MoU Formed for Advanced Radio & IFF Solutions

At IDEX-NAVDEX 2025, EARTH and Thales have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen their collaboration in radio communications, Identification Friend or Foe (IFF) solutions, and associated services.

This agreement will support the UAE’s ambition to enhance the operational capabilities of its armed forces, particularly in equipping UAVs with advanced military communication technologies.

EARTH is an entity within EDGE, an advanced technology group headquartered in Abu Dhabi, and provides world-class engineering, systems integration, and procurement services to defence, national security and public safety clients in the UAE and internationally.

Thanks to its expertise, EARTH has been elected by the UAE Air Force Air Defence as the system integrator to equip various airborne platforms with Thales radios and IFF.

As part of this cooperation, Thales will provide military radios and advanced IFF transponders to EARTH, as system integrator on UAVs.

The IFF solution, a miniature and lightweight transponder, is specifically designed for UAVs, helicopters, and transport platforms. It offers future-proof capabilities, including the potential integration of GPS and detect & avoid features, further strengthening mission-critical situational awareness.

This agreement reflects Thales’s strategic ambitions in the UAE, reinforcing its long-standing presence as a trusted partner in defence, aerospace, digital, and cybersecurity. With 1,700 employees in the region, including 550 in the UAE, Thales has been developing sovereign solutions, investing in local talent, and fostering industrial partnerships to support the country’s national vision.

Hazzaa Al Alabdouli, CEO of EARTH, commented, “EDGE Group’s strategic collaboration with Thales reflects our unwavering commitment to equipping the UAE’s armed forces with the world’s most reliable military communication technologies.

“By integrating Thales’ cutting-edge radios and IFF solutions into airborne platforms, we are enhancing mission-critical capabilities while reinforcing local expertise and innovation in our defence systems integration.”

Present in the UAE for more than five decades, Thales has played a key role in equipping land, sea, air, and space platforms with innovative electronic systems, including radars, sensors, sonars, communication systems, and digital solutions.

Christophe Salomon, Executive Vice-President of Thales Secure Communications & Information Systems, added, “Our partnership with EARTH is a testament to our commitment to developing cutting-edge defence technologies and strengthening the UAE’s defence ecosystem. By localising expertise and co-developing advanced solutions, Thales is committed to helping build a more resilient and self-sufficient defence industry.”