IDEX 2021: UAE company to work on C-UAV laser with European partners
MoU paves way for cooperation on laser technology as the United Arab Emirates develops an advanced counter-drone strategy.
SIGN4L (the EW subsidiary of the Edge defence conglomerate in the United Arab Emirates) is working with MBDA and laser specialist CILAS to cooperate on the development of high-energy weapon systems, as part of an advanced counter-UAV strategy.
The three parties signed an MoU during the IDEX defence exhibition in Abu Dhabi on 21-25 February.
‘Each of the partners is tasked with identifying a potential axis of cooperation in several domains and activities related to high-energy lasers,’ MBDA noted on 26 February.
Work will cover areas such as operational analysis and systems architecture, while also factoring in potential vulnerabilities and performance demonstration.
Eric Béranger, CEO of MBDA, said: ‘For the first time, MBDA is engaging in an ambitious cooperation outside Western Europe regarding high-energy laser [technology]. Collaboration in this field is of a mutual interest, since MBDA and CILAS’s capabilities and experience working on high-energy laser activities for more than 30 years is complementary to SIGN4L’s strong knowledge and expertise regarding them.’
As part of our promise to deliver comprehensive coverage to our Defence Insight and Premium News subscribers, our curated defence news content provides the latest industry updates, contract awards and programme milestones.
You may also like
More from Digital Battlespace
-
![Babcock nears first customer for Nomad AI translation tool]()
Babcock nears first customer for Nomad AI translation tool
Nomad can provide militaries with real-time intelligence, saving critical time on the battlefield.
-
![AUSA 2025: Israel’s Asio Technologies to supply hundreds of improved Taurus tactical systems]()
AUSA 2025: Israel’s Asio Technologies to supply hundreds of improved Taurus tactical systems
Taurus operates alongside the Israel Defense Forces’ Orion system which supports mission management across tens of thousands of manoeuvring forces, from squad leaders to battalion commanders.
-
![AUSA 2025: Kopin pushes micro-LED plans as China moves faster]()
AUSA 2025: Kopin pushes micro-LED plans as China moves faster
The plan for the new displays follows fresh investment in Kopin’s European facilities by Theon and an order for head-up displays in fielded aircraft, with funding from the US Department of Defense.
-
![AUSA 2025: Persistent Systems to complete its largest order by year’s end]()
AUSA 2025: Persistent Systems to complete its largest order by year’s end
Persistent Systems received its largest ever single order for its MPU5 devices and other systems earlier this month and has already delivered the 50 units to the US Army’s 4th Infantry Division.
-
![Aselsan brings in dozens of companies and systems under the Steel Dome umbrella]()
Aselsan brings in dozens of companies and systems under the Steel Dome umbrella
Turkey has joined the family of countries attempting to establish a multilayered air defence system with government approval in August 2024 for the effort landed by Aselsan. Dubbed Steel Dome, the programme joins Israel’s Iron Dome, the US Golden Dome, India’s Mission Sudarshan Chakra and South Korea’s low-altitude missile defence system.
-
![DSEI 2025: MARSS unveils new agnostic multidomain C4 system]()
DSEI 2025: MARSS unveils new agnostic multidomain C4 system
MARSS’ NiDAR system has been deployed using sensors from static platforms to provide detection and protection for static sights, such as critical infrastructure, ports and military bases.
