UAE's homegrown defence tech thwarts Iranian drones amid rising tensions
The United Arab Emirates recently deployed homegrown defence systems to counter Iranian drones during the latest US-Iran tensions. Locally developed technology played a key role in intercepting unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). Over 80% of these interceptions relied on UAE-built solutions, including systems from EDGE Group.
The conflict highlighted the growing capability of the country’s defence industry in neutralising aerial threats. EDGE Group’s soft-kill systems were among those used to disrupt Tehran’s UAVs. The Sign4l SKYSHIELD drone, equipped with high-power radio frequency and GNSS jamming, formed part of the response. Another system, NAVCONTROL GNSS, provided jamming and spoofing capabilities to counter hostile drones.
Beyond counter-drone operations, EDGE has expanded its partnerships. The company signed a joint venture agreement with Qatari defence firm Barzan, aiming to combine strengths and avoid overlapping efforts. Cooperation with Turkish firms is also under exploration, covering platform, system, and subsystem-level projects, as well as joint ventures and subcontracting.
EDGE has already integrated its missiles onto Turkish-made Baykar UAVs, including the Bayraktar TB2 and AKINCI. The company is also set to contribute to the development of agentic AI in defence, working with other UAE firms to create practical applications for artificial intelligence tools. The UAE’s reliance on domestic defence technology marks a shift in regional security dynamics. With EDGE Group leading in counter-drone systems and AI integration, the country is strengthening its self-sufficiency. Collaborations with Qatar and Turkey further expand its influence in the defence sector.
