EDGE, a technology and defence conglomerate, has sealed a deal worth approximately DH0.6bn ($164m) with the Brazilian Navy.
The agreement, officially signed at the Dubai Airshow, involves the provision of extended-range National Surface Anti-Ship Missiles (MANSUP-ER) and a shorter-range version.
The Letter of Intent was formalized by Mansour AlMulla, managing director and CEO of EDGE Group, and rear admiral Marcelo Menezes Cardoso, director of navy weapons systems of the Brazilian Navy.
In June this year, the EDGE group and the Brazilian Navy inked a strategic collaboration to develop long-range anti-ship missiles.
MANSUP-ER is co-developed with the Brazilian Navy and SIATT, a specialist in smart weapons and high-tech systems, with EDGE holding a 50% share. The long-range surface-to-surface missile possesses adaptive sea-skimming capabilities, a 200km range, and features inertial guidance and active radar homing. Currently undergoing testing by Brazil's naval fleet, the MANSUP solutions are poised for integration into selected air and land systems.
With 68.9% of the total market share in the region, Brazil is expected to be the largest market for MMDS in Latin America, according to GlobalData's "The Global Missiles & Missile Defense Systems Market 2023-2033" report.
Mansour AlMulla, CEO of EDGE Group, expressed confidence in the disruptive potential of the MANSUP-ER system, "EDGE is continuously pushing the boundaries to become a major market player in high-tech defence systems. Our expanding partnerships in Brazil, particularly with the Brazilian Navy, are enabling us to leverage our experience and expertise to develop advanced defence capabilities and other related technologies across multiple domains. We are confident that the MANSUP-ER system will disrupt the domination held for years by existing incumbent solutions."
Rear Admiral Marcelo Menezes Cardoso highlighted the collaboration as a milestone, "Today marks a significant milestone in strengthening the partnership between the Brazilian Navy, SIATT, and EDGE as we sign this letter of intent for the supply of our advanced MANSUP-ER anti-ship missiles. This collaboration is a testament to our joint commitment to innovation in the co-development of state-of-the-art defence technology to enhance our naval capabilities and safeguard our maritime interests."
EDGE is set to open a new regional office in Brasilia, Brazil, underscoring its confidence in Latin American markets.
