Idex 2023: UAE's defence conglomerate Edge presents 11 new autonomous products

Systems carry out missions involving tactical intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, logistics support and combat operations

Defence conglomerate Edge revealed a line-up of 11 new unmanned and autonomous products and systems during the opening day of the International Defence Exhibition and Conference (Idex 2023), in line with the UAE's expanding manufacturing sector.

The new product range covers a wide variety of missions, including tactical intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, logistics support and combat operations, Edge said in a statement.

The Made in UAE portfolio of products can be used across air, land and maritime combat environments, the company said.

"Today marks the culmination of extensive investment in industry-leading companies, innovation and rapid product development to significantly expand our offerings and ensure our local and global customers can access the most cutting-edge solutions in the market," said Mansour AlMulla, chief executive and managing director of Edge Group.

“Strengthening sovereign capabilities and bringing globally competitive products to market are strategic priorities for Edge and launching 11 new solutions in this critical domain reflects our steadfast commitment to international security and prosperity.”

The move comes as the UAE forges ahead with its Operation 300bn strategy, which seeks to increase the contribution of the local industrial sector to the country's gross domestic product to Dh300 billion ($81.68 billion) by 2031, from Dh133 billion in 2021.

Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation, views the Desert Sting 16, a GPS and laser-guided smart micro munitions, at the Edge pavilion at Idex in Abu Dhabi. AFP

Visitors view the Halcon Shadow 25 loitering munition system at the Edge pavilion. AFP

The Edge pavilion has a line-up of 11 new unmanned and autonomous products and systems. Khushnum Bhandari / The National

Visitors view armoured military vehicles at the Edge pavilion. AFP

Visitors stand near the Reach-S unmanned combat aerial vehicle. AFP

The unmanned aerial and ground combat vehicles on display. AFP

A weapons platform carrying the Desert Sting 16. AFP

The Type-X robotic combat vehicle. AFP

Visitors view on a terminal a video demonstration by an unmanned aerial vehicle. AFP

The Rabdan 8x8 infantry fighting vehicle displayed at the pavilion. AFP

The unmanned combat aerial vehicle 'JENIAH' at the pavilion. EPA

In June, the UAE's Ministry of industry and Advanced Technology, Emirates Development Bank (EDB) and Edge Group signed an agreement to boost manufacturing in the defence sector. Under the agreement, EDB will provide financing of up to Dh1 billion to accelerate the industrialisation of Edge’s offerings, while the ministry will support Edge to expand global exports of more than 40 domestically manufactured products and services.

Idex will take place at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre from Monday to Friday.

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, has welcomed visitors to the Idex, the Naval Defence and Maritime Security Exhibition (Navdex) 2023, and the International Defence Conference (IDC).

Sheikh Mohammed said that Idex, since its launch in 1993, has been highlighting the UAE's journey in the defence industry and contributing to its growth.

"The high level of participation by a wide range of countries, leading companies, and decision-makers in Idex and Navdex 2023 serves as a testament to the importance of the two exhibitions and their role in strengthening the events sector, which has become one of the major contributors to the country’s national economy," Sheikh Mohammed said.

"Such events provide a platform for sharing knowledge and expertise, showcasing the latest technologies, and building partnerships."

Within Edge's new portfolio is Jeniah, an unmanned combat aerial vehicle (UCAV) with an extended range and capable of operating at high speeds, providing a high-tech and autonomous means of carrying out military operations. Displayed alongside the UCAV is its Ground Control Station, which is designed to monitor and command the system.

Another addition is the Airtruck, designed for strategic logistics support such as supplying troops in remote locations, medical evacuation and reconnaissance — all with a payload of 500kg and a maximum range of 360km at a cruising speed of 120km per hour.

Designed to accelerate product development and reduce time to market, the Instrumented Testing Platform is a fixed-wing UAV that provides for in-house flight testing of air-to-surface munitions.

Edge unveiled new products at the opening day of Idex 2023. Photo: Edge

Edge also showcased two unmanned traffic management (UTM) solutions following a strategic investment in UTM provider High Lander.

Universal UTM offers real-time, autonomous monitoring of flight plans and drone activity, with the capability to approve or deny flights, suggest alternative routes and react to mid-flight changes.

Also displayed is the interactive Mission Control Platform that allows users to automate and control a drone fleet to execute operations. It also offers real-time airspace control.

Following the acquisition of a majority stake in Estonia-based Milrem Robotics last week, Edge showcased three of its unmanned ground vehicles (UGVs). THeMIS Combat UGV provides high-precision, direct-fire support for manoeuvre units, while THeMIS Observe UGV is built for tactical reconnaissance missions with a variety of sensors for day and night operations.

Serving as a wingman to mechanised units, the Type X remote control vehicle (RCV) can be quickly used alongside traditional infantry fighting vehicles to provide firepower on the battlefield.

Edge also presented an 8x8 Robotic Combat Vehicle (RCV) concept, Nimr RCV, which is built for tactical mobility, high performance, manoeuvrability and speed, it said.

In terms of maritime products, Edge's 170 Detector USV can be configured for manned or unmanned operations to perform surface warfare, surveillance and mapping missions for naval and civilian forces, it said. At 17 metres in length, it can operate for four hours in silent electric propulsion mode or at speeds up to 40 knots in diesel mode.

First day of Idex - in pictures

Visitors try out a sniper rifle scope sight on the first day of Idex in Abu Dhabi. AFP

The Middle East's biggest defence show is expected to host more than 100,000 visitors over five days. Ryan LIM / AFP

Visitors stand near the weapons platform of a TAI/AgustaWestland T129 ATAK attack helicopter on display. AFP

Visitors view the Type-X robotic combat vehicle (RCV) at the Edge pavilion. AFP

Tanzanian military officers attend a demonstration of assault rifles and other firearms. AFP

A Russian helicopter on display. Khushnum Bhandari / The National

The Turkish-made Baykar drone at Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre. Khushnum Bhandari / The National

Oleg Skliar, from Ukraine's Kyiv Design Bureau, which makes spotter drones. Khushnum Bhandari / The National

Robots entertaining visitors at Idex and Navdex 2023 at Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre. Khushnum Bhandari / The National

The arms and defence technology sales exhibition is held every two years

Steel-frame pistols made by Sarsilmaz are on show

A combat missile system on display

The John Cockerill stand at Idex

Model warplanes displayed by Korea Aerospace Industries

The busy opening day of Idex and Navdex

The event is being held at Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre from February 20-24

The event highlights the UAE's progress in the defence industry

People gather for the opening day

The LIG stand

A Nimr 8x8 robotic combat vehicle

Weapons at the Safran stand