Indra and EDGE Group formalise PULSE
EDGE, one of the world's leading advanced technology and defence groups, and Indra, a world leader in information technology and defence systems with a presence in more than 140 countries worldwide and a major player in major European programmes, have reached an agreement to form a new joint venture entity, called PULSE, based in Abu Dhabi.
PULSE aims to promote local capabilities in the development and manufacture of next-generation radar systems, backed by a strong order book from existing and potential customers in high-potential markets around the world. The agreement consolidates and strengthens the partnership between the two companies, which started in 2023.
EDGE's Managing Director and CEO Hamad Al-Marar and Indra's CEO José Vicente de los Mozos signed the Joint Venture agreement in Madrid, which includes the Shareholders' Agreements, in the presence of the Minister of Defence, Margarita Robles; the Secretary of State for Defence, Amparo Valcarce; EDGE Group's Chairman, H.E. Faisal Al-Bannai; Indra's Executive Chairman, Marc Murtra; and officials from the Spanish Ministry of Defence, among other personalities.
At the signing ceremony held at the Spanish Ministry of Defence, EDGE Chairman H.E. Faisal Al-Bannai said: ‘The formation of PULSE marks a transformative milestone in the advancement of the global defence landscape by providing state-of-the-art radar systems. This joint venture between EDGE and Indra addresses critical capability gaps and demonstrates the power of innovation and technology transfer to enhance operational excellence and global security. It reflects our effort to create meaningful partnerships that drive progress and foster stability in key regions.
Marc Murtra, CEO of Indra, said: ‘This agreement, in partnership with EDGE, will provide the next generation of radar systems. It will include advanced research infrastructure, laboratories and test facilities, all located in the United Arab Emirates. This is an important step that will allow Indra to expand its international footprint and build on our valuable relationship with EDGE'.
The new entity, called PULSE, will focus on the engineering, development, manufacturing, integration and maintenance of existing and future radar systems and components, as well as their commercialisation in high-potential markets, opening up numerous international business opportunities.
The agreement will result in the creation of two companies. The first will be 50.01% owned by Indra and 49.99% by EDGE, and will focus on the development, design, integration, sale and maintenance of state-of-the-art radars. The second, owned 50.01% by EDGE and 49.99% by Indra, will be responsible for the manufacture of these radars in a new state-of-the-art factory in Abu Dhabi.
The objective of the new joint venture is to increase radar production capacity and sales, provide the United Arab Emirates with new radar capabilities through the transfer of knowledge and experience, as well as the training and development of qualified local professionals. It is envisaged that the company will initially rely on highly specialised professionals from Indra and Emirati employees, both recent graduates and young professionals, as well as engineers, technicians and commercial profiles.
It is also planned to strategically enhance local research and development capabilities that will pave the way for the development of next-generation radar technology, through the establishment of advanced research infrastructures, enhanced laboratories and test facilities, the acquisition of cutting-edge technologies, collaboration with leading experts and the implementation of specialised training programmes for research teams.
EDGE managing director and CEO Hamad Al-Marar said: ‘PULSE is the best proof of the power of collaboration, combining EDGE and Indra's capabilities to design, develop and manufacture state-of-the-art radar systems and export them to our key customers. By investing in advanced production facilities, we are positioning the UAE as a global hub for radar innovation, shaping the future of defence technology in the air, land and maritime domains. PULSE also embodies our strategic vision to expand the UAE's industrial capacity in advanced technologies and establish sovereign capabilities, driving self-sufficiency and innovation on a global scale'.
José Vicente de los Mozos, CEO of Indra, explained: ‘In Abu Dhabi we plan to create a new state-of-the-art factory with the most sophisticated technology, ready to respond to the expected high demand for the most innovative radar systems in the coming years. The new entity we are creating with EDGE will help us accelerate the transformation of the defence business towards a more international profile and mindset, as outlined in our ‘Leading the Future Plan’.
The new business, PULSE, will also have preemptive rights to current and future orders awarded to Indra and EDGE for radar based on the technology agreed under the agreement. In addition, new opportunities will be generated in high-potential international markets, in line with Indra's ‘Leading the Future’ Strategic Plan.
