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UAE and Brazil Join Forces to Compete in Anti-Ship Missile Market at International Level.
To challenge anti-ship missiles international naval defense market, the United Arab Emirates company named Edge Group announced in September 2023 the acquisition of a 50% stake in SIATT, a Brazilian defense industry specializing in the defense and aerospace sectors.
MANSUP-ER is the version of MANSUP with extended range, improving the operational capability of the original missile (Picture source: Army Recognition)
The first acquisition follows an agreement signed by both parties (EDGE and SIATT) in April 2023, after which the Brazilian Navy, seeking advanced anti-ship technology for its national project named MANSUP, became involved. In this regard, SIATT (Integrated Systems of High Technological Content) provides essential components, such as navigation, guidance, control, and telemetry systems.
Edge Group was formed by the union of multiple companies from the United Arab Emirates. In total, 20 companies came together to create an Edge Group. Since its creation in 2019, the group has expanded through several acquisitions in Brazil, Estonia, Poland, and Switzerland, and has also formed partnerships with companies from Italy and Spain.
The decision to invest in Brazilian companies is strategic. As a member of BRICS, both Brazil and the United Arab Emirates are rising powers. Brazil, as an emerging economic force, can produce advanced technologies at very competitive costs compared to other, more developed countries.
The MANSUP missile gives Brazil a significant capability. It can now manufacture very advanced missiles with the participation of local industry. The missile, with a diameter of 330mm, can operate in all weather conditions up to 70km with a transonic speed of 870 km/h, challenging its competitor on the market.
Torres, an engineer who has worked for major defense companies like General Electric, stated that SIATT began as a small company capable of "managing huge projects with small budgets." With this perspective, the company has the potential to grow in Brazil and beyond.
The main project of EDGE is the MANSUP project (National Surface Anti-Ship Missile). The goal is to manufacture missiles capable of traveling up to 70 km at sea. To this end, the company invested in the SIATT factory near São José dos Campos. The investment could create 250 jobs and include an academic partnership with the Technological Institute of Aeronautics (ITA) after its inauguration in September.
With its capabilities, SIATT is positioned to compete with the French company Exocet, a market leader in anti-ship missiles. Exocet missiles have proven their effectiveness in multiple conflicts, such as the Falklands War against British ships. The company has since gained such a monopoly that it can dictate pricing. Given this context, countries seeking anti-ship missiles are increasingly open to alternatives. The Brazilian Navy is a key partner in the project and is working with EDGE to break Exocet's monopoly.
The partnership with EDGE Group is worth $163 million. As part of the first contract, 16 missiles will be delivered, to be mounted on four Tamandaré-class frigates, with the first delivery scheduled for the end of the year. Furthermore, SIATT will export MANSUP missiles to the United Arab.