The MoU was signed at IDEX 2023, one of the world’s largest tri-service defence exhibitions, held in Abu Dhabi…reports Asian Lite News
EDGE, a leading advanced technology and defence group, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), a renowned organisation involved in the design, development, manufacturing, supply, and maintenance of aircraft, helicopters, engines, aerospace equipment, avionics, and related accessories for military and civil markets.
The MoU was signed at IDEX 2023, one of the world’s largest tri-service defence exhibitions, held in Abu Dhabi.
The MoU outlines several areas of cooperation between EDGE and HAL, including joint design and development of missile systems and unmanned aerial vehicles. In addition, both companies will explore the potential use of HAL’s small gas turbine engines in EDGE’s guided weapons, and EDGE’s GPS jamming and spoofing equipment on HAL’s platforms.
The agreement also includes opportunities for knowledge sharing, cooperation on mission computers, training programs, and utilisation of additive manufacturing of metallic parts at world-class facilities in the UAE and India, owned by EDGE and HAL.
DESERT STING 25
EDGE Group entity, HALCON, a regional leader in the design and production of guided weapons systems and beyond, announced it has secured a contract worth AED 4.7 billion with the UAE Armed Forces to supply advanced precision-guided glide munitions.
The new contract will provide the UAE Armed Forces with HALCON’s DESERT STING 25 (DS-25), a light weight, air-to-surface precision-guided munition, designed to be deployed on multiple racks on aircraft and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).
Saeed Al Mansoori, Senior Vice President of ADVANCED CONCEPTS, said: “The DS-25 is a precision munition with an effective stand-off range and capable of integration onto a wide range of aircraft types. This contract will provide the UAE Armed Forces with flexibility in their air strike operations. We are delighted to be able to provide the UAE Armed Forces with this capability and further our relationship as we seek to provide innovative, UAE-made products.”
He added: “HALCON is also proud to be at the forefront of developing sovereign defence capabilities in line with the UAE’s ‘Make it in the Emirates’ initiative. Additionally, the DS-25 will be produced at our cutting-edge manufacturing facilities which exemplifies the UAE government’s Industry 4.0 initiative.”
The DS-25 is part of HALCON’s DESERT STING line of lightweight, precision-guided glide weapons, designed to accurately strike targets with differing payloads and stand-off ranges. The contract for DS-25 PGMs underpins EDGE and HALCON’s commitment to the UAE Armed Forces in providing advanced systems and solutions that enable mission flexibility and ensure the safeguarding of the UAE.
