The final day of Abu Dhabi’s UMEX and SIMTEX exhibitions saw three contracts totaling AED 1.26 billion ($342 million) awarded to local defense firms, including EDGE Group subsidiaries and Caracal International. EDGE secured deals for jet-powered UAV development (~$105 million) and Tracked RCV & THEMIS systems (~$143 million), while Caracal won a $94 million contract for remote-controlled weapons. Overall, 11 contracts valued at $980 million were signed, a 20% increase over UMEX 2024. Highlights included high-tech maritime unmanned surface vessels and 3D-printed drone prototypes, which promise cost-effective production and easier integration with sensors and payloads. Industry executives noted growing international interest in such platforms for ISR, combat, and expendable “suicide” missions. These deals reinforce the UAE’s strategy to develop domestic defense capabilities and advanced unmanned systems.
