Anduril Makes Mideast Debut in $200 Million Drone Deal With UAE

Anduril Industries Inc. and the Emirati defense company EDGE Group PJSC are launching a joint venture to build drones in the United Arab Emirates, as the US startup makes its first foray into the Middle East.

In a move that marks deeper American collaboration with the UAE’s military-industrial base, EDGE will invest around $200 million to form a manufacturing facility with Anduril in Abu Dhabi, according to a statement. The company plans to start production for autonomous drones by the end of 2028, and an unnamed UAE entity has already placed 50 orders for the drone system dubbed “Omen.”