IDEX 2025

Edge Group Chairman Faisal Al Bannai says the company’s defense export ambitions could still reach a major milestone this year with more than half of bookings coming from abroad.

L3Harris is in opening discussions about providing a podded version of its ALQ-254 Viper Shield EW system for use on Lockheed Martin F-16 Blk. 70/72s.

MBDA is pushing to complete development of a new diamond-shaped loitering munition in the next 18 months to two years to meet burgeoning demand.

Edge Group’s new FADA space unit is on the cusp of picking partners for its plans to deploy an SAR and Earth-imaging satellite capability, the company says.

Raytheon and the U.S. Army are in talks with potential export buyers of the Coyote counter-drone system, the company says.

The UAE-based MRO will build a new GTF engine overhaul shop in Abu Dhabi by 2028.

Airbus is in discussions with companies in the United Arab Emirates over a workshare on the A400M to secure its first Middle East order for the airlifter.

Hanwha Systems is starting to push its L-SAM upper-tier air and missile defense system into the export market.

Rafael is introducing a new laser air defense system, offering a mobile version of its Iron Beam.

The UAE is looking to advance its space ambitions through a joint venture between the country’s Space42 and Edge Group’s new space unit, FADA.

Edge Group’s Powertech engine business is looking to secure the first partnership agreements to underpin its ambition to develop a broad range of engines.

Capella Space plans to start deploying its next-gen satellites late next year as it looks to expand from its traditional X-band SAR collection.

“I need additional supply chains. I need additional manufacturing sites,” Lockheed Martin's Tim Cahill says here in Abu Dhabi.

The Gulf state, home to Dubai and Abu Dhabi, aims to define aerial corridors and regulations within the next 20 months.

Even if the Middle East is no longer the only game in town for defense exports, it still has ample appetite for advanced equipment, from drones to transports.

The difference in the Middle East compared to elsewhere in the world is that growth has not been broad based throughout the region.

With fighter recapitalization decisions made, Saudi Arabia, Iraq and others turn their attention to helicopter capacity.