A new partnership between UAE-based Calidus and France’s Safran Electronics & Defense is set to revolutionize aerial delivery systems, aiming to enhance both military and humanitarian logistics operations in the UAE. The strategic teaming agreement seeks to leverage Calidus’ comprehensive local industrial expertise alongside Safran’s extensive global experience in parachute and personnel delivery technology.
The collaboration will focus on designing and producing cutting-edge aerial delivery solutions, including tactical mass airdrop parachutes. The companies emphasize that these systems will prioritize operational safety, reliability, and flexibility—key elements for effective aerial delivery in various scenarios.
Khalifa Murad Alblooshi, CEO of Calidus, highlighted that this partnership responds to the escalating demand for aerial delivery services within the UAE. He pointed out that the initiative aligns with the nation’s vision for developing a sovereign and innovation-driven defense industry, marking a significant step towards self-reliance in advanced military capabilities.
In addition, this partnership complements ongoing advancements in aerial delivery technology within the UAE. Calidus is also collaborating with VentureOne, the commercialization arm of the UAE’s Advanced Technology Research Council. This cooperation involves utilizing VentureOne’s electromagnetic compatibility testing services, aiming to enhance the reliability and survivability of airborne systems. Such testing ensures that subsystems function correctly even under electromagnetic stress, making them more robust and effective.
At the same time, the EDGE Group, a prominent UAE defense technology company, continues to bolster its domestic production efforts. Over 80 percent of its more than 220 products are now manufactured locally, including technologies that aid aerial platforms.
This initiative marks a significant stride towards establishing the UAE as a hub for advanced defense solutions and enhances its capabilities in both military and humanitarian operational contexts.
