EDGE Partners with Morocco for Advanced Military Capabilities
In a significant development for Morocco's military capabilities, EDGE, a leading defense technology company, has formalized a contract with the Administration of National Defence (ADN) of Morocco, responsible for overseeing defense procurement for the Royal Armed Forces. This agreement, which was signed during the Marrakech Air Show 2026, involves the provision of EDGE's state-of-the-art DESERT STING 16 (DS-16) guided-glide weapon and THUNDER P-31 precision-guided munition. These advanced munitions are set to be integrated into the arsenal of the Royal Moroccan Air Force (RMAF), specifically enhancing their fleet of unmanned combat aerial vehicles (UCAVs).
The contract underscores EDGE's strategic commitment to the Kingdom of Morocco and highlights Africa as a critical market for growth. EDGE prides itself on its collaborative approach, working closely with partners to tailor its solutions to meet specific operational requirements. This flexibility allows EDGE to seamlessly integrate its systems onto existing platforms, ensuring that the delivered technology aligns with the RMAF's operational needs.
Saif Al Dahbashi, President of Missiles & Weapons at EDGE, emphasized the importance of this contract, stating, "This contract is built around delivering the performance that the Royal Moroccan Air Force’s missions demand. We move at the speed our partners need, and every system we deliver is backed by assured supply and long-term sustainment. By putting mission-ready precision capabilities in the hands of the Royal Moroccan Air Force, we are establishing EDGE as a trusted partner to the Kingdom and laying the foundations for an enduring relationship.”
Innovative Weaponry to Boost Operational Efficiency
The DESERT STING 16 (DS-16) is a lightweight guided-glide weapon weighing 23 kg, capable of reaching targets up to 15 km away. In conjunction, the THUNDER P-31 transforms the MK 81 general-purpose munition into a precision-guided munition, achieving ranges of up to 10 km from unmanned aerial vehicles and extending to 20 km when deployed from high-speed, high-altitude platforms. Both weapons utilize GNSS-assisted inertial navigation systems combined with an optional semi-active laser seeker, and they are proudly developed and manufactured in the UAE.
As part of the agreement, EDGE will oversee the integration of these advanced munitions into the RMAF's UCAV fleets, which includes necessary aircraft modifications and software adaptations to ensure operational capability. This contract not only marks a pivotal step for EDGE in reinforcing military partnerships in Africa but also signifies the company's ongoing efforts to assist African nations in enhancing their defense mechanisms, securing borders, coastlines, and territorial waters.
In addition to Morocco, EDGE is actively involved in various defense initiatives across Africa. Notably, it is executing a EUR 1 billion naval modernization program in Angola that includes the provision of three BR71 MK II Combattante corvettes and six HT-100 NAVAL unmanned helicopters. Furthermore, EDGE has signed a Letter of Intent for a multi-year border security program with Angola's Ministry of Interior, showcasing its commitment to bolstering security in the region.
As reported by edrmagazine.eu.
