AI-Powered Swarm For Unmanned Aerial Systems: SIRBAI And EDGE Forge Strategic Partnership

SIRBAI and EDGE have entered a Strategic Partnership Agreement to advance next-generation swarm capabilities for unmanned aerial systems. The collaboration aims to link autonomous defence solutions and intelligent swarm technologies with EDGE’s unmanned aerial vehicles and autonomous platforms, creating coordinated systems that support complex missions for defence customers in the region and globally.

The agreement is signed by Dr Najwa Aaraj, CEO, TII, and Khaled Al Zaabi, President – Platforms & Systems, EDGE, during the Unmanned Systems Exhibition (UMEX) 2026 in Abu Dhabi. The signing takes place in the presence of Faisal Al Bannai, Adviser to the UAE President for Strategic Research and Advanced Technology Affairs and Chairman of EDGE.

The partnership follows a sequence of technical demonstrations where EDGE assesses SIRBAI’s mission intelligence and swarm coordination stack. During these trials, EDGE evaluates performance, scalability, and reliability under operational conditions. The results confirm that the system is technically mature, suitable for real missions, and ready for deployment within existing and future unmanned force structures.

SIRBAI’s solution combines command and control, mission planning, and coordination into one integrated interface. This setup is designed to simplify multi-UAV and multi-platform operations, allowing operators to manage large fleets more efficiently. The unified view supports faster decisions, especially when missions involve many assets working together in demanding environments.

The platform is built with a modular and scalable architecture that links with current defence systems. It supports diverse mission types, including intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, search and rescue, perimeter defense, convoy protection, suppression of enemy air defences, and manned-unmanned teaming. This flexibility allows defence users to adapt swarm behaviours to different theatres and operational rules.

Under the collaboration, SIRBAI’s technology stack will be embedded across EDGE’s UAV ecosystem, from small man-portable aircraft to larger unmanned platforms such as combat UAVs, MALE/HALE systems, and UCAVs. The integration also includes SIRBAI’s Combat Intelligence functions, improving target recognition, threat assessment, mission-level decision support, and real-time coordination for single and multi-platform operations.

Dr Najwa Aaraj stated, "This partnership represents a key step forward in our mission to deliver intelligent, AI-powered defence solutions that redefine tactical autonomy and operational effectiveness. By integrating SIRBAI’s cutting-edge swarm capabilities with EDGE’s field-proven systems, we are raising the bar for what autonomous platforms can achieve on today’s battlefield. Together, we are shaping the future of autonomous aerial defense, ensuring our partners are equipped to tackle evolving threats and complex operational challenges."

Khaled Al Zaabi said, "EDGE is focused on building platforms that operate as part of an intelligent system rather than as standalone assets. This collaboration with SIRBAI supports that direction by strengthening how autonomy coordination and mission intelligence are integrated across our platforms. It reinforces our intent to deliver scalable capabilities that can be applied consistently across different operational contexts while preserving control assurance and operational confidence."

The collaboration underscores a shared focus on autonomous defence solutions and intelligent swarm technologies that support faster, coordinated responses to emerging threats. By aligning SIRBAI’s software stack with EDGE’s portfolio, both organisations aim to equip defence forces with integrated tools that help maintain tactical advantage in increasingly complex battlespaces, including those relevant to Middle East security priorities.

With inputs from WAM