Photo Credit : WAM
EDGE Group and South Korea’s Hanwha have expanded their strategic cooperation to support the development of an integrated air defence system for the UAE, with the two companies signing a Term Sheet at EDGE Group’s headquarters in Abu Dhabi.
The agreement sets out the proposed direction of cooperation around the UAE’s air defence requirements. Areas under consideration include South Korea’s Long-Range Surface-to-Air Missile system, known as L-SAM, additional M-SAM medium-range air defence capabilities and the Chunmoo Multiple Rocket Launcher System (MRLS).
The companies said the agreement is intended to lay the foundation for a broader, long-term partnership that extends beyond individual defence systems. The cooperation will focus on strengthening the UAE’s sovereign air defence capabilities while supporting the development of the country’s domestic defence industry.
Yang Ki-won, CEO of Hanwha Systems, said the agreement represents an important first step towards building a long-term relationship with EDGE. He said the companies plan to combine their technologies, industrial capabilities and expertise to support the UAE’s defence requirements and identify additional areas for future cooperation.
EDGE and Hanwha will now continue discussions on the scope and structure of the proposed partnership. Subject to government approvals and relevant procedures, the companies will examine the potential establishment of a joint venture in the UAE, alongside arrangements for local manufacturing and business operations.
The two sides will also assess opportunities for technology cooperation, phased localisation and domestic production. These initiatives are expected to contribute to the expansion of the UAE’s defence industrial base and support the development of sustainable local manufacturing capabilities.
Hamad Al Marar, Managing Director and CEO of EDGE Group, said the partnership is designed to go beyond the purchase of individual systems and place greater emphasis on sovereign capabilities and industrial development.
He added that EDGE will work with Hanwha to establish a sustainable framework for long-term industrial cooperation in the UAE.
The latest agreement builds on growing defence cooperation between the UAE and South Korea, with Hanwha already involved in supplying components for the M-SAM, also known as Cheongung-II, programme in the UAE.
