EDGE signs MoU with Calidus to integrate smart weapons into B-250 light attack aircraft.

EDGE, one of the world's leading advanced technology and defence groups, and Calidus, a UAE-based provider of next-generation aeronautical and land systems, signed an MoU at Dubai Airshow 2023 to integrate EDGE precision-guided munition (PGM) and guided-glide weapon (GGW) solutions onto the B-250 light attack aircraft, and other Calidus platforms.

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 The Calidus B-250 is a single-engine turboprop, tandem-seat, light attack aircraft that features multi-role capabilities for missions such as close air support, persistent air support, intelligence surveillance and reconnaissance, counter-insurgency, and basic and advanced training (Picture source: Calidus)

Hamad Al Marar, President of EDGE Group’s Missiles & Weapons cluster, said: “We are proud to work with Calidus on this integration initiative and to provide high technology smart weapons to B-250 end-users. The opportunity will offer a range of versatile precision strike solutions, and complement the B-250’s multirole capabilities. We look forward to presenting a dynamic and advanced armed light attack aircraft, made in the UAE, and to enhancing our collaboration with Calidus in the future.”

The MoU marks a significant effort by both companies towards growing the UAE’s aerospace industry, while paving the way for future UAE-made solutions.

Khalifa Murad Alblooshi, CEO of Calidus, said: “We are proud and excited to collaborate with EDGE in the integration of the smart weapons onto the technologically advanced B-250 light attack aircraft, which is completely designed, developed and manufactured by UAE national company based in Abu Dhabi, Calidus. Which also offers land-based solutions and products. The B-250 light attack aircraft is a leading-edge missionized digital aircraft, enabling an easy deep integration to smart weapons into the aircraft mission system. This deep integration allows for the execution of various strike missions in real-time.”

The smart weapons designated for integration, from EDGE entity Halcon, a regional leader in the design and production of guided weapons systems and beyond, include the Desert Sting family of GGWs, and Thunder family of cost-effective, short-range PGMs.

The Calidus B-250 is a single-engine turboprop, tandem-seat, light attack aircraft that features multi-role capabilities for missions such as close air support, persistent air support, intelligence surveillance and reconnaissance, counter-insurgency, and basic and advanced training.

 Signing ceremony between EDFE and Calidus during the Dubai Airshow 2023 (Picture source: Calidus)