Press Release
Strategic defence industry partnership with the United Arab Emirates
4iG Space and Defence Technologies joins forces with EDGE Group to develop high-tech defence solutions and support their rollout across European and African markets.
- At the invitation of the Hungarian Government, His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), arrived to Budapest for an official visit today, accompanied by a high-level government and business delegation.
- During the visit, 4iG Space and Defence Technologies (4iG SDT) signed three Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with EDGE Group, one of the world’s leading defence and advanced technology companies.
- In addition to establishing a broader technology partnership, the agreements specifically aim to jointly develop, localise, and market several defence systems – including EDGE’s SKYKNIGHT air defence missile system, SHADOW line of loitering munitions, and VEGA and ORION unmanned air traffic control systems.
- The goal of the partnership is to combine the two parties’ technological capabilities to develop NATO-compatible defence solutions that are competitive and export-ready for international markets.
At the invitation of the Hungarian Government, His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates, visited Budapest this week. During the visit, 4iG Space and Defence Technologies (4iG SDT) signed three strategic Memoranda of Understanding with the UAE’s defence technology giant, EDGE Group, marking a new level of industrial cooperation between the two countries.
One of the agreements outlines a comprehensive framework for technology and knowledge transfer, while the other two focus on joint development, localisation, and market introduction of specific defence systems – including UAVs, counter-UAS (C-UAS), air defence and command-and-control solutions. These new collaborations go beyond
traditional commercial ties, aiming at co-development, manufacturing, and joint go-to-market strategies.
“The agreements signed today mark a milestone in 4iG SDT's international defence industry efforts. Through the partnership
with one of the world’s fastest-growing defence technology companies, we can develop systems with strong potential for success
in both European and African markets on a mutual basis. EDGE’s trust and openness provide an opportunity for Hungary to become
a strategic player in the global defence innovation ecosystem,” said István Sárhegyi, CEO of 4iG SDT.
Hamad Al Marar, Managing Director and CEO, EDGE, said: “Our goal with partners such as 4iG SDT is to aid nations in developing and achieving advanced sovereign defence technology
and industrial capabilities. The global security landscape has necessitated modernisation programmes to capitalise on the
latest autonomous technology and address rapidly evolving aerial threats. This collaboration strengthens EDGE’s ability to
deliver competitive, NATO-compatible, and export-ready solutions, not only in support of Hungary’s national objectives, but
also as a gateway to deeper engagement across Europe and NATO member states.”
Three Agreements – Three Technological Pillars
As an extension of the strategic partnership launched in April this year, 4iG Space and Defence Technologies (4iG SDT) and EDGE Group signed three Memoranda of Understanding,
each focusing on distinct technology domains.
The first agreement establishes a broad-based technological partnership to co-develop next-generation defence and space industry technologies and explore
market opportunities in the fields of UAS, C-UAS, and space solutions. The parties will assess cooperation opportunities across the full value
chain – from infrastructure development to joint marketing and product commercialisation, including mutual technology and knowledge transfer. As part of the partnership, both companies will build on their existing business networks: EDGE in African markets, and 4iG SDT in Central and Eastern European markets.
The second agreement focuses on the further development and potential production of two cutting-edge defence systems – the SKYKNIGHT air defence missile system, and SHADOW line of loitering munitions – in Hungary, furthermore to identify new commercialisation channels. The agreement also covers the potential establishment of a joint venture. SKYKNIGHT, developed by EDGE, is a rapidly deployable, comprehensive inner-layer protection against a wide variety of asymmetric and conventional threats,
including rockets, artillery shells, mortars (RAM), ballistic bombs and stand-off weapons. The SHADOW-25 and SHADOW-50 loitering munitions represent a new generation in target detection and precision strike capabilities. These systems, used in modern precision warfare, can conduct long-endurance patrols, target recognition and identification,
and execute autonomous engagements in both battlefield and special operations scenarios.
The third agreement addresses the advancement, European adaptation, and local implementation of the VEGA (Unmanned Traffic Management) and ORION (Drone
Fleet Management) systems developed by EDGE. These platforms cover unmanned air traffic control, drone management, and airspace traffic coordination. The MoU also includes
the assessment of establishing a joint venture to serve as a European development and sales hub for VEGA and ORION. In addition,
the parties will explore the joint development of leading-edge UTM, drone management, and airspace traffic systems in Hungary
for the European market.
The partnership between 4iG SDT and EDGE aims to deliver jointly developed, export-ready solutions that meet the technological and security requirements of NATO. The collaboration enables 4iG SDT to develop and market internationally competitive defence and space technologies, and
supports EDGE’s expansion into NATO member states, while enabling both companies to build on their respective networks – EDGE
across African markets, and 4iG SDT throughout Central and Eastern Europe.
17 July 2025
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Additional information
4iG Group
Additional information 4iG Plc. is a Hungarian majority-owned company based in Budapest. It is a leading telecommunication, IT, aerospace and defence
group in Hungary and the Western Balkans, and a key player in the knowledge-based digital economy. The Budapest Stock Exchange-listed
company has a fresh and innovative approach, and its position as Hungary’s leading IT systems integrator makes it a leading
business service provider in the region’s digital transformation. 4iG’s dynamic expansion strategy has resulted in the company
becoming a dominant player in the Hungarian and Western Balkan telecom markets. The Group is continuously expanding its services,
expertise, and portfolio to meet the changing needs and demands of the telecom and IT markets. 4iG Group is a substantial
employer, with a workforce of over 8,000 people. www.4iG.hu
4iG Space and Defence Technologies (4iG SDT)
4iG SDT is a Hungary-based member of the 4iG Group, specialising in the research, development, integration, and international
commercialisation of defence and space technologies. The company aims to support the development of NATO-compatible defence
capabilities with innovative solutions and to serve as a bridge between the Hungarian technology sector and the global defence
industry. 4iG SDT plays a key role in Hungary’s defence innovation ecosystem and actively contributes to the dual-use adaptation
of advanced technologies for civilian applications. www.4igsdt.hu
About EDGE
Launched in November 2019, the UAE’s EDGE is one of the world’s leading advanced technology groups, established to develop
agile, bold and disruptive solutions for defence and beyond, and to be a catalyst for change and transformation. It is dedicated
to bringing breakthrough innovations, products, and services to market with greater speed and efficiency, to position the
UAE as a leading global hub for future industries, and to creating clear paths within the sector for the next generation of
highly-skilled talent to thrive. With a focus on the adoption of 4IR technologies, EDGE is driving the development of sovereign
capabilities for global export and for the preservation of national security, working with front-line operators, international
partners, and adopting advanced technologies such as autonomous capabilities, cyber-physical systems, advanced propulsion
systems, robotics and smart materials. EDGE converges R&D, emerging technologies, digital transformation, and commercial market
innovations with military capabilities to develop disruptive solutions tailored to the specific requirements of its customers.
Headquartered in Abu Dhabi, capital of the UAE, EDGE consolidates more than 35 entities into six core clusters: Platforms
& Systems, Missiles & Weapons, Space & Cyber Technologies, Trading & Mission Support, Technology & Innovation, and Homeland
Security. For more information, visit edgegroup.ae
For more information, please contact:
Péter ELKÁN
Group Corporate Affairs and Communications Director
sajto (@) 4ig.hu