Defense exhibits Idex and Navdex 2025 saw 55 contracts worth AED 25.2 bn inked over five days, state news agency Wam reports. This includes 15 new agreements worth AED 1.4 bn secured by the Tawazun Council on the last day. Local agreements on the final day amounted to AED 766.3 mn across 11 partnerships, while international ones reached AED 661.6 mn through four contracts. Meanwhile, state defense firm Edge Group locked in some AED 10.7 bn in sales over the length of Idex, signing 32 international agreements and awarding 16 contracts, according to a press release.

These agreements include contracts for International Golden Group for maintenance and supply of military equipment and vehicles, including three valued at AED 462.1 mn for ammunition supply, renewed licenses, and military equipment purchasing, as well as an AED 429.4 mn contract with the US’ Lockheed Martin for the alignment and integration of new Sidewinder missiles.

Other agreements worth noting:

DEFENSE TECH-

#1- Abu Dhabi-based Key Technologies inked an agreement with Greece’s light detection and ranging technologies developer and manufacturer Raymetrics to develop ASTERIA, a next-generation surveillance system designed to detect unauthorized aerial vehicles and prevent mass drone attacks, state news agency Wam reports. The new system, with an AI base, will offer operational applications such as safeguarding global events like the COP conferences, Olympic Games, and G20 summits. It also supports search and rescue operations, maritime surveillance, wildfire prevention, and the protection of energy and water resources.

#2- Edge and Brazilian weapons and Brazilian systems developer Siatt — in which Edge has a 50% stake — secured a contract with the Brazilian Navy to supply MANSUP anti-ship missiles for its new Tamandaré-class frigates, Edge said in a press release.

#3- Caracal to procure small-caliber components in Indonesia: Edge’s ammunition producer Caracal Light Ammunition signed an agreement to procure small-caliber ammunition components from Indonesian defense manufacturer PT Pindad, according to a press release.

#4- Edgesigned an MoU with US-based military navigation firm OSI Maritime Systems at Idex to explore cooperation in developing a national integrated bridge system in the Emirates, the company said in a press release. The two will evaluate how OSI’s technology can be used to develop a system to serve both naval defence and civilian customers.

#5- Condor to provide prison tech to Brazil: Edge Group subsidiary Condor, a non-lethal technologies (NLT) and pyrotechnics manufacturer, signed an agreement worth BRL 7 mn (c. AED 4.5 mn) with Brazil’s National Secretariat for Penal Policies (SENAPPEN) as part of a wider BRL 45 mn (c. AED 28.8 mn) agreement to modernize Brazil’s prison security infrastructure, it said in a press release. The agreement includes NLT tech that will be used by other federal entities in the country and training for prisoner officers.

#6- Katim, Edge Group’s data protection subsidiary, will provide telecom company e& UAE with data protection and encrypted communication technologies, it said in a press release. Katim has also partnered with Nokia, Indra, and Codan Communications.

MAINTENANCE-

GAL, Ammroc, and Pannesma to boost aircraft maintenance operations: Global Aerospace Logistics (GAL) and Advanced Military Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul Center (Ammroc) agreed with Saudi defense company Pannesma to collaborate in aircraft maintenance, upgrades, and overhaul services, according to a press release. The partnership aims to provide Saudi entities with access to MRO facilities and create custom aircraft programs to optimize costs and operational readiness.

MARITIME-

#1- ADSB partners with Germany’s Hensoldt: Edge Group’s naval arm Abu Dhabi ShipBuilding (ADSB) inked an MoU with German sensor solutions provider Hensoldt, Edge said in a press release. The agreement will also allow Hensoldt to provide ADSB’s customers with products such as the Quadome 3D Air and Surface Surveillance radar and the TRS-4D radar, already in use by the German Navy, Head of Group Global Business Development at Hensoldt Russell Gould said.

#2- ADSB and Intermarine to enhance their technical potential: ADSB also teamed up with maritime firm Intermarine to develop their technical capabilities and expand business avenues, according to a press release.

#3- NoatumMaritime, part of AD Ports Group, launched a JV with Arab Shipbuilding & Repair Yard Company (ASRY) to provide marine services in Bahrain, according to a statement by ASRY. The JV will exclusively handle marine operations at ASRY Shipyard, using Noatum’s fleet and expertise, before expanding to external clients.

MANUFACTURING-

Halcon, Edge’s manufacturing systems arm, will develop an advanced cable harness manufacturing facility in Abu Dhabi for Emirates Cable Corporation Interconnect, according to a press release.

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