Hanwha to Establish UAE as Strategic Base... Teams Up with EDGE Group to Build Integrated Air Defense Network

Signing of Major Term Sheet
Agreement to Establish a Joint Venture
"Gradual Expansion of Technology Cooperation and Localization"

Hanwha is joining forces with EDGE Group, the United Arab Emirates' (UAE) largest state-owned defense company, to build an integrated air defense system.

Hanwha Systems announced on September 17th that it signed a major term sheet for the UAE integrated air defense system project with EDGE Group at the group's headquarters in Abu Dhabi, UAE on September 15th (local time).

Hanwha and the UAE's largest state-owned defense company, EDGE Group, signed a memorandum of key terms for an integrated air defense network construction project on the 15th (local time). Kiwon Yang, CEO of Hanwha Systems (left), and Hamad Al Marar, CEO of EDGE Group, are pictured commemorating the occasion. Hanwha Systems

The term sheet contains the direction for introducing weapons systems for the integrated air defense network and outlines a phased review process between the two companies. The signing is significant because it establishes a foundation for Hanwha and EDGE to move beyond the supply of individual weapons systems and to jointly pursue the long-term project of developing the UAE's integrated air defense network, as well as to specify plans for future joint ventures.

Hanwha and EDGE Group plan to gradually detail their roadmap for executing the project, in line with the defense cooperation agenda between the two governments. They will proceed with required government approvals and consultations, consider the establishment of a local joint venture, explore options for local production and operations, and advance local capabilities for defense manufacturing as well as maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) in the UAE.

Hanwha aims to deliver an integrated air defense solution with unmatched performance, centering on long- and medium-range surface-to-air guided weapon systems, while linking them to counter-drone systems (C-UAS) and short-range air defense networks in cooperation with the UAE. The strategy is to develop the UAE into a bridgehead and a strategic base for expanding into the Middle East and other international markets.

Ki-won Yang, CEO of Hanwha Systems, said, "The signing of this term sheet marks a turning point where Hanwha and EDGE are evolving from one-time arms suppliers to strategic and partnership-based collaborators sharing integrated air defense technology and industry. We will contribute to strengthening the foundation of the UAE's defense industry by expanding technology cooperation and localization in phases."

Hamad Al Marar, CEO of EDGE Group, said, "This collaboration goes beyond importing individual weapons systems and focuses on advancing the UAE's self-sufficient defense capabilities and local industrial base. EDGE Group will work together with Hanwha to establish a sustainable foundation for industrial cooperation."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.