The UAE has secured a massive $6.8 billion in defense contracts during the 2025 International Defense Exhibition and Conference (IDEX), the Middle East’s largest defense expo.
The five-day event, held in Abu Dhabi, saw 55 contracts awarded to both local and international companies, underscoring the UAE’s role as a global leader in defense and security.
A significant 68% of the deals were awarded to local companies, reflecting the UAE’s continued investment in its indigenous defense capabilities. The total value of contracts signed varied throughout the week, with highlights including AED 3.97 billion on the first day, AED 5.8 billion on the second, AED 10.18 billion on the third, and AED 3.77 billion on the final day.
The Tawazun Council, which oversees many of the agreements at IDEX 2025, played a crucial role in securing these deals. Majed Ahmed Al Jabri, a key spokesperson for the Council, emphasized the UAE’s growing prominence in the global defense industry, saying the success of IDEX and NAVDEX 2025 highlights the UAE’s prominent position as a global leader in the defense industry.
Al Jabri also underscored the importance of the event in strengthening the national defense sector: “With the conclusion of the 17th edition of IDEX and the 8th edition of NAVDEX, we reaffirm Tawazun’s role in achieving its goals of adding value through strategies that adopt the best practices in procurement and acquisition management, in close cooperation with our strategic partner, the Ministry of Defense, in line with the UAE’s vision of developing a future-oriented defense sector.”
جمع #آيدكس و #نافدكس 2025 أحدث المنتجات الدفاعية من شركات الدفاع الرائدة من دولة الإمارات ومن حول العالم في #مركز_أدنيك_أبوظبي. اطّلعوا على بعض هذه المنتجات. #مجموعة_أدنيك#IDEX and #NAVDEX 2025 brought together the latest defence products from leading defence companies in the… pic.twitter.com/LZqEebhIQi
— IDEX (@IDEX_UAE) February 21, 2025
UAE’s EDGE signs $2.9 billion in deals at IDEX and NAVDEX
One of the event’s standout participants, UAE’s defense conglomerate EDGE, signed a remarkable $2.9 billion (AED 10.65 billion) worth of deals during IDEX 2025. EDGE, a leader in advanced technology and defense solutions, clinched 16 contracts with the UAE Armed Forces.
These contracts included a €500 million ($523.34 million) deal with Maestral, a joint venture between EDGE and Fincantieri, to support the UAE Navy, and a Dh3.6 billion deal to supply aerial munitions to the UAE Ministry of Defence. EDGE also signed a Dh226.9 million contract for advanced GPS anti-jamming systems, as well as 32 strategic international agreements.
Hamad Al Marar, EDGE Group Managing Director & CEO, commented on the company’s success: “This has been a very busy week for EDGE, and the support of our main customer and solid commitments and interest from international customers and partners, highlights the tremendous success we continue to enjoy.”
Hamad Al Marar, Managing Director & CEO of EDGE, recaps a highly successful #IDEX2025 and highlights the innovations that set us apart.#EDGE #AlwaysAhead pic.twitter.com/Qs3MjvQbdO
— EDGE (@_edgegroup) February 22, 2025
“Edge is firmly committed to playing a pivotal role in the strengthening of the UAE’s indigenous defence offerings, to continuously disrupting the industry, and our own capabilities, with faster development, speedier delivery, and at revolutionary price points,” Hamad Al Marar said.
UAE inks $1 billion deal with Calidus for missile system
Another major announcement at IDEX 2025 was the signing of a $1 billion (AED 3.76 billion) deal between the UAE and local defense firm Calidus for the development of a new missile system. This agreement, announced on the second day of the event, marks the UAE’s growing reliance on local defense capabilities for its national security needs.
Although the specifics of the contract remain sparse, it was revealed that the missile system would be a ground-to-ground system designed to be mounted on armored vehicles, including light infantry fighting vehicles.
Other notable defense deals at IDEX 2025
Several international companies also secured significant contracts during IDEX 2025. Among the notable deals were:
- Lockheed Martin: A Dh429.4 million contract for adapting new Sidewinder missiles for the UAE’s defense needs.
- GEW Technologies (South Africa): A Dh153.5 million agreement for a wireless jamming system.
- Insitu (US): A Dh55.1 million deal for maintenance and repair services for drone systems.
- Safran Helicopter Engines (France): A Dh23.6 million contract for providing spare parts and technical support services for aircraft engines.
In addition to these international agreements, local firms also secured lucrative deals, including:
- International Golden Group: A Dh180 million deal for the renewal of electronic health record systems and the supply of ammunition valued at Dh145.3 million.
- Al Taif: A Dh29 million contract for maintenance services of air defense systems.
- Fast Marine: A Dh68.8 million deal to provide technical support services for boats.
The success of IDEX 2025 solidifies the UAE’s position as a major player in the global defense and security market. The massive deals signed across various sectors—from advanced technology to military hardware—demonstrate the UAE’s strategic focus on enhancing its indigenous capabilities while forging international partnerships. With the continued leadership of organizations like Tawazun Council and EDGE, the future of the UAE’s defense sector looks more promising than ever.
أكبر قاعة معارض على واجهة بحرية في المنطقة.
— IDEX (@IDEX_UAE) February 20, 2025
أكبر مجموعة من الشركات العالمية المتخصصة.
أكبر تجمع للقادة وصناع القرار والخبراء.
إنه #نافدكس!
انضموا إلينا في النسخة الأضخم.#مركز_أدنيك_أبوظبي#مجموعة_أدنيك
The largest naval defence exhibition.
The largest waterside exhibition… pic.twitter.com/Z0Gkwx3N5h