General Atomics Aeronautical Systems Inc (GA-ASI) and Emirati defence manufacturer Calidus Aerospace have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to collaborate on the prospective co-production of MQ-9B unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and Gambit collaborative combat aircraft (CCA) in the United Arab Emirates.
The agreement, which also covers command-and-control and battle management systems, was signed by GA-ASI President David R Alexander and Dr Khalifa Murad Alblooshi, managing director and CEO of Calidus Holding Group, on the sidelines of the UMEX and SimTEX 2026 exhibitions held in Abu Dhabi from 20 to 22 January 2026.
The MoU provides a framework for co-operation between GA-ASI, GA-Intelligence (General Atomics’ software development and systems engineering firm) and Calidus where all parties will look to collaborate on programmes in the areas of airframe manufacturing, final assembly, test and checkout, as well as flight operational test and acceptance.
GA-ASI noted that the collaboration will lead to its aircraft being manufactured in the Gulf region for the first time.
“Working with partners within UAE helps us to connect with key experts and capabilities in the region,” Alexander was quoted as saying in a GA-ASI press release. “For General Atomics, this agreement underscores the shared commitment to long-term co-operation, technological innovation and the advancement of our aircraft within the UAE.”
Dr Alblooshi added, “The signing of this MoU with General Atomics, a global leader in unmanned aircraft, represents a strategic step towards strengthening and enabling the group’s capabilities in the unmanned systems sector in line with user requirements. This collaboration comes at a time of rapid growth in the sector both regionally and globally, drawing on the trusted expertise and manufacturing capabilities of both parties, opening the door to broader future partnerships in innovation, knowledge transfer, and expanded manufacturing, reinforcing our collective ambitions.”
