The delivery comes just five months after the country received its penultimate GlobalEye aircraft at the Al Dhafra Air Base in Abu Dhabi.

According to Saab business area head for surveillance Carl-Johan Bergholm, completing the delivery in under 10 years underscores the company’s position as a “leading provider” of AEW&C platforms.

Deliveries of the GlobalEye to the UAE began in 2020 after five years of production and flight testing.

‘Multi-Domain Platform’

Saab is pitching its GlobalEye as an “advanced, multi-domain solution” capable of long-range threat detection and identification.

It features active and passive sensors that provide real-time information to units on the ground, at sea, or in the air.

The aircraft can operate for up to 11 hours at 35,000 feet (10,668 meters) while detecting threats as low as 200 feet (61 meters).

Its primary goal is to enhance the situational awareness of military units in high-threat environments.

Currently, the UAE Air Force is the only confirmed operator of the AEW&C aircraft.

Sweden has placed an order for three aircraft, with deliveries expected between 2024 and 2029.

The post Saab Concludes GlobalEye Early Warning Aircraft Deliveries to UAE appeared first on The Defense Post.

Under the contract, the UAE-based Edge Group and Brazil-based Siatt will ensure the missile’s timely delivery for integration on the navy’s new Tamandaré class of stealth frigates.

It also provides Edge Group with a framework to use MANSUP technology and technical data for the development of the MANSUP-ER (extended range).

Edge joined the missile project last year with the acquisition of a 50 percent stake in Siatt and has since announced a major expansion of Siatt’s manufacturing base in Sao Paulo.

Strengthens Brazil, UAE Defense Sectors 

“This program not only strengthens the defense sectors of Brazil and the UAE but also, in collaboration with Siatt, promises benefits beyond missile development,” EDGE Group chief financial officer Rodrigo Torres said.

“They will lead to the establishment of new factories and create numerous job opportunities, fostering growth across the entire industrial base and economy. 

“We are excited to advance our collaboration with the Brazilian and UAE Navies as we expand our family of missile systems and drive transformation within the defense industry.”

MANSUP Anti-Ship Missile

Both UAE and Brazil placed procurement orders for the missile last year, valued at 1.2 billion UAE dirhams ($327 million) and 600 million UAE dirhams ($163.36 million), respectively.

An intended replacement for the Brazilian Navy’s Exocet MM40 Block 1, the MANSUP has a range of 70 kilometers (43 miles), less than half of the extended range variant at 200 kilometers (120 miles).

The missile features adaptive sea-skimming capabilities, inertial guidance, and active radar homing.

The post UAE’s EDGE Group Joins Brazilian Anti-Ship Missile Development appeared first on The Defense Post.

The ship, Al Emarat, will house its crew in France in July as Naval Group provides training to ensure the proper integration of the corvette into the force.

It is expected to arrive in Abu Dhabi by August.

The Al Emarat is scheduled to take on a variety of sea missions, including littoral, unmanned vehicle deployment, and anti-submarine warfare drills.

The ship is a part of an $850-million contract signed in 2019 for the UAE’s acquisition of two new corvettes, with options for two more.

A Modular Naval Solution

The Gowind-class ships’ scalability was prioritized during its design process to allow operators to incorporate newer capabilities into the vessels.

All ships are integrated with Naval Group’s SETIS combat system and Panoramic Sensor & Intelligence Module mast, as well as armaments that include a naval automatic gun, automated cannon, and triple tornado launchers.

They can also deploy unmanned aerial, surface, and underwater vehicles, and a 10-ton-class helicopter from their aft deck.

There are currently 11 of the class serving various naval forces, including the Argentinian and Egyptian navies.

The post Naval Group Delivers Second Gowind Corvette to UAE Navy appeared first on The Defense Post.

Reports about the potential sale surfaced after senior UAE military officials visited Beijing and discussed closer cooperation with the People’s Liberation Army Air Force.

Abu Dhabi is hoping that its efforts to strengthen ties with the Asian military superpower will boost its chances of procuring the fifth-generation aircraft, according to a report by National Interest.

China has long restricted the export of its J-20 jets to maintain technological secrecy and prevent adversaries from closely studying them.

This restriction prevents the UAE’s alleged bid to procure the J-20s unless Beijing reverses its policy.

J-20 Over F-35?

The UAE’s move to explore other options would be reasonable, as the US is still reluctant to sell F-35s to the Middle Eastern nation.

In 2021, Washington approved the sale of 50 F-35s and 18 MQ-4B drones to Abu Dhabi in a potential contract worth $19 billion.

However, the deal has not materialized because of US concerns over growing UAE-China ties, especially in 5G technology.

America argued that Huawei-supplied 5G technology used at communication stations, air bases, and other national security facilities might allow Beijing to closely study the operational capabilities of the Lightning II.

Additionally, the deal has been hampered by Israel’s request to the US to reject F-35 sales to the UAE, fearing it could challenge Jerusalem’s military superiority in the region.

Comparison

America’s F-35 and China’s J-20 are often compared because they both have fifth-generation stealth technology.

The Lockheed Martin-manufactured jet is said to have an advantage over its Chinese counterpart in terms of avionics and its sensor suite.

It also boasts a vertical takeoff and landing capability, which eliminates the need for long runways.

However, the “Mighty Dragon” is said to be superior in range, weapons capacity, and speed as it can reach Mach 2.0 compared to Mach 1.6 for the American warplane.

“The J-20 can carry more ammunition than an F-35 on a single mission. In terms of weight, it can load up 27,998 pounds (12,700 kilograms) of weapons, compared to 18,000 pounds (8,164 kilograms) for an F-35,” defense analyst Kris Osborn explained.

The post UAE Exploring Potential Chinese J-20 Stealth Fighter Purchase: Report appeared first on The Defense Post.

The program, first announced in February, will see EDGE hold a 51 percent stake in the venture. The company will hold prime rights to non-NATO orders and a number of orders placed by selected NATO members.

Fincantieri will manage MAESTRAL’s remaining 49 percent stake.

EDGE chairman Faisal Al Bannai said the partnership underlines the importance of knowledge exchange and advancements through innovation in the industry.

“Not only does this demonstrate the speed with which EDGE and its partners can operate, and the resources we can mobilise, but fully underscores our strategy of international export growth through mutually beneficial partnerships,” Al Bannai said.

MAESTRAL will focus on sales, commercial operations, and engineering for design and service. EDGE estimates that the venture’s initial orders will total 30 billion euros ($33 billion).

UAE’s OPV Order

MAESTRAL’s launch was followed by the UAE ordering 10 P51MR-class offshore patrol vehicles (OPVs), valued at 400 million euros ($435 million).

The P51MR-class OPVs will be based on Italy’s Saettia-class vessels, used mainly for reconnaissance, quick response, and rescue missions.

The OPVs are expected to retain the Saettia-class’ high modularity, stability in rough seas, low radar signal signature, and high operational flexibility.

The companies will build the OPVs at their Abu Dhabi and Italy shipyards.

The post EDGE Group, Fincantieri Begin Joint Shipbuilding Deal appeared first on The Defense Post.

The new platform was transferred to the UAE Air Force at the Al Dhafra Air Base in Abu Dhabi.

The order marks the penultimate delivery in an agreement signed in 2015 for the first three GlobalEye systems, followed by an additional order for two more in 2021.

“The high delivery pace in the GlobalEye programme is testament to our unique in-house capability which means we control the entire process, from development to integration,” Saab President and CEO Micael Johansson said.

The handover date for the final unit is yet to be announced.

Supporting UAE’s AEW&C Posture

Saab has also won the three-year, $190-million service support contract for Abu Dhabi’s GlobalEye planes.

Announced in January, the contract details the Swedish company’s maintenance, logistics, and training support for the program.

Saab Surveillance business head Carl-Johan Bergholm said the deal underlines the company’s role in keeping GlobalEyes’ mission-ready status.

The UAE is currently the sole operator of the aircraft. However, Sweden, Canada, and France have shown interest in the platform.

The post Saab Delivers Fourth GlobalEye AEW&C Aircraft to UAE appeared first on The Defense Post.

The contract stipulates the “complete and extensive” transfer of technologies and associated processes from the company to Abu Dhabi’s local industry, maturing the capability’s production for warfighters.

The resulting solution will be integrated into the country’s naval fleet and cover both new and retrofit ship programs.

Naval Group signed the joint development framework in partnership with Abu Dhabi’s military acquisitions segment Tawazun Council and autonomy developer Makareb Technologies, which was selected as the prime domestic partner for the effort.

Supporting ‘UAE’s Ambition’

According to the French company, the agreement is part of the UAE’s goal to amplify its defense and security industries.

Naval Group added that the program will aid Abu Dhabi’s defense sector in sustaining rapid growth as it delivers tactical solutions for its evolving requirements.

“We are very pleased and honoured with this new step in our long-term cooperation and partnership with Tawazun Council,” Naval Group CEO Pierre Éric Pommellet stated.

“Naval Group remains committed to supporting the UAE’s ambition to enhance its defence and security industry with a cutting-edge naval combat system capacity.”

Latest Naval Partnerships

Naval Group secured a contract to design, manufacture, and evaluate an underwater drone for the French Navy last month.

In November 2023, the company delivered the Emirati Navy’s first Gowing-class corvette as part of a 2019 framework agreement. One month earlier, the firm launched the Hellenic Navy’s first Belharra-class frigate in Lorient.

In the Asia Pacific, Naval Group signed an agreement with the Indian government to modernize the country’s Kalvari-class submarines.

In 2022, the Philippines collaborated with Naval Group to equip Manila’s Jose Rizal-class frigates with anti-torpedo systems.

The post Naval Group Joins UAE’s National Combat Management System Program appeared first on The Defense Post.

The tests, held over several days during Abu Dhabi’s annual Armed Forces Summer Trials, validated the system’s tactical capability across rugged conditions with diverse terrain and extreme weather.

The process saw the system maneuver 2,000 kilometers (1,200 miles) over sand dunes, highways, and challenging tracks while carrying payloads.

Alongside mobility demonstrations, the ISV undertook a maintenance trial that involved a two-day repair sequence as well as additional sustainment and recovery evaluations.

“Through completion of all phases, we’ve demonstrated that we can successfully leverage the advanced technologies of our parent company, General Motors, to deliver a highly capable off-road vehicle that can meet the needs of defense and government customers in the UAE and throughout the region,” GM Defense President Steve duMont stated.

“Our Summer Trial achievements are a key step forward in our planned growth in the region as we seek to offer the ISV and its variants to this important customer base.”

UAE Defense Partnership

The ISV’s summer trials in the Middle East followed the signing of a cooperative agreement between the North Carolina company and UAE’s military acquisitions arm Tawazun Council in February 2023.

This strategic cooperation served as an “initial step” in delivering future solutions supporting Emirati warfighters while boosting the country’s local defense industrial base.

“Priority opportunities covered by the [memorandum of understanding] include cooperative research and development, regional production and assembly, and post-production support and global logistics focused on the key technology areas of integrated vehicles; power and propulsion – including fuel cell and power generation; and autonomy and connectivity,” GM Defense wrote during the signing.

Infantry Squad Vehicle

The ISV is based on the Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 midsize truck and uses around 90 percent commercial-off-the-shelf parts to meet the US Army’s evolving mobility requirements.

The vehicle has the capacity for up to nine personnel and is powered by a 2.9-liter engine with 275 horsepower.

It can be loaded onto UH-60 Blackhawk, CH-47 Chinook, and CH-53 Stallion helicopters or deployed through a low-velocity airdrop onto the battlefield by C-17 Globemaster III, C-130 Hercules, and A400M Atlas cargo aircraft.

The platform can be armed with anti-drone laser energy weapons, M240 machine guns, M2 Browning heavy machine guns, and Mark 19/47 grenade launchers.

The post GM Defense Completes Infantry Squad Vehicle Trials for UAE appeared first on The Defense Post.

The joint venture, signed in Madrid, will be based in Abu Dhabi to develop and manufacture sensors for multi-domain applications, allowing the consortium to offer around 300 “advanced radar solutions” for its customers.

Meanwhile, the prime rights of current and forthcoming non-EU and non-NATO orders will be awarded to Indra.

“This [joint venture] will help us to expand our geographical reach and our international mindset in our Defense business and will increase our proximity to the global clients,” Indra CEO José Vicente de los Mozos explained.

Throughout the cooperation, EDGE will leverage its strengths in commercial ventures and technology, while Indra will contribute its proven capabilities in engineering, manufacturing, and commercial businesses.

“Our new joint venture with Indra, as a global market leader in the field of advanced radar technologies, will enable us to combine the strengths of both companies to create an entity which will become a major industry-player in this sector,” EDGE Group Chairman Faisal Al Bannai stated.

“We are confident that this strategic partnership will prove to be a highly successful one.”

Boosting UAE, Spanish Economies

The companies wrote that the collaboration will utilize global talents and “highly qualified personnel” in the UAE, especially in engineering and sales teams, throughout the program.

The approach is expected to secure “sustainable operational excellence and innovative output” to support future projects with multinational partners, the agencies added.

“In line with our strategy for growth through mutually beneficial partnerships, we are fully committed to this venture, which will be built on both companies’ existing reputation for excellence,” EDGE Group CEO Hamad Al Marar said.

“[This new joint venture] will enable us to combine our strengths to drive innovation, develop sovereign capabilities, and expand market reach, while contributing to the technological advancement and economic growth of the UAE, and Spain.”

The post EDGE Group, Indra to Offer Military Radars for Non-EU, NATO Users appeared first on The Defense Post.

Facilities at the site include a headquarters, accommodation hub, and welfare spaces to support Royal Air Force warfighters stationed in the country.

The opening ceremony, led by the British Princess Royal, included a joint flyby salute from the UAE Air Force Al Fursan aerobatics display team in MB-339 light combat jet and London’s A400M Atlas military transport aircraft.

A UK-UAE parade, tour, and commemoration of the center’s namesake, Sergeant William Donnelly, were also held during the event.

The Princess Royal met with the late soldier’s family and Al Minhad personnel during the signing of the base’s legacy Joint Force Support flag.

Donnelly Lines

William Donnelly was an Air Force navigator who lost his life in 1943 during the Second World War at Fujairah, 57 miles (121 kilometers) east of Al Minhad. The sergeant’s Vickers Wellington long-range medium bomber aircraft experienced an oil leak while flying from RAF Sharjah to India.

This forced the plane to crash-land on the coast of Sayh Dhadnah, resulting in the death of the airman and “irreparable damage to the aircraft.”

Three surviving crew members used the bomber’s parts and nearby stones to stack Donnelly’s grave. An official memorial was later established in 2010. It remains a symbol of London and Abu Dhabi’s ongoing strategic partnership.

Enhancing ‘Operational Resilience’

According to the Royal Air Force, the British center at Al Minhad serves as “an essential part of the UK’s global footprint.”

The launch is also an affirmation of the country’s “enduring presence” across international territories “in what remains an uncertain world beset by turbulent times.”

“Our continued investment here is a further example of the UK’s commitment to the security of the region and is a tangible commitment to the work for peace, security, and stability, working hand in hand with our allies in the UAE,” the agency said.

“The siting of Donnelly Lines at [Al Minhad Air Base] enables the UK to maintain our freedom of action and ability to conduct operations from the UAE, bolstering our operational resilience.”

The post UK Opens Permanent Military Site in Al Minhad, UAE appeared first on The Defense Post.