In December 2024, EDGE Group commemorated its five-year anniversary, marking a significant milestone in its journey from inception to becoming a formidable force in advanced technology and defense. Established in November 2019, EDGE has rapidly transformed the landscape of sovereign defense capabilities and technological innovation, positioning the UAE as a global leader in these domains.
Accelerated Growth and Global Expansion
From its humble beginnings, EDGE expanded its product portfolio from 30 to 201 cutting-edge solutions across air, land, sea, and cyber domains—a remarkable growth of over 550% in just five years. This expansion was complemented by a significant increase in its global footprint, with EDGE’s solutions reaching customers in 91 countries by the end of 2024.
International orders surged from US$18.5 million in 2019 to over US$2.1 billion in 2024, underscoring the group’s expanding influence in global markets. Additionally, annual revenue reached US$4.9 billion in 2024, reflecting the remarkable financial growth driven by strategic investments and innovation.
Strategic Partnerships and Acquisitions
EDGE’s ascent was further bolstered by a series of strategic partnerships and acquisitions. In 2024, the group secured a EUR 1 billion contract to supply corvette vessels to the Angolan Navy, marking a significant milestone in its naval capabilities. Strategic agreements with the UAE Armed Forces included US$1.62 billion for DESERT STING precision-guided munitions(DESERT STING 16 and DESERT STING 25) and US$582 million for THUNDER, illustrating its pivotal role in addressing the unique needs of both local and international clients.
The group also expanded its global presence through 13 international acquisitions and strategic investments, including stakes in key companies such as Estonia’s MILREM Robotics, Swiss unmanned helicopter manufacturer ANAVIA, Brazil’s non-lethal tech leader Condor, and Brazil’s smart weapons specialist SIATT. These acquisitions enhanced EDGE’s capabilities across land, sea, air, and cyber domains, unlocking opportunities in cutting-edge sectors and strengthening its competitive edge globally.
Innovation and Technological Leadership
At the heart of EDGE’s success lies its commitment to innovation and technological advancement. The group invested heavily in research and development, leading to groundbreaking advancements in autonomous solutions, smart systems, and electronic warfare. These innovations have set new benchmarks in the defense industry, reinforcing EDGE’s position as a national vanguard of future technologies.
Workforce Development and Emiratisation
Recognizing that its people are its greatest asset, EDGE focused on attracting and retaining top talent from around the world. By the end of 2024, the group employed over 14,100 individuals representing 95 nationalities, with UAE nationals comprising 23.5% of the workforce. Emiratisation remained a key priority, with significant investments in developing a highly skilled workforce.
The EDGE Learning & Innovation Factory, launched in 2022, played a pivotal role in upskilling employees and fostering a culture of innovation. By the end of 2024, over 3,600 EDGE employees had received advanced training, positioning the group as a leader in the adoption of Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) technologies.
Looking Ahead: A Vision for the Future
As EDGE celebrates its five-year anniversary, the group remains steadfast in its commitment to driving innovation, fostering strategic partnerships, and developing cutting-edge solutions that address the evolving needs of its customers. With a robust order backlog, a diverse and skilled workforce, and a proven track record of success, EDGE is well-positioned to continue its trajectory of growth and excellence in the years to come.
In conclusion, EDGE Group’s first five years have been marked by remarkable achievements and transformative growth. As it looks to the future, the group remains dedicated to its mission of redefining the defense and technology landscape, ensuring that the UAE continues to lead in innovation and technological excellence on the global stage.
