Latest news with #LorenzoMariani
Broadcast Pro
24-02-2025
- Business
- Broadcast Pro
EDGE and Leonardo strengthen partnership with new defence agreement
The agreement also paves the way for joint marketing efforts targeting international governments and commits both companies to developing shared intellectual property and future design innovations. Photo credit: WAM EDGE, the UAE-based advanced technology group, and Leonardo, a global leader in aerospace, defence and security, have signed a major collaboration agreement to expand their partnership across six key defence domains. Signed at the International Defence Exhibition (IDEX) 2025 in Abu Dhabi, the agreement establishes a strategic framework to strengthen cooperation in the UAE market while driving global export initiatives. The partnership will enhance synergies, facilitate knowledge exchange and optimise resources to capitalise on emerging defence opportunities. The collaboration will focus on six critical areas: Airborne Capabilities, including Radar for Multi-Mission Aircraft; Anti-Tactical Ballistic Missile Defence; Counter-Drone and Mobile Surveillance Systems; Naval Combat Management Systems; Radio Communications; and Optronics Commander Sight. Commenting on the deal, Hamad Al Marar, EDGE Group Managing Director & CEO, said: 'This important step marks the next phase in our existing strategic agreement with industry leader Leonardo, building on the opportunities presented by the strong relationship between the UAE and Italy. Fundamentally, however, it reinforces our vision of growth through mutually beneficial partnerships, ensuring a win-win approach to sourcing and realising complementary multi-domain opportunities across the world, and expanding these synergies for continued economic growth, innovation, and excellence, all in support of the sustainable preservation of security.' The agreement is a precursor to a structured partnership focused on jointly marketing these products and solutions to governments across multiple countries. It also commits to the development of shared intellectual property (IP) and future design innovations. Lorenzo Mariani, Co-General Manager of Leonardo, added: 'We are deeply honoured and thrilled to collaborate with EDGE Group, aiming to establish unprecedented industrial capabilities for national and export requirements. The sectors identified as pillars of this joint strategy are getting more and more important in an evolving market and operational scenario. That is why we believe that joining forces in these fields will deliver the level of capabilities that the UAE and other export markets are requiring. The strategic agreement aims to further enhance the capabilities of both EDGE and Leonardo in the design of cutting-edge, complex systems in disruptive sectors with significant market potential, and is a crucial step in diversifying and expanding both groups portfolios of airborne, terrestrial, naval, and cyber solutions.'
The National
21-02-2025
- Automotive
- The National
Italy's Leonardo optimistic about partnership with UAE's Edge Group
Lorenzo Mariani, co-general manager of the Italian aerospace and defence sector giant Leonardo, sat down with The National at the Idex defence expo in Abu Dhabi to talk about the company's expanding ventures in the Middle East, including the "strategic agreement" announced this week with the UAE's Edge Group. Leonardo and the Edge Group, a technology conglomerate with a reputation for advanced unmanned air and ground systems and armoured vehicles, share similar visions, Mr Mariani said. Both organisations showcased a range of new military capabilities at Idex, from Leonardo's next-generation AW249 attack helicopter, which is designed to be paired with drones, to Edge Group and Milrem Robotics' joint project Havoc, an eight-wheel drive uncrewed vehicle that can carry nearly five tonnes up to 600km. Both machines are at the leading edge of what is sometimes called manned-unmanned teaming, which envisions networks of ground and aerial drones disrupting enemy positions while keeping the assaulting force in relative safety. 'What really excites me is that Edge Group is really enthusiastic about technology. They really want to develop new technology and to be a reference point, not only for the UAE, but also for other countries in the region in terms of exports, so bringing concrete benefits to their country and the whole area,' Mr Mariano said. 'Secondly, they have a real spirit of co-operation. And I think this is key, because in today's world, that is moving very fast, unfortunately, due to external events and conflicts, changing from day to day, co-operation is key. That's not just relating to new threats but new technologies too.' The Leonardo-Edge agreement will focus on "the design of cutting edge, complex systems in disruptive sectors with significant market potential", a press release said. Hamad Al Marar, Edge Group managing director and chief executive, said it was a "win-win" and would build "on the strong relationship between the UAE and Italy". The Leonardo industrial group, which traces its history through decades of ambitious Italian and European technology ventures, has deep experience in multinational, multi-company projects including the Eurofighter Typhoon, the Airbus A380 and the International Space Station. But there are equally important breakthroughs it can point to, from working on next-generation radars to hyperspectral sensors in space, which can examine the chemical composition of different parts of the Earth's surface from orbit. More recently, it has expanded into what is arguably the most complex field of innovation, semiconductor fabrication, where progress is measured at the near-invisible nanoscale. 'Traditionally we've been focused on co-operation in Europe, sharing our missile activities with Airbus and BAE Systems, now recently sharing our tank competencies with Rheinmetall. But I think now in key fields such as air defence, artificial intelligence, cyber and such domains, we have to find alternatives and more agile ways of co-operation. Edge is really on the same frequency,' he said. In December, Leonardo formalised a joint project with BAE Systems and the Japanese aeronautical company Jaiec to work on the Global Combat Air Programme, an ambitious project to field a next-generation fighter jet, sometimes referred to as a sixth-generation jet. These are typically imagined to be enabled by a high level of autonomy, or AI, operating as control aircraft for fast, stealthy attack drones. They are often characterised by powerful electronic warfare capabilities that can be rapidly upgraded or even reprogrammed in-flight. To secure this high-tech vision, defence planners are increasingly focused on supply chains of the best microchip or semiconductor technology. The UAE is a massive investor in AI, the brains of which are the world's 'leading edge' chips. Last week, France and the UAE announced a partnership for joint AI-focused data centres. In modern warfare, chip technology has often trailed behind civilian tech but increasingly this is no longer the case. The best chips are required for autonomous systems – drones which use computer vision – rapidly processing vast amounts of data to fly and find targets on their own. Other leading edge chip applications in war involve using AI to help quick decision-making under fire, in environments where soldiers could come under attack from fast-moving drones, while monitoring multiple sources of data such as video feeds and early-warning systems. Some projects in the US envision entirely AI-led dogfights. A key concern is that the supply chains for these chips are contested by world powers, and that in the next big conflict there may not be enough raw materials and manufacturing capacity for the best semiconductors. One material often mentioned in the defence sector is gallium nitride, a critical material for building energy-dense semiconductors with high heat tolerance and high efficiency. Gallium nitride semiconductors are vital for Active Electronically Scanned Array radars – essentially 'smart' radars that can shape and rapidly move multiple radar beams at once, taking on different tasks, and even deceiving or jamming enemy radar. Leonardo was one of the first companies to work on Aesa technology in the 1990s. Right now, the defence sector accounts for only about 15 per cent of the demand for gallium nitride, but that is set to change. 'Semiconductors are a key element that is crucial for defence and civilian industry. Let's remember that a good portion of the issues facing the automotive industry during the Ukrainian conflict and Covid were related to the free movement of ships and supply chains. Demand for semiconductors in the civilian market is much higher than for defence, but defence is strategic, of course," Mr Mariani said. 'For semiconductors Leonardo has always considered the foundry activity as a core one, we traditionally have our internal foundry, at least to manage at design level, key elements of our radar, key elements of our electronic warfare equipment, and even in the UK, for the infrared detectors. So we were really taking care of the in-house component.' Like the UAE, Italy is making its own strategic investments in securing its share of the semiconductor supply, chain and last year the government announced $10.7 billion to boost local manufacturing and related processes such as advanced packaging, which refers to the highly delicate process of integrating and protecting tiny chips into systems. 'We have in place key investment already and in progress, in order to ensure that a basic capacity, and a basic sovereign capability and secure supply is guaranteed to Leonardo for key equipment,' Mr Mariani said. 'Of course, the quantities for production often demand larger installations, larger equipment, and in that case we still rely a lot on Taiwan, for example.' Mr Mariani is optimistic on the combined vision of Leonardo's partnership with Edge. 'It's important to identify practical elements for the collaboration. For sure, we want to always be strategic in our collaborations, so as to find the long-term goal. But then the key for the success of the collaboration is to also find short-term projects, short-term products, short-term customers, to apply the fruit of this collaboration. And that has always been our strength,' he said.
Mid East Info
19-02-2025
- Business
- Mid East Info
EDGE Group and Leonardo Sign Groundbreaking Collaboration Agreement - Middle East Business News and Information
Strategic agreement aims to enhance the capabilities of both EDGE and Leonardo to design cutting-edge, complex and disruptive systems for international export A crucial step in diversifying and completing both groups' portfolios of airborne, terrestrial, naval, and cyber solutions. Abu Dhabi, UAE: February, 2025 – EDGE, one of the world's leading advanced technology and defence groups, and Leonardo, a major global industrial group that builds technological capabilities in aerospace, defence, and security, have signed a groundbreaking collaboration agreement to further enhance their partnership in developing solutions across six critical domains. The agreement aims to strengthen existing synergies and capitalise on new complementary opportunities for deeper cooperation. The pivotal agreement, signed at the International Defence Exhibition (IDEX) 2025, currently taking place in Abu Dhabi, establishes a strategic framework for the UAE market while advancing a global export strategy. It aims to enhance synergies, facilitate knowledge exchange, and optimise specialised resources to capitalise on emerging opportunities more effectively. The collaboration will focus on key domains:Airborne Capabilities including Radar – particularly for Multi Mission Aircraft; Anti-Tactical Ballistic Missile Defence; Counter-Drone and Mobile Surveillance Systems; Naval Combat Management Systems; Radio Communications; and Optronics Commander Sight. Hamad Al Marar, EDGE Group Managing Director & CEO, said: 'This important step marks the next phase in our existing strategic agreement with industry leader Leonardo, building on the opportunities presented by the strong relationship between the UAE and Italy. Fundamentally, however, it reinforces our vision of growth through mutually beneficial partnerships, ensuring a win-win approach to sourcing and realising complementary multi-domain opportunities across the world, and expanding these synergies for continued economic growth, innovation, and excellence, all in support of the sustainable preservation of security.' The agreement is a precursor to a structured partnership focused on jointly marketing these products and solutions to governments across multiple countries. It also commits to the development of shared intellectual property (IP) and future design innovations. Lorenzo Mariani, Co-General Manager of Leonardo, added: 'We are deeply honoured and thrilled to collaborate with EDGE Group, aiming to establish unprecedented industrial capabilities for national and export requirements. The sectors identified as pillars of this joint strategy are getting more and more important in an evolving market and operational scenario. That is why we believe that joining forces in these fields will deliver the level of capabilities that the UAE and other export markets are requiring.' The strategic agreement aims to further enhance the capabilities of both EDGE and Leonardo in the design of cutting-edge, complex systems in disruptive sectors with significant market potential, and is a crucial step in diversifying and expanding both groups' portfolios of airborne, terrestrial, naval, and cyber solutions.
Trade Arabia
18-02-2025
- Business
- Trade Arabia
EDGE signs key deals with Leonardo, Lockheed Martin
EDGE, one of the world's leading advanced technology and defence groups, and Leonardo, a major global industrial group that builds technological capabilities in aerospace, defence, and security, have signed a groundbreaking collaboration agreement to further enhance their partnership in developing solutions across six critical domains. The agreement aims to strengthen existing synergies and capitalise on new complementary opportunities for deeper cooperation. The pivotal agreement, signed at the International Defence Exhibition (IDEX) 2025, currently taking place in Abu Dhabi, establishes a strategic framework for the UAE market while advancing a global export strategy. It aims to enhance synergies, facilitate knowledge exchange, and optimise specialised resources to capitalise on emerging opportunities more effectively. The collaboration will focus on key domains: Airborne Capabilities including Radar – particularly for Multi Mission Aircraft; Anti-Tactical Ballistic Missile Defence; Counter-Drone and Mobile Surveillance Systems; Naval Combat Management Systems; Radio Communications; and Optronics Commander Sight. Hamad Al Marar, EDGE Group Managing Director & CEO, said: 'This important step marks the next phase in our existing strategic agreement with industry leader Leonardo, building on the opportunities presented by the strong relationship between the UAE and Italy. Fundamentally, however, it reinforces our vision of growth through mutually beneficial partnerships, ensuring a win-win approach to sourcing and realising complementary multi-domain opportunities across the world, and expanding these synergies for continued economic growth, innovation, and excellence, all in support of the sustainable preservation of security.' The agreement is a precursor to a structured partnership focused on jointly marketing these products and solutions to governments across multiple countries. It also commits to the development of shared intellectual property (IP) and future design innovations. Lorenzo Mariani, Co-General Manager of Leonardo, added: 'We are deeply honoured and thrilled to collaborate with EDGE Group, aiming to establish unprecedented industrial capabilities for national and export requirements. The sectors identified as pillars of this joint strategy are getting more and more important in an evolving market and operational scenario. That is why we believe that joining forces in these fields will deliver the level of capabilities that the UAE and other export markets are requiring.' The strategic agreement aims to further enhance the capabilities of both EDGE and Leonardo in the design of cutting-edge, complex systems in disruptive sectors with significant market potential, and is a crucial step in diversifying and expanding both groups' portfolios of airborne, terrestrial, naval, and cyber solutions. EDGE signs Letter of Intent with Lockheed Martin EPI, an EDGE entity and the cornerstone of precision engineering in the UAE's aerospace, oil and gas, and defence industries, has signed a Letter of Intent (LoI) with Lockheed Martin, a global defence technology company driving innovation and advancing scientific discovery, to explore emerging opportunities to support the UAE's industrial growth, reinforce its national defence capabilities and strengthen self-sufficiency in key defence domains. The LoI was signed by Michael Deshaies, CEO of EPI, and John S Clark, Vice President of Business Development at Lockheed Martin's Missiles and Fire Control division, and witnessed by Khaled Al Zaabi, President of Platforms and Systems cluster at EDGE. Under the LoI, EPI and Lockheed Martin will explore areas of opportunities to strengthen EPI's commitment to support the UAE's industrial growth, national defence capabilities, and self-sufficiency in significant defence domains. Speaking on the synergy, Michael Deshaies said: 'Part of our core strategy at EPI is to explore mutually beneficial partnerships to drive the diversification of our operations and join forces with key players in aerospace and defence, in line with our commitment to excellence and innovation. Also aligned with EDGE's mission to localise trailblazing technologies and industrial capabilities, we are well on track to strengthening the UAE's position as a leading competitive industrial centre in various sectors.' 'Lockheed Martin is proud to work alongside EPI to foster innovation, strengthen local industry, and advance the UAE's long-term defence capabilities,' said John Clark. 'This collaboration underscores our shared commitment to delivering cutting-edge technologies and building a sustainable industrial base in the region.'-
Zawya
18-02-2025
- Business
- Zawya
EDGE Group and Leonardo sign groundbreaking collaboration agreement
Strategic agreement aims to enhance the capabilities of both EDGE and Leonardo to design cutting-edge, complex and disruptive systems for international export Abu Dhabi, UAE: – EDGE, one of the world's leading advanced technology and defence groups, and Leonardo, a major global industrial group that builds technological capabilities in aerospace, defence, and security, have signed a groundbreaking collaboration agreement to further enhance their partnership in developing solutions across six critical domains. The agreement aims to strengthen existing synergies and capitalise on new complementary opportunities for deeper cooperation. The pivotal agreement, signed at the International Defence Exhibition (IDEX) 2025, currently taking place in Abu Dhabi, establishes a strategic framework for the UAE market while advancing a global export strategy. It aims to enhance synergies, facilitate knowledge exchange, and optimise specialised resources to capitalise on emerging opportunities more effectively. The collaboration will focus on key domains:Airborne Capabilities including Radar – particularly for Multi Mission Aircraft; Anti-Tactical Ballistic Missile Defence; Counter-Drone and Mobile Surveillance Systems; Naval Combat Management Systems; Radio Communications; and Optronics Commander Sight. Hamad Al Marar, EDGE Group Managing Director & CEO, said: 'This important step marks the next phase in our existing strategic agreement with industry leader Leonardo, building on the opportunities presented by the strong relationship between the UAE and Italy. Fundamentally, however, it reinforces our vision of growth through mutually beneficial partnerships, ensuring a win-win approach to sourcing and realising complementary multi-domain opportunities across the world, and expanding these synergies for continued economic growth, innovation, and excellence, all in support of the sustainable preservation of security.' The agreement is a precursor to a structured partnership focused on jointly marketing these products and solutions to governments across multiple countries. It also commits to the development of shared intellectual property (IP) and future design innovations. Lorenzo Mariani, Co-General Manager of Leonardo, added: 'We are deeply honoured and thrilled to collaborate with EDGE Group, aiming to establish unprecedented industrial capabilities for national and export requirements. The sectors identified as pillars of this joint strategy are getting more and more important in an evolving market and operational scenario. That is why we believe that joining forces in these fields will deliver the level of capabilities that the UAE and other export markets are requiring.' The strategic agreement aims to further enhance the capabilities of both EDGE and Leonardo in the design of cutting-edge, complex systems in disruptive sectors with significant market potential, and is a crucial step in diversifying and expanding both groups' portfolios of airborne, terrestrial, naval, and cyber solutions. About EDGE Launched in November 2019, the UAE's EDGE is one of the world's leading advanced technology groups, established to develop agile, bold and disruptive solutions for defence and beyond, and to be a catalyst for change and transformation. It is dedicated to bringing breakthrough innovations, products, and services to market with greater speed and efficiency, to position the UAE as a leading global hub for future industries, and to creating clear paths within the sector for the next generation of highly-skilled talent to thrive. With a focus on the adoption of 4IR technologies, EDGE is driving the development of sovereign capabilities for global export and for the preservation of national security, working with front-line operators, international partners, and adopting advanced technologies such as autonomous capabilities, cyber-physical systems, advanced propulsion systems, robotics and smart materials. EDGE converges R&D, emerging technologies, digital transformation, and commercial market innovations with military capabilities to develop disruptive solutions tailored to the specific requirements of its customers. Headquartered in Abu Dhabi, capital of the UAE, EDGE consolidates more than 35 entities into six core clusters: Platforms & Systems, Missiles & Weapons, Space & Cyber Technologies, Trading & Mission Support, Technology & Innovation, and Homeland Security. About Leonardo Leonardo is an international industrial group, among the main global companies in Aerospace, Defence, and Security (AD&S). With 53,000 employees worldwide, the company approaches global security through the Helicopters, Electronics, Aircraft, Cyber & Security and Space sectors, and is a partner on the most important international programmes, within these sectors, such as Eurofighter, NH-90, FREMM, GCAP, and Eurodrone. Leonardo has significant production capabilities in Italy, the UK, Poland, and the USA. Leonardo utilises its subsidiaries, joint ventures, and shareholdings, which include Leonardo DRS (72.3%), MBDA (25%), ATR (50%), Hensoldt (22.8%), Telespazio (67%), Thales Alenia Space (33%), and Avio (29.6%). Listed on the Milan Stock Exchange (LDO), in 2023 Leonardo recorded new orders for €17.9 billion, with an order book of €39.5 billion and consolidated revenues of €15.3 billion. Included in the MIB ESG index, the company has also been part of the Dow Jones Sustainability Indices (DJSI) since 2010.
