In a strategic move to bolster the United Arab Emirates’ defense industrial capabilities, EDGE Group and Thales have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at the Paris Airshow 2025 to localise the maintenance of advanced electro-optic systems. This partnership reflects the shared commitment of both parties to strengthen the UAE’s sovereign defense readiness and promote sustainable in-country technological solutions.
Under the terms of the MoU, EDGE’s Electro-Optic Centre of Excellence (EOCE) and Thales will collaborate on establishing maintenance and support capabilities in the UAE for a range of Thales’ high-performance optronic systems, currently deployed with the UAE Armed Forces.
Scope of Cooperation:
-
SOPHIE Hand-Held Thermal Imagers: Maintenance of Thales’ field-proven thermal imaging devices for ground force operational superiority.
-
XTRAIM Weapon Sights: Localised support for hybrid red-dot and thermal imaging weapon sights.
-
Electro-Optic Vehicular Cameras: Lifecycle support for advanced sensors enhancing situational awareness on armored platforms.
The MoU was officially signed by Dr. Chaouki Kasmi, President of Technology & Innovation at EDGE; Alexis Morel, Vice President of Optronics and Missile Electronics at Thales; and Abdelhafid Mordi, CEO of Thales in the UAE. The ceremony was witnessed by Hamad Al Marar, Managing Director & CEO of EDGE, alongside Patrice Caine, Chairman & CEO of Thales Group, and Pascale Sourisse, President of Thales International.
“This MoU marks another important step in our journey to strengthen local defence capabilities through industrial partnerships,” said Dr. Chaouki Kasmi of EDGE. “Together with Thales, we are enabling mission-critical maintenance capabilities for advanced electro-optic systems.”
Thales UAE CEO Abdelhafid Mordi added: “We are proud to deepen our collaboration with EDGE to reinforce the UAE’s strategic vision for defense autonomy. This agreement will ensure sustained performance of our optronic technologies while advancing the local defense ecosystem.”
Strategic Impact:
This cooperation aims to enhance operational readiness, reduce maintenance downtime, and ensure the longevity of critical battlefield systems in service with the UAE Armed Forces. It further cements the UAE’s position as a regional leader in defense innovation and industrial localisation.
