The growing demand for AI technology has made it a versatile treasure for several countries. This time, Abu Dhabi’s EDGE Group and America’s Anduril Industries have made an impactful move to build AI-powered drones in the capital city of Abu Dhabi.
UAE and the US collaborate on defense technology and innovation
This joint venture is part of the defense partnership that both countries agreed on during US President Donald Trump’s visit to the UAE in May 2025. The massive AI-powered drones called Omen autonomous drones are designed for military purposes and are ready to combat in different situations. The drones will be developed at a 50,000 square foot facility in a research and development center located in Abu Dhabi.
EDGE Group and Anduril Industries’ advanced autonomous drones
Omen, the drone that EDGE Group and Anduril Industries are planning to develop, is a hybrid-electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing (VTOL) aircraft. Basically, the drone is capable of taking off, staying still in motion like a helicopter, and hitting speeds of 290 mph.
Edge Group, a government-owned advanced tech and defense conglomerate company, is contributing $200 million, while Anduril Industries, a defense tech company, is committing $850 million to this disruptive project.
Autonomous AI drones experience growth
AI is becoming an integral part of developing drone technologies. With AI technology, drones can navigate routes without GPS, automatic landings and take-offs, identify objects, obstacles, and targets, and more.
AI is also helpful in handling military operations such as autonomous surveillance, target identification, and improved accuracy.
According to a study, the military drone market is growing rapidly, and is projected to tap $22.81 billion by 20230. This unprecedented growth is specifically driven by AI.
In countries like the UAE and the US, where AI is expanding to different sectors, its integration into the defense sector will help a smarter, capable military drones that can operate with less human interaction.
