KATIM, an EDGE Group entity and leader in the development of ultra-secure communication solutions, and Thales, will start discussing the co-development of software-defined radio technologies in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). A declaration of intent was signed at the international defence and security show, Eurosatory, by Didier Pagnoux, CEO of KATIM; Abdelhafid Mordi, CEO THALES in the UAE; and  Christophe Groshenry, vice president, radio at THALES and in the presence of Hamad Al Marar, managing director and CEO of EDGE Group, Waleid Al Mesmari, president, space and cyber technologies of EDGE Group, Pascale Sourisse, president and CEO Thales International, and Christophe Dumas, CEO Thales Secure Communications & Information Systems in France.

To meet the demands of the UAE’s large-scale high-tech programmes and its exportation needs, KATIM and Thales will work jointly on the full cycle development, production and maintenance of airborne and long range high frequency radio communication solutions. Both companies will bring their expertise to the partnership and will promote and export the co-developed solutions-based portfolio to the international market.

Didier Pagnoux, CEO of KATIM, said, “Partnering with Thales represents a significant milestone for EDGE, underscoring the global confidence in our leadership in advanced communications technology. By combining our expertise, we will develop sophisticated Software Defined Radio solutions that meet the rigorous demands of both domestic and international markets. This collaboration aligns with our goal of driving innovative secure communication solutions and fully supports the UAE's ambitious global exports roadmap. We eagerly anticipate the transformative outcomes of our joint efforts.”

Christophe Salomon, executive vice president, Thales Secure Communications & Information Systems, said, “As a worldwide leader for tactical radios and on-board communication solutions for land, air and naval forces, Thales is proud to partner with EDGE in radio communications solutions. The partnership is fully aligned with the Group’s development strategy in the UAE.”