Dubai Airshow 2025: EDGE and Republikorp announce USD 7 billion co-operation to boost defence manufacturing in Indonesia

Emirati defence technology house EDGE Group announced during the 2025 Dubai Airshow on 18 November that it has signed a landmark co-operation agreement with Republikorp: Indonesia’s leading defence holding company.

The agreement encompasses transfer of technology (ToT), localised production, co-development initiatives and a comprehensive modernisation programme for the Indonesian armed forces. Representing EDGE Group’s largest international programme to date, the total financing and procurement package amounts to USD 7 billion (EUR 6 billion), provided through the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to advance Indonesia’s defence modernisation, technological capability and industrial autonomy.

The collaboration includes a broad portfolio of advanced defence systems, notably the Skyknight air defence missile system, next-generation infantry fighting vehicles (IFVs), stealthy missile-armed unmanned surface vessels, cyber defences and small arms ammunition production capabilities, forming a cornerstone in Indonesia’s path towards defence self-reliance and the UAE’s global supply chain network.

Hamad Al Marar, managing director and CEO of EDGE Group, was quoted in a company press release as saying, “This landmark defence initiative represents a significant milestone in EDGE’s international growth. In partnership with Republikorp, we are helping to shape a modernised, self-sustaining defence ecosystem that strengthens Indonesia’s national security and industrial capability. This programme embodies our commitment to enduring collaboration, technology transfer, and the delivery of advanced, integrated systems.”

Norman Joesoef, group chairman of Republikorp, added, “This USD 7 billion partnership marks a major step toward Indonesia’s long-term defence autonomy, industrial independence and international confidence. By joining forces with EDGE, we are investing in both systems and human capital for the strategic benefit of both the UAE and Indonesia in advanced defence manufacturing. This is more than just co-operation between two companies; this is a bond between two brotherly nations.”