Leonardo DRS and TRUST International Group, an entity of EDGE, one of the world’s leading defense and advanced technology groups, and a key industry partner in the United Aram Emirates (UAE) working to foster a collaborative ecosystem between industry and government, announced they are partnering to fortify the UAE’s defense capabilities.
The companies signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) during IDEX 2025 to work together on the development, production, and long-term support for defense solutions tailored to the UAE Armed Forces.
The MoU was signed by Dr. Jasem Al Zaabi, Vice President of Business Development – EDGE and Joe Rahbany, Leonardo DRS’s Vice President, Corporate Business Development, Middle East. Under the terms of the agreement, the two entities will collaborate in the procurement and systems integration of cutting-edge technologies with a focus on situational awareness systems for vehicle integration.
The collaboration has been designed to support the growing operational requirements of the UAE Armed Forces and to ensure the self-sufficiency of the national defense sector through establishing advanced and reliable defense systems. This initiative aligns with the country’s vision of enhancing local defense capabilities and fostering partnerships that bring advanced technologies to the region.
TRUST International Group and Leonardo DRS are committed to supporting the UAE’s defense sector by encouraging innovation and developing localized solutions to meet the rapidly changing defense and national security landscape.
Speaking on the synergy, Dr. Jasem Al Zaabi said: “This agreement represents a significant step in our commitment to providing the UAE Armed Forces with state-of-the-art defense systems. Partnering with Leonardo DRS, further strengthens our confidence in our ability to deliver innovative solutions that address the evolving needs of the UAE Armed Forces.”
“Leonardo DRS is proud to partner with TRUST International Group to support the UAE’s defense modernization efforts,” Rahbany said. “Our shared expertise and commitment to excellence will ensure that we deliver world-class advanced solutions to the UAE Armed Forces, strengthening their operational readiness and technological edge.”
About Leonardo DRS
Headquartered in Arlington, VA, Leonardo DRS, Inc. is an innovative and agile provider of advanced defense technology to U.S. national security customers and allies around the world. We specialize in the design, development and manufacture of advanced sensing, network computing, force protection, and electric power and propulsion, and other leading mission-critical technologies. Our innovative people are leading the way in developing disruptive technologies for autonomous, dynamic, interconnected, and multi-domain capabilities to defend against new and emerging threats. For more information and to learn more about our full range of capabilities, visit www.LeonardoDRS.com