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EDGE, Leonardo Advance Abu Dhabi Defense JV
EDGE and Leonardo have completed a preliminary assessment for an Abu Dhabi defense JV, moving the partnership closer to a planned 2026 launch.
The agreement, signed at the Dubai Airshow 2025, sets out initial principles for technology transfer, market potential and governance between EDGE Group (UAE) and Leonardo (Italy).
Both companies say the JV will tap European aerospace expertise while building local defence industrial capacity in Abu Dhabi. The partners have not released detailed financials or the final ownership split as they move from assessment to formal structuring.
What the Abu Dhabi defense JV will focus on
Early priorities identified in the assessment include transferring key technologies, defining governance and exploring regional market access across the Gulf. The JV aims to support manufacturing, training and maintenance capabilities locally.
- Abu Dhabi defense JV: technology transfer and local manufacturing
- Clear governance principles and regulatory alignment
- Market development across Gulf defence customers
- Workforce development, training and sustainment
- Joint research and development with European partners
The move reflects growing strategic collaboration between European defence firms and Gulf partners. With the preliminary assessment concluded, EDGE and Leonardo are targeting a formal JV launch in 2026 to scale regional capabilities and create jobs.
