The United States and the United Arab Emirates have launched a major joint venture to design and manufacture a new generation of AI-powered combat drones called Omen. The project unites US defense technology firm Anduril with the UAE’s EDGE Group, marking one of the most advanced bilateral defense collaborations between the two countries to date. Production will take place in a new 50,000-square-foot facility in Abu Dhabi, with the UAE already committed to purchasing the first 50 units once manufacturing begins by late 2028.
Omen is designed for vertical takeoff and landing like a helicopter, while flying with the speed and range of a fixed-wing aircraft. This hybrid capability will allow it to operate in conflict zones as well as disaster-response missions. EDGE is investing nearly $200 million into the program, complementing the $850 million Anduril has already spent developing critical AI and autonomy technologies.
As part of the partnership, EDGE will gain access to Anduril’s advanced Lattice AI operating system—a high-level network platform that allows autonomous aircraft to coordinate, adapt, and make real-time decisions using three-dimensional command-and-control intelligence. This positions the UAE at the forefront of next-generation unmanned warfare and advanced defense engineering.
The initiative builds on decades of US-UAE military cooperation including joint training, technology sharing, and the presence of the US Air Force at Al Dhafra. It also follows recent agreements made during Donald Trump’s visit earlier this year to deepen defense and industrial collaboration. Analysts view the Omen project as a strategic signal: AI-enabled autonomous systems are rapidly reshaping global military power, and both nations intend to lead that shift.
