EDGE Group’s naval arm Abu Dhabi Ship Building (ADSB) has partnered with Spain-based defence company Indra to enhance the FA-400 patrol vessel with the latter’s advanced naval technologies.
Supported by PULSE – a joint venture between EDGE and Indra, the partnership will see the FA-400 outfitted with Indra’s 3D Radar, Radar Electronic Support Measures (R-ESM), Communications Electronic Support Measures (C-ESM), and Counter-Unmanned Aerial Systems (C-UAS) jammers.
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These enhancements are expected to boost the vessel’s operational effectiveness.
ADSB chairman and EDGE platforms and systems president Khaled Al Zaabi said: “As a vessel entirely designed and constructed in the UAE, the FA-400 reinforces our objective of building a portfolio of world-class platforms, fully aligned with the needs of modern defence.
“Integrating Indra’s advanced radar and electromagnetic systems enhances the FA-400’s capabilities, ensuring resilience and adaptability to meet a range of operational challenges.”
The deal was formalised at the Naval Defence Exhibition & Conference (NAVDEX) 2025 event in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates (UAE) which concludes on 21 February.
The FA-400, now featuring Indra’s radar and electronic warfare systems, is showcased at NAVDEX.
Indra Group executive chairman Ángel Escribano said: “Indra brings decades of expertise in developing high-performance defence technologies, with its 3D Radar, EW, and C-UAS solutions widely recognised for their robust capabilities across challenging operational environments.
“The integration of our proven systems ADSB’s FA-400 reflects a shared vision to elevate naval defence standards and introduce a new level of sophistication to UAE-built naval vessels.”
In a separate announcement, ADSB has launched the ALTAF missile boat, the first of the Falaj 3-class fast patrol vessels (FPVs) for the UAE Navy. It is expected to strengthen the nation’s naval capabilities.
The initial contract for four Falaj 3-class FPVs was awarded to ADSB in May 2021. The 62m-long missile boat is completely designed and constructed in the UAE.
Zaabi said: “The commissioning of the ‘ALTAF’, the first-of-class vessel of the prestigious FALAJ3 programme, is a proud moment for EDGE, ADSB, and the UAE’s defence industry.”
At the International Defence Exhibition (IDEX) 2025 in Abu Dhabi, the joint venture (JV) between Fincantieri and EDGE Maestral signed a €500m contract to support the UAE Navy.
