EDGE builds new bridges with Turkish defense industry (Interview)

EDGE Group, UAE’s leading defense and technology company, participated in IDEF 2025 as part of the national pavilion of the United Arab Emirates. During the event, the company presented a range of products and systems in three core areas: smart weapons, autonomous solutions, and electronic warfare & cybersecurity.

Speaking to Defensehere.com during the exhibition, Hamad AlHelo, Sales Manager for the MENA Region at EDGE, said the group aims to promote UAE-made products and expand its international footprint through strategic partnerships and joint ventures.

“Our participation in IDEF is part of the strong relations between the United Arab Emirates and Türkiye,” AlHelo said. “We are investing in partnerships with Turkish companies in the defense and security sectors.”

One of the key announcements made by EDGE at IDEF 2025 was the launch of a new joint venture with Türkiye’s PAVO Group. The venture, named Key4, will focus on delivering integrated defense solutions to international markets.

According to AlHelo, EDGE’s strategy includes combining its platforms and missile systems with compatible products from other firms through collaborative projects. “Instead of developing everything from zero, we work with our partners to deliver ready-to-use solutions,” he noted.

EDGE has also made a series of international investments to enhance its technological base. AlHelo highlighted examples such as SIATT, ANAVIA and Milrem Robotics as companies in which EDGE has invested after identifying their technologies as valuable for its clients.

IDEF 2025 marked EDGE’s debut at Türkiye’s largest defense exhibition. The group showcased a wide range of systems including loitering munitions, smart guided weapons, ISR platforms, patrol vessels, radars, and counter-UAS technologies.

Expanding defense cooperation with Türkiye

Earlier this year, during the IDEX 2025 exhibition in Abu Dhabi, EDGE signed several agreements with Turkish defense companies, further underlining the growing cooperation between the two countries.

Among them, Meteksan signed a contract with EDGE entity ADASI for the integration of its MILSAR SAR/MTI radar into the GARMOOSHA unmanned aerial vehicle. Another notable agreement was signed between AL TAIF, EDGE’s land systems maintenance and modernization arm, and FNSS, to jointly upgrade around 615 BMP-3 infantry fighting vehicles operated by the UAE Armed Forces.

Meanwhile, HAVELSAN and EDGE’s cybersecurity arm MALATH announced a strategic partnership focused on collaboration in areas such as secure communication and digital defense technologies.

Additionally, AL JASOOR, a joint venture company established between EDGE Group and Otokar Land Systems, continues to build on its original partnership by advancing technology transfer and localized production initiatives. The company is the developer of the amphibious Rabdan 8x8 IFV, which combines design expertise from both entities.

Correspondent: Ahmet Işıktekiner

Cameraman: Mehmet Burak Tekeş