EDGE Partners with Thales to Boost Domestic Expertise in Advanced Optronic Systems Maintenance

During the 2025 edition of the Paris Airshow, EDGE, a prominent global advanced technology and defense corporation, in conjunction with Thales, renowned for its high-tech solutions in defense and security, have officially signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at enhancing collaboration in the fabrication and upkeep of Thales’ sophisticated electro-optical systems. This MoU underscores the mutual dedication of both entities to bolster the UAE’s self-sufficient defense capabilities and integrate essential technologies through sustainable, in-country industrial solutions.

As part of the MoU, EDGE’s Electro-Optic Centre of Excellence (EOCE) and Thales are set to explore establishing specialized abilities within the UAE for a variety of Thales’ state-of-the-art optronic systems currently in active service with the UAE Armed Forces. The cooperative focuses include:

• Hand-Held Thermal Imagers (HHTI): Support for the maintenance of Thales’ proven SOPHIE line of thermal imagers, which aid ground forces with exceptional detection and identification capabilities.

• Weapon Sights: Local assistance for Thales’ XTRAIM weapon sights, offering a compact, high-efficiency solution that merges red dot sighting with thermal imaging.

• Electro-Optic Vehicle Cameras: Maintenance and assistance for Thales’ advanced vehicle optronics systems, designed to enhance crew awareness and targeting abilities across various armored platforms.

The MoU was endorsed by Dr. Chaouki Kasmi, President of Technology and Innovation at EDGE, Alexis Morel, Vice-President of Optronics and Missile Electronics at Thales, and Abdelhafid Mordi, Chief Executive Officer of Thales in the UAE. The signing event was attended by Hamad Al Marar, Managing Director and CEO of EDGE, Patrice Caine, Chairman and CEO of Thales Group, and Pascale Sourisse, President of Thales International.

Utilizing their distinct areas of proficiency, EDGE’s EOCE and Thales aspire to enhance operational readiness and lifecycle support for cutting-edge defense technologies implemented across the UAE Armed Forces.

Dr. Chaouki Kasmi, President of Technology and Innovation at EDGE, stated: “This MoU represents another crucial milestone in our mission to amplify local defense capabilities through industrial collaborations. Alongside Thales, EDGE is making a substantial progress towards establishing unique and centralized maintenance capabilities for mission-critical electro-optical systems.”

Abdelhafid Mordi, CEO of Thales in the UAE, remarked: “We take pride in deepening our synergy with EDGE and contributing to the UAE’s strategic vision for localized defense preparedness. This alliance will guarantee the enduring performance of our advanced optronics systems across various operational realms, strengthening our collective commitment to enhance the local industrial ecosystem and solidify the UAE’s role as a leader in the global defense arena.”