During the DEFEA exhibition, five companies of the EDGE Group present a wide range of advanced solutions and products covering the areas of autonomous air, land and naval systems, precision munitions and light small arms.
In the area of autonomous air systems, the company will present the HUNTER SP (Soldier Portable) unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), the HUNTER 2-S fixed-launch unmanned aerial vehicle with swarm mode and the REACH-S unmanned air combat craft. . Also on display will be the Shadow 25 Roving Munitions System, along with the GARMOOSHA Propeller Unmanned Aerial Vehicle. As for land-based systems and solutions, these are presented by NIMR with their special mission vehicles (LRSOVs).
Advanced naval capabilities offered by EDGE include the ADSB 160 ITEP (Offshore Tactical Engagement Platform), the 510 OPV (Offshore Patrol Vessel) and the Sea Trooper, an ideal landing craft.
In the area of precision munitions, EDGE will showcase the DESERT STING, a multi-range air-to-ground precision munition, as well as the Rash 1-M, Rash 2-H and Rash 2-M precision munitions systems.
As for light small arms, EDGE will showcase the CARACAL F series pistols, CMP 9 submachine guns, the CAR 816 assault rifle and the CSR 338 sniper rifle. Finally, the full range of small caliber ammunition will also be on display.
EDGE's participation in DEFEA 2023 follows its successful participation in the Defense & Security exhibition LAAD 2023 in Rio de Janeiro, where it announced the opening of its new regional offices for Latin America in Brasilia. This move allowed EDGE to expand its operations, create new partnerships as well as promote its unique and competitive offerings across the continent.
Waleid Al Mesmari is Senior Vice President of the Electronic Warfare and Cyber Technologies Directorate at EDGE's (EW&CT) cluster. In his current role, he provides oversight and strategic direction for the development and business operations of two entities within the cluster, which includes KATIM and BEACON RED. Prior to joining EDGE, he served as Director of Business Analysis and Strategic Planning in the United Arab Emirates
Speaking exclusively to Pentapostagma, he answered questions about the plan and philosophy of the company he represents
-What is your main focus on the Greek market?
As an international company we do not only focus on the Greek market but also on the region and this is the essence of participating in this event (DEFEA). Certainly Greece is an important partner not only in the political arena but also in the industrial sector.
-How easy is the EDGE scheme to be operated since it consists of 21 sub-manufacturers?
We have an industrial base in the UAE and having these different companies from different fields enables us to provide a complete package of solutions. The evolution we have gone through allows us to get the best from each company. With the creation of EDGE we have managed to be recognized today as one of the 25 largest companies.
-What is the goal for the next decade?
A decade is a long time but as you understand EDGE focuses on brain gain, innovative solutions, with a commercial mindset and defense. Technology is evolving rapidly. That's why at EDGE we have innovative agents, we have an innovative mindset. We focus on being efficient, flexible, fast, innovating and bringing new technology to market. This has been proven since our establishment in 2019 that to date we have over 120 products developed in the UAE. With these we definitely reached the market without any problem in export and export license and of course with a competitive price.
- Is DEFEA a step towards the future for you?
Certainly our expansion, our growing expansion at the level of a global player requires us to have a footprint in the region, in Southeast Europe and in Eastern Europe. DEFEA allowed us to connect with our customers in Greece and gave us the possibility and a platform to connect with industrial players, startup companies. It is definitely a step towards our globalization.
It is worth pointing out that the Minister of National Defense of Greece visited the EDGE stand and showed interest in several of its products.
