Abu Dhabi’s EDGE and Indra Group to build a new defence manufacturing unit in Spain

Abu Dhabi’s EDGE, one of the world’s leading advanced technology and defence groups, and Spain’s Indra Group, known for its IT, aerospace, defence and mobility capabilities, will establish a new defence manufacturing company.

Based in the Spanish town of Leon, the new company will focus on the development, production, and lifecycle support of loitering munitions systems (also known as kamikaze drones) requirements for Spanish and European defence programmes.

The new company will have the scope to expand into additional defence capabilities as requirements evolve.

EDGE expands European footprint

Subject to Indra Group and EDGE boards’ approval, the new company will be established as a dedicated manufacturing entity. The company would draw on EDGE’s expertise in loitering munitions and smart weapons to support manufacturing, assembly, and lifecycle activities.

The loitering munition systems would be produced at a new drone manufacturing facility developed by Indra, with an estimated investment of between EUR15-20 million (US$17.5-23.2 million).

This approach ensures that advanced systems are produced in-country, aligned with European sovereignty requirements, and available at scale to meet rapidly increasing demand across the European defence market.

The initiative reflects the shared commitment of Indra and EDGE to building sovereign and export-ready industrial capabilities in Europe, combining advanced weapons technology with established European-scale manufacturing and programme execution capacity.

Hamad Al Marar, Managing Director & CEO of EDGE Group, said: “Establishing this joint venture with Indra in Spain marks a decisive step in EDGE’s expansion into Europe.

“By developing loitering munition capabilities in Spain, we are enabling in-country manufacturing and responding directly to the scale and urgency of European defence requirements, while building long-term industrial capability with a trusted partner.”

José Vicente de Los Mozos, CEO of Indra Group, said: “Through this initiative, Indra takes a decisive step in its ambition to become a European reference in the drone industry. The development of capacities enables us to rapidly respond to the needs of the loitering munition market, a segment of strong attractiveness experiencing accelerated growth.”