Following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between EDGE Group and Leonardo in June this year, confirming both parties’ intention of establishing a joint venture (JV) in Abu Dhabi that leverages their partnership, both groups have now announced a further step forward towards the realisation of this common goal. EDGE Group and Leonardo have now concluded a preliminary assessment of technology transfer activities and market potential while also defining the key principles of the JV’s governance. Following this latest development, the parties will work to launch the JV in 2026. The latest agreement was signed at "Dubai Airshow 2025" (November 17-21, see AVIONEWS).

EDGE Group would own 51% of the JV, with Leonardo owning the remaining 49%. The activities being considered include, among others, design, development, testing, industrialisation and production, sale/lease and through-life support and training for the JV’s products in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), IP right licensing, and the creation of a skilled locally based workforce. The JV’s products will be marketed in the UAE, and through the UAE to selected international export markets. The portfolio under consideration will be based on a range of Leonardo’s solutions covering various business areas spanning sensors, system integration, and platforms.  

Hamad Al Marar, Managing Director and CEO of EDGE Group, said: “This latest milestone on the path towards the full establishment of a landmark joint venture between EDGE and Leonardo underscores not only the speed with which we are moving, but highlights what can be achieved when two industry players collaborate on the development of a smart strategy to deliver technological excellence for global security. By collaborating across several critical domains including air, land, sea, and electro-optics, we can tailor solutions born from solid experience, expertise, and innovation, through the UAE to existing and new untapped markets". 

Roberto Cingolani, CEO and General Manager of Leonardo, said: “This latest milestone, which follows months of intense work between the partners, testifies our mutual understanding of the added value we can create paving the path for an even stronger collaboration. The combination of our capabilities in the UAE, in some premium technology fields we’ve identified for an in-depth evaluation, can deliver highly competitive solutions to the reference market. We look forward to continuing to work towards the next stage of cooperation".