UAE-based defence and advanced technology group EDGE has signed an agreement to acquire a 100 percent stake in Brazilian aerospace engineering company AKAER, marking a significant step in its global expansion strategy. The transaction, subject to regulatory approvals and customary closing conditions, is expected to strengthen EDGE's engineering capabilities and broaden its presence across the international aerospace and defence sectors.
The acquisition will establish an engineering base for EDGE in Brazil while providing access to AKAER's more than three decades of aerospace engineering expertise. Founded in 1992 and headquartered in São José dos Campos, AKAER has built a strong reputation for delivering engineering solutions for both military and commercial aviation programmes.
The two companies have previously collaborated on several unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) projects, creating an established working relationship that is expected to support future technology development and programme expansion.
Hamad Al Marar, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of EDGE Group, said the acquisition reflects the company's commitment to strengthening its engineering capabilities while ensuring operational continuity for AKAER.
"AKAER brings exceptional engineering expertise to EDGE. Its highly specialised workforce and decades of experience in delivering advanced aerospace programmes will significantly enhance our capabilities across multiple business areas," Al Marar said.
He added that maintaining continuity for AKAER's employees, customers and ongoing programmes remains a key priority as the companies prepare for long-term growth together.
According to EDGE, the acquisition will expand its expertise in advanced technologies, including optronics, electro-optic and infrared systems, space technologies, and the industrialisation of next-generation unmanned aerial vehicle programmes.
Over the past 30 years, AKAER has delivered more than 10 million engineering hours across numerous international aerospace projects. The company's engineering portfolio includes contributions to Saab's Gripen NG fighter aircraft, Turkish Aerospace's Hürjet advanced trainer aircraft, Embraer's Super Tucano, KC-390, ERJ-E1 and ERJ-E2 aircraft programmes, as well as the Legacy 450 and Legacy 500 business jets.
AKAER has also provided engineering support for Boeing's 747-8 aircraft, Calidus' B-250 aircraft, and the Brazilian Air Force's P-3 Orion fleet, further strengthening its reputation within the global aerospace industry.
EDGE stated that the acquisition aligns with its long-term strategy of expanding engineering capabilities and increasing its presence in key international markets. Upon completion of the transaction, AKAER will continue operating from Brazil under its existing local governance structure while maintaining customer relationships and its designation as an Empresa Estratégica de Defesa (Strategic Defence Company) under Brazilian regulations.
The proposed acquisition represents another milestone in EDGE's international growth strategy as the Abu Dhabi-based group continues to invest in advanced technologies and strengthen its position within the global aerospace and defence industry.
You may also like that news:-
