EDGE and Magnaghi Aerospace cooperate on drone parts

The UAE is working to build as much independence in defence as possible, including through establishing domestic supply chains for key components. This deal between the EDGE Group and Magnaghi Aerospace supports this by paving the way for the two to work on developing domestic drone components. 

BLUF: 

• The agreement was signed at the Dubai Air Show and paves the way for the two companies to collaborate with an initial focus on landing gear and other core components for UAVs. 
• Magnaghi will leverage its experience in the development of the Sky Arrow aircraft specifically. 
• EDGE has recently announced a raft of domestic measures designed to increase its supply chain independence. Including the production of engines for cruise missiles and rocket motors. 

The EDGE Group and Magnaghi Aerospace Group have signed an agreement to explore avenues for cooperation in the field of components for uncrewed aerial vehicles during the Dubai Airshow, according to a November 20th press release. “This is a significant first step and one that we’re confident will pave the way for EDGE to significantly expand signature unmanned programmes, now and in the future,” Hamad Al Marar, Managing Director and CEO of EDGE Group, said. 

The two companies have agreed that EDGE will explore cooperation with Magnaghi’s business divisions to develop in areas like landing gear as well as other core components for autonomous aerial platforms, which may include navigation systems and aircraft structures. “We will bring our strong capabilities through landing system solutions, aerostructure expertise, and extensive aerial working know-how developed through our Sky Arrow aircraft,” Paolo Graziano, Executive Chairman of Magnaghi explained. 

Sky Arrow is a small fixed wing propeller driven aircraft that is in use around the world. It is primarily manned and deployed for a variety of purposes. The group is also in the process of developing an uncrewed version. The landing gear element of Magnaghi is the oldest element of the group and described as “one of the few manufacturers in the world able to design, produce and certify complete landing gear systems,” on the company’s website. 

• Dubai Airshow: EDGE launches 42 new products – Calibre Defence
• Calibre interview: Miles Chambers, SVP of International Business Development, EDGE Group
• Omen UAV unveiled by EDGE and Anduril – Calibre Defence   

The Sky Arrow weighs around 650 kg in total, which is similar to some of EDGE’s existing UAVs like the Jeer (600 kg max take-off weight(MTOW)), Reach-S (640 kg MTOW), and presumably the recently released Jernas-M too. Altogether this indicates that there will be considerable cross-over between the capabilities of the EDGE Group and Magnaghi.

This year’s Dubai Airshow has been a busy one for EDGE, with 42 new products launched and many contracts announced. Amongst the new products were several new engines for cruise missiles, drones, and loitering munitions as well as solid fuel rocket motors. The company stated that those products were developed to increase its domestic independence, and it stands to reason that this agreement will too. 

Calibre comment: The EDGE approach

In a recent interview with Calibre Defence, Miles Chambers, the SVP for International Business Development at EDGE explained that the company often seeks out partnerships to develop expertise or relationships to build upon its organic capabilities. This partnership with Magnaghi is a further reflection of this and will likely aim to improve the UAE’s ability to produce components for UAVs domestically. The Group clearly sees UAVs and autonomous platforms as an important product set for its future as its own product set and recent announcement on the Omen UAV with Anduril show. With tough competition in the field, any advantage in terms of manufacturing and supply chains may prove pivotal. 

By Sam Cranny-Evans, published on November 21st, 2025. The lead image shows Paolo Graziano, Executive Chairman of MA Group, and Hamad Al Marar, Managing Director and CEO of EDGE Group. Credit: EDGE Group.