General Atomics Aeronautical Systems (GA-ASI) will collaborate with UEA firm Calidus Aerospace to co-produce MQ-9B remotely piloted aircraft and Gambit Collaborative Combat Aircraft in the UAE.
The agreement, formalized through a memorandum of understanding, sets a framework for joint work on airframe manufacturing, final assembly, testing, flight operational acceptance, and command-and-control systems.
GA-Intelligence will also participate, providing expertise in battle management and operational software integration.
Calidus CEO Dr. Khalifa Murad Alblooshi said that the collaboration positions the UAE to strengthen its capabilities in unmanned systems while supporting future innovation, knowledge transfer, and manufacturing expansion.
This deal marks the first time GA-ASI aircraft will be manufactured in the region, aligning with growing regional and global demand for the MQ-9B and Gambit platforms.
General Atomics Partnerships
GA-ASI has pursued multiple collaborations in the past year to expand its global footprint.
Earlier this week, it signed a memorandum of understanding with Barzan Holdings in Qatar to develop advanced battle management software for theater-level situational awareness and intelligence processing.
The agreement integrates GA-ASI’s intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance capabilities with GA-Intelligence data analysis platforms to support faster, higher-quality decision-making in complex operational environments.
In February 2025, GA‑ASI and CAE signed a long‑term agreement to develop and produce next‑generation mission trainers for the MQ‑9B SkyGuardian.
Another notable collaboration in 2025 saw GA‑ASI and South Korea’s Hanwha Aerospace agree to pursue joint development and production of the Gray Eagle Short Takeoff and Landing drone.
