UAE thwarts Iranian drones with homegrown defence tech breakthroughs

The UAE has successfully countered Iranian drone threats using homegrown defence systems. These soft-kill technologies, developed by EDGE Group, played a key role in intercepting unmanned aerial vehicles during recent tensions. Most of the interceptions relied on locally built solutions, showcasing the country’s growing defence capabilities. The UAE deployed EDGE’s Sign4l SKYSHIELD drone defence system, which uses high-power radio frequency and GNSS jamming. Another system, NAVCONTROL, provided additional jamming and spoofing capabilities. Together, they neutralised incoming threats from the moment of detection, proving the country’s readiness.

EDGE has also expanded its partnerships in the region. A recent agreement with Qatar’s Barzan aims to combine their product catalogues, offering a wider range of defence solutions. Meanwhile, the company continues to integrate its missiles onto Turkish-made Baykar UAVs, including the Bayraktar TB2 and AKINCI drones.

Looking ahead, EDGE plans to work with Turkish firms on defence projects at various levels, depending on programme needs. The company is also focusing on agentic AI, which could streamline operations, improve mission planning, and boost adaptability in military applications. The UAE’s reliance on locally developed systems marks a shift toward self-sufficiency in drone defence. EDGE’s collaborations with Qatar and Turkey further strengthen regional defence ties. With agentic AI on the horizon, the company is set to play a larger role in shaping future military technologies.