EDGE and Safran sign strategic agreement for defence work

EDGE Group and Safran have signed a Strategic Cooperation Agreement at Eurosatory 2026 establishing a structured framework for a deeper cooperation and broadening the scope of joint work across the wider portfolios of both groups. EDGE and Safran already cooperate on several programs across defense electronics, smart weapons and other areas, building on more than three decades of Safran’s presence in the United Arab Emirates. The Strategic Cooperation Agreement further strengthens this partnership by extending its scope to a broader range of equipment, capabilities and know-how that the two groups can address together. It responds to the profound shift in modern warfare, including the growing role of unmanned systems, electronic warfare and the need for greater resilience and autonomy of defence capabilities. Hamad Al Marar, Managing Director & Chief Executive Officer, Edge Group, said: “Safran and EDGE have built something genuine here, a partnership grounded in shared values, complementary capability, and a common belief that the best defence solutions are built together. Signing this agreement in Paris, in the week that EDGE Europe opens its doors, reflects how far this relationship has come and how much further we intend to take it.” Olivier Andriès, Chief Executive Officer of Safran, said: “Safran’s long-standing presence in the United Arab Emirates provides a solid foundation for our partnership with EDGE. Through this Strategic Cooperation Agreement, we are committed to building a shared vision focused on developing advanced technologies and innovative solutions. By combining our respective strengths and expertise, Safran and EDGE aim to accelerate the emergence of high-value capabilities to address current and future challenges in the aerospace and defence sectors.” EDGE and Safran sign JV terms for next-gen missile development Following the signing the two companies announced a joint venture term sheet at Eurosatory 2026 in Paris. EDGE group and Safran Electronics & Defense agreed to broaden the scope of joint work across the wider portfolios of both companies. The term sheet establishes the framework for two proposed joint ventures, one in the UAE, and one in France, leveraging the complementary industrial strengths of both partners and enabling the joint development and production of advanced defence solutions for domestic and international customers. At the heart of the partnership is the co-development of an extended-range precision-guided weapon based on the Hammer family. Combining the expertise of both companies, the programme aims to deliver greater operational reach and precision while meeting the evolving needs of modern armed forces. Hamad Al Marar, Managing Director and CEO, EDGE Group, said: “EDGE and Safran have built a partnership on genuinely complementary strengths, and this term sheet takes it to a new level. Together, we have the expertise, the industrial presence and the ambition to develop missile capabilities that will set a new standard for the market. With EDGE Europe now established and our presence in France in place, the conditions to deliver on that ambition have never been stronger.” Alexandre Ziegler, Head of the Defense Global Business Unit, Safran Electronics & Defense, said: “More than 30 years after the start of our partnership with the United Arab Emirates, Safran Electronics & Defense and EDGE are entering a new phase of cooperation focused on sovereignty and operational impact. This partnership builds on the success of the HAMMER family, which is benefiting from strong demand and industrial ramp-up. By combining software-defined defense with robust industrial manufacturing strength, and leveraging agile engineering practices, we are accelerating the development and deployment of next-generation smart weapons to the battlefield.” In addition to this flagship program, the joint venture framework also covers the co-development of a supersonic air-to-ground weapon and a next-generation air-launched system for unmanned aerial platforms (UAS). Beyond these programs, the joint ventures will also explore additional industrial and commercial opportunities in both France and the UAE, including sub-systems, anti-tank solutions, and munitions. For Editorial Inquiries Contact: Editor Kym Bergmann at [email protected] For Advertising Inquiries Contact: Group Sales Director Simon Hadfield at [email protected]