centre of Excellence (EOCE) and Thales will explore local maintenance solutions for key equipment, including:
SOPHIE family of hand-held thermal imagers, used for high-performance detection and identification by ground forces. XTRAIM weapon sights, which integrate thermal imaging and red dot targeting in a compact design. Electro-optic vehicular systems, supporting armoured platforms with enhanced situational awareness and targeting.
The MoU was signed by Dr. Chaouki Kasmi (EDGE), Alexis Morel (Thales), and Abdelhafid Mordi (Thales UAE), with senior executives from both companies witnessing the ceremony.
Both parties emphasised the importance of industrial partnerships in building sovereign capabilities and strengthening the UAE’s local defence ecosystem.
