The latest edition of the International Defense and Security Exhibition (FEINDEF), held at IFEMA Madrid from May 12 to 14, provided Zona Militar with the opportunity to engage with new companies and groups seeking to position themselves on the global stage. One such company, also featured at the recent LAAD fair held in Brazil in April, is EDGE Group from the United Arab Emirates. Just as it is doing in Latin America, EDGE aims to position itself in Europe as a strong defense equipment provider through partnerships with key players in the Spanish defense industry.
Zona Militar had the opportunity to interview Khaled Al Zaabi, President of the Platforms and Systems cluster at EDGE, to learn more about the company’s presence in Spain and its new initiatives to offer platforms and solutions to various European countries across multiple areas of interest.
Below is the interview:
ZM: What are EDGE Group’s expectations for its participation in FEINDEF?
“For us, this participation is very exciting, as it is our first time in Spain. We believe it was about time to be here, and it’s great that we finally are. We’re not just here on a visit—we’re truly establishing partnerships.
We’ve had a very good experience working with Indra, and more recently with Escribano, with whom we presented the new FEROX 6×6 vehicle, which integrates the remote weapon station developed by Escribano.
The demonstration was held last week before the Spanish Ministry of Defense and was a great success. We’re very enthusiastic about the future of this collaboration. We know that Spain is a very important strategic partner.”
ZM: In such a competitive market as Europe, what sets EDGE apart as a defense equipment provider for the continent’s armed forces?
“We believe we are very well positioned to serve the European market along with strategic regional partners. Over the past five years, we’ve been developing our products with two fundamental objectives in mind.
On the one hand, to offer solutions that are technically very advanced; and on the other, to ensure they are economically viable. Today, the most important factor is having products available now—not in two or three years at a high cost—but ready for immediate delivery. That’s where our greatest advantage lies: agility and speed.
We have the capability to develop and produce systems that can fulfill their purpose efficiently, quickly, and at low cost. That is our strength, as we have operational experience that allows us to understand what works and what doesn’t. And with the right partners in Europe, we are confident we can meet the market’s needs effectively.
Additionally, we have investments in Europe that are specifically geared toward the European market. We currently own or have partnerships with companies in Switzerland, Estonia, Poland, France, and Spain. This allows us to say that the products we offer are not merely Emirati—they are truly European products.”
ZM: In the particular case of Spain, you’ve mentioned two major companies—INDRA and EM&E—with whom you have recently established partnerships. Are there other Spanish defense industry companies you are in talks with or exploring potential areas of cooperation?
“We are always open to exploring new partnerships. We say this all the time—that is the spirit of EDGE, but it’s also the spirit of the United Arab Emirates.
As a country, Emirati citizens represent only one million people in a population of ten million. That means everything we have built has been made possible through strong partnerships. Collaboration is in our DNA.
From our perspective, we are always ready to engage in dialogue and work with companies that share a common vision and with whom we can generate mutual benefits. We strongly believe in partnerships that bring value to both parties.”
ZM: What are the main systems and platforms you are showcasing at the fair? There seems to be a strong focus on drones and loitering munitions.
“We have the ANAVIA HT100, which is our ISR (intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance) helicopter. We also brought our SKYKNIGHT air defense missile system, and the ShadowsSHADOW family of loitering munitions, which will also be present here.
However, what I’m most proud of is a product that’s not at our own stand, but at EM&E’s: the FEROX 6×6 armored vehicle.
I have a meeting at the end of the day where it will be presented. It’s an EDGE product, but it is being fully promoted and showcased by Escribano, as we will be localizing its production and fully transferring the technology to Spain. In this way, it becomes a Spanish national product.
I believe this is something that excites both the Spanish leadership and ours.”
