In a significant development strengthening US-UAE defense ties, Anduril Industries, a leading US arms innovator, and Abu Dhabi’s EDGE Group have unveiled a joint venture to create AI-driven autonomous drones in the UAE.
This partnership represents a substantial leap in boosting the Emirates’ local defense production capabilities, integrating state-of-the-art AI into aerial combat systems.
The companies will collaboratively develop a new line of battle-ready drones named Omen, at a 50,000-square-foot R&D facility in Abu Dhabi. The UAE plans to acquire the initial 50 units, showcasing robust government support for domestically developed advanced defense technologies.
The Omen drone features a sleek, lightweight design, merging the vertical take-off of a helicopter with the extended range and speed of an airplane, ideal for deployment in challenging terrains—from maritime surveillance to disaster response. “This is about transforming current maritime patrol and special mission aircraft—much larger systems. That’s our target,” stated Shane Arnott, Anduril’s SVP.
Under the agreement, EDGE will access Anduril’s Lattice AI platform, an advanced software facilitating real-time coordination of multiple autonomous aircraft through a 3D command network. This AI-driven framework aims to deliver unprecedented situational awareness and coordination for militaries, potentially revolutionizing future air combat tactics.
The Omen initiative is the first of several systems expected from this alliance, with EDGE investing nearly $200 million and Anduril committing $850 million in previous tech development. Production is set to begin by 2028, with prototypes slated for UAE testing next year.
This collaboration follows the new US-UAE defense partnership announced during President Donald Trump’s May visit to Abu Dhabi, aiming to foster joint capability development between the allies.
Since launching EDGE in 2019, the UAE has steadily built its defense industry, aiming to lessen foreign supplier reliance and boost military tech exports.
For Anduril, founded by tech entrepreneur Palmer Luckey, the venture reflects growing confidence in the UAE’s defense ecosystem. For Abu Dhabi, it solidifies its status as a regional innovation hub for next-gen autonomous systems, where AI and air power converge to shape future warfare.
