Survey: UAE at the ‘cutting edge’ of aerospace industry

Jane’s report predicts launch of Edge makes UAE a regional powerhouse

Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, centre, inaugurates the EDGE advanced technology group at the St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort. Seen with Faisal Al Bannai, chief executive and managing director of EDGE, right. Hamad Al Mansoori for the Ministry of Presidential Affairs

Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed inaugurates the EDGE advanced technology group. Seen with Faisal Al Bannai. Rashed Al Mansoori / Ministry of Presidential Affairs

From left: Major General Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed, Deputy National Security Adviser, member of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council and Chairman of Abu Dhabi Executive Office; Sheikh Khaled bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chairman of the Board of Zayed Higher Organization for Humanitarian Care and Special Needs (ZHO); Sheikh Hamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan; Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed; Faisal Al Bannai; and Lt General Sheikh Saif bin Zayed, UAE Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, stand for the UAE national anthem, during the inauguration of the EDGE advanced technology group. Hamad Al Mansoori for the Ministry of Presidential Affairs

Guests watch the presentation of EDGE at the St Regis Saadiyat Island Resort in Abu Dhabi. Pawan Singh / The National

Faisal Al Bannai, chief executive of EDGE, speaking during the launch at the St Regis Saadiyat Island Resort in Abu Dhabi. Pawan Singh / The National

Guests watching the presentation of EDGE, the new advanced technology conglomerate for the UAE defence industry and beyond at the St Regis Saadiyat Island Resort in Abu Dhabi. Pawan Singh / The National

Faisal Al Bannai, chief executive of EDGE, speaking during the launch at the St Regis Saadiyat Island Resort in Abu Dhabi. Pawan Singh / The National

Guests during the launch of EDGE at the St Regis Saadiyat Island Resort in Abu Dhabi. Pawan Singh / The National

Guests during the launch of EDGE at the St Regis Saadiyat Island Resort in Abu Dhabi. Pawan Singh / The National

Guests during the launch of EDGE at the St Regis Saadiyat Island Resort in Abu Dhabi. Pawan Singh / The National

Guests during the launch of EDGE at the St Regis Saadiyat Island Resort in Abu Dhabi. Pawan Singh / The National

Guests watch the presentation of EDGE at the St Regis Saadiyat Island Resort in Abu Dhabi. Pawan Singh / The National

The UAE is at the cutting edge of technology and development in the aerospace industry as it pushes forward with investment and innovation, a report has found.

An overview of the Arabian Gulf aviation industry from Jane’s by IHS Markit said the sector was a key strategic interest for the UAE.

It follows the announcement in Abu Dhabi of the major new defence conglomerate 'Edge,' which combined more than 25 state-owned and independent companies.

The defence group was introduced last week by Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces.

“As these technologies become increasingly important to military and civilian users, the UAE will be well-positioned as both an investor and manufacturer in the global aerospace industry,” said Charles Forrester, principal analyst for manned and unmanned aero-engines at Jane’s by IHS Markit.

“The recent launch of Edge in the UAE will also help to position the country as a regional research and development investor and powerhouse.”

It was found that Saudi Arabia was also moving along with its development plans under its Vision 2030 scheme and was benefiting from collaboration with the UAE.

“Regional industrial capabilities in the aerospace sector are increasing, with both Saudi Arabia and the UAE continuing to build their domestic competencies in areas such as aerostructure manufacturing and maintenance, repair, and overhaul for both the civil and military markets,” the report’s authors wrote.

Recent Iranian aggression has underlined the necessity for stronger military surveillance systems.

Demand for manned and unmanned assets to support conventional aircraft, such as drones and early warning systems, has also grown.

“Events over the past year, as Iran has become increasingly aggressive, have shown there is a strong need for surveillance capabilities to ensure that critical national infrastructure remains secure and that governments have the right information to respond,” Mr Forrester said.

“As information warfare becomes an increasingly complex part of military operations, being able to know and understand the tactical and strategic picture is vital to military commanders and political leaders.

"Airborne surveillance assets, manned and unmanned, are a key part of building this picture."

Air force procurement budgets for the Arabian Gulf had declined year on year in 2019 to $5.8 billion (D 21.3bn), down from $10.1bn (Dh37.1bn) in 2014.