MQ-9B And Gambit Collaboration: Calidus And GA-ASI Sign UAE Co-Production MoU

The UAE is set to host regional manufacturing of General Atomics aircraft for the first time, after Calidus Holding Group and General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. sign a Memorandum of Understanding to jointly explore co-production of MQ-9B remotely piloted aircraft, Gambit Collaborative Combat Aircraft, and associated command, control and battle management systems.

The agreement is signed by Dr. Khalifa Murad Alblooshi, Managing Director and CEO of Calidus Holding Group, and David R. Alexander, GA-ASI President, during UMEX and SimTEX 2026, held from 20-22 January 2026, setting a clear roadmap for potential industrial cooperation within the UAE.

Under the MoU, Calidus, GA-ASI, and GA-Intelligence intend to work together across several programme phases, including airframe manufacturing, final assembly activities, and detailed test and checkout processes, while also planning cooperation on flight operational testing and formal acceptance procedures for the MQ-9B and Gambit platforms.

The framework aims to address increasing regional and global demand for the MQ-9B Remotely Piloted Aircraft and the Gambit Collaborative Combat Aircraft, while supporting the UAE’s industrial base through local involvement in unmanned aircraft systems production, testing, and related mission system integration.

Commenting on the agreement, Dr. Khalifa Murad Alblooshi, Managing Director and CEO of Calidus Holding Group, said, "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."

David R. Alexander, GA-ASI President, added, "Working with partners within the UAE helps us to connect with key experts and capabilities in the region. For General Atomics, this agreement underscores the shared commitment to long-term cooperation, technological innovation, and the advancement of our aircraft within the UAE."

The MoU positions Calidus Holding Group as a potential centre for regional work on MQ-9B and Gambit unmanned aircraft systems, with local facilities expected to take part in core industrial tasks, while the collaboration with General Atomics also highlights the role of GA-Intelligence in supporting advanced mission and intelligence capabilities.

For the UAE and the wider Middle East, the planned cooperation between Calidus Holding Group and General Atomics on unmanned aircraft systems supports existing defence modernisation plans, encourages knowledge transfer into the local sector, and sets up a structured path for expanded manufacturing and testing activity linked to MQ-9B and Gambit projects.

With inputs from WAM