EDGE, Indra formalise joint venture 'PULSE' to design, manufacture radars in Abu Dhabi

emirates7 - EDGE and Indra Sistemas (Indra), a global leader in information technology and defense systems operating in over 140 countries, have signed an agreement to establish a joint venture called PULSE, headquartered in Abu Dhabi.

PULSE will focus on developing local capabilities for designing and manufacturing cutting-edge radar systems, leveraging a strong pipeline of orders from existing and prospective customers in high-potential global markets.

The agreement was signed in Madrid by Hamad Al Marar, EDGE’s Managing Director and CEO, and José Vicente de los Mozos, Indra’s CEO. The event, held at the Spanish Ministry of Defence, was attended by Spain's Minister of Defence Margarita Robles Fernández, Secretary of State for Defence Amparo Valcarce, EDGE Group Chairman Faisal Al Bannai, Indra Chairman Marc Murtra, and other senior officials.

At the ceremony, Al Bannai emphasized the significance of the partnership, stating, “This joint venture between EDGE and Indra addresses critical capability gaps and highlights the importance of innovation and technology transfer in enhancing operational excellence and global security. It underscores our commitment to building impactful partnerships that drive progress and foster stability in key regions.”

Murtra noted, “This agreement with EDGE will deliver next-generation radar systems supported by advanced research infrastructure, laboratories, and testing facilities, all located in the UAE. This marks a crucial step for Indra to expand its global reach and strengthen our collaboration with EDGE.”

PULSE will specialize in the engineering, development, manufacturing, integration, and maintenance of current and future radar systems and components, as well as marketing them in high-growth markets. This partnership opens up significant international business opportunities.

The agreement will establish two entities: the first, 50.01% owned by Indra and 49.99% by EDGE, will focus on developing, integrating, and maintaining radar systems. The second, 50.01% owned by EDGE and 49.99% by Indra, will oversee radar manufacturing at a new state-of-the-art factory in Abu Dhabi.

This collaboration aims to increase radar production and sales, introduce new radar capabilities to the UAE through knowledge transfer, and train local talent, including recent graduates and young professionals. The company will employ experienced Indra specialists alongside Emirati engineers, technical experts, and commercial staff.

Plans also include enhancing local research and development capabilities to drive innovation in next-generation radar technology. This will involve establishing advanced research facilities, acquiring cutting-edge technologies, collaborating with global experts, and implementing specialized training programs.

Al Marar highlighted the broader impact of the initiative, stating, “By investing in advanced production facilities, we are positioning the UAE as a global hub for radar innovation, shaping the future of defense technology across air, land, and maritime domains. This aligns with our strategic vision to expand the UAE’s industrial capacity in advanced technologies and foster self-reliance and innovation on a global scale.”

Indra’s CEO added, “In Abu Dhabi, we plan to build a state-of-the-art factory equipped with the most advanced technologies to meet the growing demand for innovative radar systems. This joint venture with EDGE will help accelerate the international transformation of our defense business, as outlined in our Leading the Future strategic plan.”

PULSE will also have preferential rights to current and future radar orders awarded to either Indra or EDGE, as specified in the agreement. Additionally, the venture will generate new opportunities in high-growth international markets, aligning with Indra’s Leading the Future Strategic Plan.