Strategic defence industry partnership with the United Arab Emirates

At the invitation of the Hungarian Government, His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates, visited Budapest this week. During the visit, 4iG Space and Defence Technologies (4iG SDT) signed three strategic Memoranda of Understanding with the UAE’s defence technology giant, EDGE Group, marking a new level of industrial cooperation between the two countries.

One of the agreements outlines a comprehensive framework for technology and knowledge transfer, while the other two focus on joint development, localisation, and market introduction of specific defence systems – including UAVs, counter-UAS (C-UAS), air defence and command-and-control solutions. These new collaborations go beyond traditional commercial ties, aiming at co-development, manufacturing, and joint go-to-market strategies.

“The agreements signed today mark a milestone in 4iG SDT’s international defence industry efforts. Through the partnership with one of the world’s fastest-growing defence technology companies, we can develop systems with strong potential for success in both European and African markets on a mutual basis. EDGE’s trust and openness provide an opportunity for Hungary to become a strategic player in the global defence innovation ecosystem,” said István Sárhegyi, CEO of 4iG SDT.

Hamad Al Marar, Managing Director and CEO, EDGE, said: “Our goal with partners such as 4iG SDT is to aid nations in developing and achieving advanced sovereign defence technology and industrial capabilities. The global security landscape has necessitated modernisation programmes to capitalise on the latest autonomous technology and address rapidly evolving aerial threats. This collaboration strengthens EDGE’s ability to deliver competitive, NATO-compatible, and export-ready solutions, not only in support of Hungary’s national objectives, but also as a gateway to deeper engagement across Europe and NATO member states.”

Three Agreements – Three Technological Pillars

As an extension of the strategic partnership launched in April this year, 4iG Space and Defence Technologies (4iG SDT) and EDGE Group signed three Memoranda of Understanding, each focusing on distinct technology domains.

The first agreement establishes a broad-based technological partnership to co-develop next-generation defence and space industry technologies and explore market opportunities in the fields of UAS, C-UAS, and space solutions. The parties will assess cooperation opportunities across the full value chain – from infrastructure development to joint marketing and product commercialisation, including mutual technology and knowledge transfer. As part of the partnership, both companies will build on their existing business networks: EDGE in African markets, and 4iG SDT in Central and Eastern European markets.

The second agreement focuses on the further development and potential production of two cutting-edge defence systems – the SKYKNIGHT air defence missile system, and SHADOW line of loitering munitions – in Hungary, furthermore to identify new commercialisation channels. The agreement also covers the potential establishment of a joint venture. SKYKNIGHT, developed by EDGE, is a rapidly deployable, comprehensive inner-layer protection against a wide variety of asymmetric and conventional threats, including rockets, artillery shells, mortars (RAM), ballistic bombs and stand-off weapons. The SHADOW-25 and SHADOW-50 loitering munitions represent a new generation in target detection and precision strike capabilities. These systems, used in modern precision warfare, can conduct long-endurance patrols, target recognition and identification, and execute autonomous engagements in both battlefield and special operations scenarios.

The third agreement addresses the advancement, European adaptation, and local implementation of the VEGA (Unmanned Traffic Management) and ORION (Drone Fleet Management) systems developed by EDGE. These platforms cover unmanned air traffic control, drone management, and airspace traffic coordination. The MoU also includes the assessment of establishing a joint venture to serve as a European development and sales hub for VEGA and ORION. In addition, the parties will explore the joint development of leading-edge UTM, drone management, and airspace traffic systems in Hungary for the European market.

The partnership between 4iG SDT and EDGE aims to deliver jointly developed, export-ready solutions that meet the technological and security requirements of NATO. The collaboration enables 4iG SDT to develop and market internationally competitive defence and space technologies, and supports EDGE’s expansion into NATO member states, while enabling both companies to build on their respective networks – EDGE across African markets, and 4iG SDT throughout Central and Eastern Europe.