EDGE Group has completed the first dynamic firing test of its domestically developed 155mm Extended Range Full Bore (ERFB) artillery projectile, marking progress in the UAE’s efforts to strengthen its indigenous ammunition manufacturing capabilities. Designed and manufactured by LAHAB, EDGE’s medium- and large-calibre ammunition producer, the projectile was fired from a 52-calibre barrel during the trial. The rounds followed their predicted trajectories and landed within the designated target area, demonstrating consistent grouping and tight dispersion. The evaluation examined compatibility with weapons built to the Joint Ballistics Memorandum of Understanding standard, while engineers compared measured chamber pressures with theoretical values and assessed the accuracy of predicted impact points. The structural integrity of the projectile components was also inspected following firing. The next development phase will involve arena testing to evaluate the projectile’s effectiveness, followed by qualification against Military Standard requirements and NATO Standardization Agreement 4224. The programme must still demonstrate the required safety and operational suitability before the ammunition can enter service. The ERFB projectile is part of EDGE’s HAZEEM programme, which aims to develop a range of artillery ammunition manufactured entirely within the UAE. Alongside this initiative, EDGE is expanding its domestic ammunition production capabilities, with its automated 40mm grenade ammunition line reaching full-rate production and an annual capacity of up to 1.5 million rounds. The facility automates manufacturing activities ranging from cartridge case and projectile assembly to final assembly and belting. A real-time monitoring system tracks production performance and output, allowing operators to identify manufacturing issues during operations. These investments form part of EDGE’s wider efforts to strengthen the UAE’s defence industrial base and expand domestic ammunition production capabilities.
