UAE Boosts Space Defense with New FADA Entity

UAE’s Edge Group Launches FADA to Advance Satellite Technologies for Space Defense

United Arab Emirates defense company Edge Group is launching a new company focused on advanced satellite technologies for security and global competitiveness.

Named FADA, which means “space” in Arabic, the company will manufacture and integrate satellite systems and subsystems to serve the domestic and international markets.

These include synthetic aperture radar, optical imaging satellites, and infrared payloads. FADA will also develop critical cyber security and protection technologies to enhance the capacity of the public and private sectors to deal with growing cyber threats in the region.

The FADA launch will enable Edge to grow and strengthen its position in the global space industry in line with the UAE’s vision to be a leader in space technologies, Hamad Al Marar, Managing Director of Edge, said in a press release.

“It creates a blueprint for a self-sufficient and innovative ecosystem. This is a strategic leap into technological excellence and reflects our broader ambition to create a disruption in this critical sector,” he added.

Since 2019, the UAE has invested more than $800 million in building a self-sustaining space defense industry, aiming for a major role in satellite technology by 2030 as part of its national space strategy.

Further developments are expected in 2025 as the UAE participates in NASA’s initiative to build a lunar space station called Lunar Gateway in partnership with the US, Japan, Canada and the European Union.