General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI), a global leader in unmanned aerial systems (UAS), and Calidus Aerospace, a major defence and advanced manufacturing group headquartered in Abu Dhabi, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to pursue joint co-production of the MQ-9B Remotely Piloted Aircraft and the Gambit Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) in the United Arab Emirates. The framework agreement also encompasses potential collaboration on command, control, and battle management systems.
The memorandum was formalised on January 20, 2026, at the UMEX and SimTEX 2026 defence exhibition in Abu Dhabi, with GA-ASI President David R. Alexander and Dr. Khalifa Murad Alblooshi, Managing Director and CEO of Calidus Holding Group, signing on behalf of their respective organisations.
Under the terms of the MOU, GA-ASI, its systems-engineering arm GA-Intelligence, and Calidus will explore joint efforts across key phases of aircraft production, including airframe manufacturing, final assembly, testing, and operational validation for both platforms. This cooperation framework aims to support broader regional defence industrial development while meeting growing demand for advanced unmanned and collaborative combat aircraft.
For GA-ASI, the alliance marks an important step in deepening long-term regional partnerships. “Working with partners within the UAE helps us to connect with key experts and capabilities in the region,” said Alexander, emphasising the shared commitment to technological innovation and sustained cooperation.
Dr. Alblooshi described the agreement as a strategic enhancement of Calidus’s capabilities in the unmanned systems domain. He noted that the partnership is timely, given rapid sector growth both regionally and globally, and could catalyse further collaboration, innovation, and knowledge transfer between the companies.
The alliance is being characterised by both sides as a historic development, as it would mark the first time GA-ASI aircraft are manufactured in the Middle East. The joint effort aims to leverage complementary strengths to meet demand for the MQ-9B — a long-endurance UAS — and the Gambit CCA, a next-generation system designed to operate as part of collaborative, networked air operations.
GA-ASI has long been a dominant force in the UAS market, with its Predator-series platforms collectively logging millions of flight hours globally. The MQ-9B SkyGuardian/SeaGuardian variants combine persistent situational awareness with multi-mission capabilities, while the emerging Gambit CCA is part of broader U.S. and allied efforts to integrate autonomous collaborative aircraft into future combat architectures.
The MOU underscores a continuing trend toward industrial partnerships between Western defence prime contractors and regional manufacturers in the Gulf, aiming to expand sovereign production capability while addressing evolving security requirements across the Middle East and beyond.
