EDGE and Hanwha sign Term Sheet to deepen UAE integrated air‑defence cooperation
EDGE Group and South Korea’s Hanwha have agreed a strategic framework at EDGE’s Abu Dhabi headquarters to pursue joint work on the UAE’s integrated air‑defence requirements, local production and industrial localisation.
Strategic partnership aims to bolster UAE sovereign air defences
EDGE Group and Hanwha have taken a formal step towards a long‑term strategic partnership focused on the UAE’s integrated air‑defence needs. On 16th September, 2026, senior executives from both companies signed a Term Sheet at EDGE’s headquarters in Abu Dhabi setting out the direction of cooperation.
The Term Sheet covers collaboration related to the UAE’s integrated air‑defence requirements, including the South Korean Long‑Range Surface‑to‑Air Missile (L‑SAM) system, additional Medium‑Range Surface‑to‑Air Missile (M‑SAM) capabilities, and the Chunmoo Multiple Rocket Launcher System (MRLS). The agreement signals an intention to move beyond discrete weapon‑system purchases towards a broader industrial and capability partnership.
According to the document, the two companies will continue discussions on the scope and structure of their cooperation. Subject to the necessary government approvals and applicable procedures, they will explore establishing a joint venture in the UAE and detailed arrangements for local production and business operations.
Technology cooperation, phased localisation and local production are central elements of the proposed collaboration. The partners intend to use these measures to expand the UAE’s defence industrial base and to develop a sustainable local defence industry capable of supporting sovereign air‑defence capabilities.
Yang Ki‑won, CEO of Hanwha Systems, said: “We are pleased to take this important first step toward building a long‑term strategic partnership with EDGE. By combining our technologies, capabilities and industrial strengths together, we aim to strengthen the UAE’s defence capabilities and identify new areas of cooperation.”
Hamad Al Marar, Managing Director and CEO of EDGE Group, described the agreement as going beyond procurement. “This cooperation goes beyond the acquisition of individual weapon systems, with a focus on strengthening the UAE’s sovereign air defence capabilities and local industrial base. EDGE will work with Hanwha to establish a sustainable framework for industrial cooperation,” he said.
The Term Sheet is a preliminary but significant move to integrate foreign technical expertise with domestic defence manufacturing and supply chains in Abu Dhabi and across the UAE. Further talks will define precise manufacturing responsibilities, intellectual‑property arrangements and timelines, all subject to regulatory and government clearance.
If realised, the partnership would align with wider national aims to bolster indigenous defence capabilities and reduce reliance on imports through strategic industrial partnerships and localisation.
Source: WAM