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| Credit: General Atomics |
GA-ASI and Calidus Sign Landmark Agreement for MQ-9B and Combat Aircraft Production in the UAE
Dubai, January 22 - General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI), the global leader in unmanned aircraft systems, has entered into a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Calidus Aerospace, a prominent UAE-based defense and manufacturing company. Signed on January 20, 2026, during the UMEX and SimTEX 2026 exhibition in Abu Dhabi, the agreement outlines prospective co-production of the MQ-9B Remotely Piloted Aircraft—including the advanced MQ-9B SkyGuardian and SeaGuardian variants—and the innovative Gambit Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) in the United Arab Emirates. The partnership also encompasses collaboration on command and control systems as well as battle management technologies, marking a significant step in enhancing regional aerospace capabilities.
The MOU establishes a comprehensive framework for joint efforts in airframe manufacturing, final assembly, testing, checkout processes, and flight operational testing and acceptance. This initiative aims to localize production of these high-performance platforms, addressing growing demand for reliable, multi-mission unmanned systems in the Middle East and beyond. The MQ-9B, renowned for its long-endurance intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance (ISR), and precision strike capabilities, has proven itself in diverse operational environments worldwide. Meanwhile, the Gambit CCA represents cutting-edge advancements in collaborative combat operations, designed to operate alongside manned aircraft for enhanced mission effectiveness.
This collaboration holds historic importance as it represents the first time GA-ASI's aircraft will be manufactured in the Middle East region. By leveraging Calidus's expertise in defense manufacturing and GA-ASI's proven unmanned systems technology, the partnership supports the UAE's ambitions to strengthen its indigenous aerospace industry and foster technological self-reliance. It aligns with broader efforts to integrate advanced unmanned platforms into regional defense strategies, ensuring access to state-of-the-art capabilities while promoting economic growth through localized production.
The agreement underscores a shared commitment to innovation, long-term cooperation, and advancing unmanned aerial systems technology. As demand for the MQ-9B and Gambit CCA continues to rise globally, this initiative positions the UAE as a key hub for advanced drone and combat aircraft manufacturing, contributing to enhanced security and industrial development in the region.