EDGE Group has finalized a defense contract worth AED 9 billion (approximately USD 2.45 billion) with the Kuwaiti Ministry of Defence for the supply of FALAJ 3-class missile boats. The agreement is considered the largest naval export deal in the region to date, and one of the highest-value shipbuilding contracts globally in recent years.
EDGE will serve as the prime contractor, responsible for the full program scope including design, construction, sea trials, delivery, and post-delivery support. The agreement also includes Integrated Logistics Support (ILS), In-Service Support (ISS), and ammunition provision.
Construction of the vessels will be carried out by Abu Dhabi Ship Building (ADSB), EDGE Group’s naval shipbuilding subsidiary.
According to EDGE Group CEO and Managing Director Hamad Al Marar, the deal represents a major milestone in the company's export ambitions and reflects growing international interest in its naval platforms. He noted that the program will deepen defense cooperation between the UAE and Kuwait and underscores the group's capacity to design and deliver complex systems at scale.
The FALAJ 3-class is already in operational use by the UAE Navy. The first vessel, ALTAF, was commissioned in February 2025. The class is equipped for littoral missions and integrates advanced combat systems. The vessels destined for Kuwait will be adapted to meet the country’s specific operational requirements.
The contract is aligned with the UAE’s wider efforts to expand its defense export footprint and promote industrial cooperation with regional allies.
The landmark deal with the Kuwait Ministry of Defence is a defining step in deepening UAE-Kuwait defence ties and reinforces EDGE’s position as a leading industry player. It also signals a new phase of export-led growth for EDGE, reflecting growing global confidence in the UAE’s… pic.twitter.com/sNqdXO1tbq
— EDGE (@_edgegroup) June 4, 2025
