Hungary, UAE to build kamikaze drones, air defense systems

UAE-based EDGE Group has signed three major agreements with Hungary’s 4iG Space and Defence Technologies to jointly develop, localize, and market advanced defense systems across European and African markets.

The agreements, finalized during an official UAE state visit to Hungary, mark a strategic milestone for EDGE as it expands its footprint into NATO member states while reinforcing industrial cooperation with Hungary.

According to EDGE, the partnership will focus on the SKYKNIGHT air defense missile system, SHADOW 25 and SHADOW 50 loitering munitions, and advanced air traffic control solutions. These systems are aimed at addressing both asymmetric and conventional threats, making them highly adaptable to regional security needs.

- ADVERTISEMENT - CONTINUE READING BELOW -

“The collaboration strengthens our ability to deliver cutting-edge capabilities while fostering industrial growth in Europe and Africa,” EDGE said in a statement.

SHADOW 25 and SHADOW 50 loitering munitions
SHADOW 25 and SHADOW 50 loitering munitions

The SHADOW 25 and SHADOW 50 loitering munitions, developed by Abu Dhabi Autonomous Systems Investments (ADASI), offer precision strike capabilities against fixed targets. Designed for extended-range and long-endurance missions, they provide a flexible option for modern battlefields where rapid deployment and high accuracy are critical.

SkyKnight missile
SkyKnight missile

The SkyKnight Air Defence System (SS-ADS) provides an inner-layer defense against a range of airborne threats, including rockets, artillery, mortars (RAM), ballistic bombs, and standoff weapons. EDGE noted that the system can track and engage up to 80 incoming targets simultaneously, offering protection for both static installations and mobile forces.

Highly modular, SkyKnight can be transported in standard 20-foot cargo containers, allowing for rapid deployment in forward areas or permanent installation at critical sites.

By partnering with Hungary’s 4iG, EDGE is advancing its strategic goal to integrate with NATO supply chains and expand industrial cooperation with European allies.

This move follows EDGE’s broader efforts to develop indigenous technologies and build partnerships that support the UAE’s vision of becoming a global leader in advanced defense manufacturing.

According to a release by EDGE, the collaboration will also explore joint R&D opportunities and workforce development initiatives in both countries, laying the foundation for a sustained industrial presence.

Readers who wish to follow our weekly coverage can subscribe to the Weekly Defense Roundup.

If you wish to report a grammatical or factual error in this article, please let us know by using the online form.

Executive Editor

Support The Defence Blog

Independent reporting takes resources. Join us on Patreon.

Become a patron

More Like This

UAE tests SHADOW 25 jet-powered kamikaze drone

Edge Group, the Emirati state-owned defense conglomerate, has released footage of a test of its SHADOW 25 jet-powered loitering munition, a canister-launched one-way attack...

EDGE accelerates MANSUP missile production with Brazilian Navy

EDGE Group said it is speeding up development and production of the MANSUP and MANSUP-ER anti-ship missiles under its partnership with the Brazilian Navy,...

Raytheon launches AMRAAM-ER missile full-rate production

Raytheon is moving its AMRAAM Extended Range missile into full-rate production under a new $234.8 million contract from the Department of War. The award gives...

Lockheed Martin to build new rocket system for Hungary

Lockheed Martin has signed a memorandum of understanding with Hungary’s 4iG Space and Defence Technologies to develop a long-range rocket artillery system tailored to...

Spain moves to local production of Ferox armored vehicle

UAE-based EDGE and Spain’s EM&E Group have signed a technology transfer contract that will allow the FEROX 6×6 armored vehicle to be manufactured in...