EDGE Group, one of the world’s leading advanced technology and defense conglomerates, has marked a major milestone in the Middle East’s aerospace sector as HORIZON, an EDGE entity and the region’s largest independent helicopter flight training academy, becomes the first authorised service centre (ASC) in the region for Rolls-Royce M250 and RR300 helicopter engines.
The certification authorises HORIZON to provide maintenance, repair, and support services for Rolls-Royce engines from its Al Ain-based facilities, significantly enhancing regional after-sales capabilities. The move is expected to reduce turnaround times, improve service efficiency, and deliver Rolls-Royce-certified quality to both civil and government customers across the Middle East.
This development represents a critical step in strengthening regional aerospace self-reliance, supporting national industrial strategies, and increasing in-country value (ICV) in the UAE.
Rolls-Royce Certification Elevates Regional Capabilities
The Rolls-Royce Authorised Service Centre certification places HORIZON among a select group of global service providers that meet the manufacturer’s stringent technical, safety, and quality standards. The designation guarantees that maintenance and support services are performed in accordance with Rolls-Royce’s globally recognised benchmarks for engine reliability, performance, and operational safety.
With the M250 and RR300 engines widely used across light and medium helicopter platforms for training, law enforcement, emergency services, and military roles, the new ASC is positioned to support a growing fleet operating across the Gulf and wider Middle East.
Industry observers note that the establishment of a regional ASC reduces dependence on overseas maintenance facilities, offering faster logistics, lower lifecycle costs, and enhanced fleet availability for operators.
Strategic Importance for the UAE and the Middle East
The certification aligns with the UAE’s broader objectives of developing a robust domestic aerospace ecosystem, advancing technical skills, and attracting high-value industrial partnerships. By localising engine maintenance and support, EDGE and HORIZON are contributing directly to the UAE’s long-term vision of becoming a regional hub for aerospace services, training, and sustainment.
The move also reinforces Abu Dhabi’s position as a center for aviation excellence, particularly in helicopter operations, training, and sustainment.
EDGE Group: Background and Strategic Growth
Founded in 2019, EDGE Group has rapidly emerged as a global defense and advanced technology powerhouse, consolidating more than 25 entities across defense manufacturing, aerospace, cyber, autonomous systems, electronic warfare, and advanced materials.
Headquartered in Abu Dhabi, EDGE operates across multiple domains, delivering integrated solutions to military, government, and commercial customers worldwide. Its portfolio spans air, land, sea, cyber, and space, positioning the group as a key contributor to next-generation defense capabilities.
EDGE’s strategy emphasizes:
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Technology sovereignty
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Export-driven growth
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Strategic international partnerships
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Local industrial capacity building
Recent Expansion and Success of EDGE
In recent years, EDGE has significantly expanded its global footprint through:
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New international partnerships across Europe, Asia, and Africa
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Increased defense exports and long-term sustainment contracts
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Investments in aerospace maintenance, unmanned systems, and advanced propulsion
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Strengthening in-country manufacturing and technical training ecosystems
The certification of HORIZON as a Rolls-Royce ASC reflects EDGE’s broader shift toward end-to-end capability development, extending beyond platforms to include lifecycle support, maintenance, and training—areas increasingly critical to modern defense and aviation operators.
