UAE’s EDGE To Expand Space And UAV Capabilities Through AKAER Acquisition

UAE defense and technology group EDGE has agreed to acquire Brazilian aerospace firm AKAER, bolstering its UAV, electro-optics, infrared, and space capabilities with more than 30 years of engineering expertise and 10 million engineering hours. Expanding engineering footprintThe transaction, announced Thursday, remains subject to customary regulatory approvals and closing conditions. Once completed, it will give EDGE an established engineering base in Brazil while preserving AKAER's operations, workforce, customer relationships, and its status as a Brazilian Strategic Defense Company (Empresa Estratégica de Defesa).EDGE said the acquisition aligns with its strategy to expand internationally and strengthen engineering capabilities closer to key markets and industrial partners.The deal also builds on an existing collaboration between the two companies on several UAV programs, where AKAER has supported the development and industrialization of unmanned systems.By integrating AKAER, EDGE expects to accelerate industrialization timelines for future UAV platforms while broadening its expertise in optronics, electro-optic and infrared technologies, as well as space-related systems.“AKAER brings real engineering depth to EDGE,” said Hamad Al Marar, EDGE Group managing director and CEO. Al Marar added that this is a highly specialized team with three decades of experience delivering complex aerospace programs.Aerospace expertiseFounded in 1992 and headquartered in São José dos Campos, Brazil, AKAER has established itself as one of the country's leading aerospace engineering firms, supporting both military and commercial aviation programs.The company has delivered more than 10 million engineering hours across projects involving some of the world's largest aerospace manufacturers.Its portfolio includes work on Saab's Gripen NG fighter, Turkish Aerospace's Hürjet trainer, Embraer's Super Tucano, KC-390, ERJ-E1, ERJ-E2 and Legacy 450/500 aircraft, as well as engineering support for Boeing's 747-8, Calidus' B-250 aircraft, and the Brazilian Air Force's P-3 Orion fleet.EDGE said AKAER will continue operating from Brazil under local governance, enabling the company to maintain its existing customer base while benefiting from closer integration with the UAE-based defense group.