Emirati Defense Giant Deepens Investment in Smart Weapons and Unmanned Systems
The EDGE Group, an Emirati defense conglomerate, is significantly expanding its international presence with new facilities in Brazil and Switzerland. This move signals the company’s growing ambitions in both the Latin American and European markets.
Brazil: Strengthening SIATT’s Capabilities
EDGE announced the establishment of a new 6,000 square meter headquarters and production facility for its subsidiary SIATT in Sao Jose dos Campos, Brazil. The expanded facility will enhance SIATT’s research and development capabilities and boost its production line capacity.
„This was our first investment in Brazil, back in 2023, and since then we have expanded significantly from a research and development plant to an impressive industrial plant,” said EDGE’s CEO Hamad Al Marar. „This reflects SIATT’s commitment to advancing Brazil’s technological autonomy and creating long-term value for its defense industry.”
EDGE acquired a 50 percent stake in SIATT in September 2023 as part of its broader expansion into Latin America, where it also opened its first international office. SIATT specializes in developing and producing defense systems, including smart weapons like the MANSUP anti-ship missile, as well as coastal surveillance and maritime security systems.
Switzerland: ANAVIA’s New UAS Prototyping Hub
In Switzerland, another EDGE subsidiary, ANAVIA, has inaugurated new headquarters and an unmanned aerial systems (UAS) prototyping facility in Bilten.
„This facility will serve as ANAVIA’s new headquarters (HQ) and dedicated R&D centre for next-generation unmanned helicopters, advancing the UAE’s and Europe’s capabilities in designing and delivering the latest technology in unmanned rotorcraft,” the company stated.
The Bilten site is ANAVIA’s second facility in Switzerland, complementing its existing facility in Näfels.
„As Bilten becomes the nucleus for engineering activities and platform innovation, Näfels will serve as our centre for serial production, enabling us to scale with precision and agility,” said ANAVIA’s CEO Jon Andri Jong. He added that the „dual-hub” approach will accelerate the firm’s development cycles.
ANAVIA, a rotary wing unmanned aerial systems specialist, was fully acquired by EDGE Group in late 2023. The company is known for its HT-100 and HT-750 unmanned helicopters. Following its acquisition by EDGE, ANAVIA received its largest-ever contract from the UAE’s Ministry of Defense for the procurement of 200 UAS with vertical take-off and landing capabilities.
