Angola is poised to enhance its border security capabilities through a significant forthcoming agreement with the Emirati defense company EDGE Group, focusing on a comprehensive nationwide surveillance and command program. The deal is currently in the final stages of negotiation and will be executed by EDGE’s subsidiary, BEACON RED.
Under the proposed agreement, EDGE is set to deliver a sophisticated integrated border security architecture. This system will leverage artificial intelligence, command and control technologies, and unmanned surveillance platforms, ultimately aimed at bolstering Angola’s situational awareness and rapid-response abilities across its critical land and maritime frontiers. The program also promises to provide specialized training for Angolan security personnel and to create infrastructure that aligns with the nation’s existing defense networks.
The momentum for this collaboration gained traction with the signing of a letter of intent during a recent state visit by United Arab Emirates President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan to Luanda, Angola’s capital. This partnership signifies a significant advancement in defense and technology cooperation between the two countries.
This engagement follows a separate contract valued at one billion euros (approximately $1.2 billion) that Angola entered into in early 2025 with EDGE’s subsidiary, Abu Dhabi Ship Building. This prior agreement pertains to the provision of BR71 Mk II corvettes for the Angolan Navy, highlighting the growing military ties between Angola and the UAE.
Angola has been actively working to fortify its nearly 5,000 kilometers (3,106 miles) of borders, which it shares with Namibia, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Zambia. The country’s Ministry of Interior has stepped up surveillance operations, particularly in its oil-rich northern provinces and along key smuggling routes, which remain vulnerable to challenges such as illegal migration, arms trafficking, and resource theft.
Recent efforts have included the establishment of new observation posts and digital monitoring systems, in collaboration with international partners. Additionally, in 2023, Angola initiated a modernization program for its border police and customs forces, introducing drone reconnaissance and biometric identification systems at strategically important checkpoints. The government is also enhancing its radar and communication networks in coastal areas to improve detection capabilities against illicit maritime activities.
