en.Wedoany.com Reported - The UAE's EDGE Group has reached an agreement to acquire 100% of the equity in Akaer, a Brazilian aerospace and defense technology company. The transaction is still subject to regulatory approval, and the specific transaction amount has not been disclosed.

Through this acquisition, EDGE will integrate a Brazilian industrial entity with approximately three decades of experience in aerospace and military projects. Founded in 1992 and headquartered in São José dos Campos, located inland in the state of São Paulo, Akaer has participated in numerous strategic projects for the Brazilian Armed Forces since its inception. Its product portfolio involves key defense programs such as the F-39 Gripen fighter jet, the KC-390 Millennium military transport aircraft, the EE-9 Cascavel armored vehicle, and mechanized cavalry vehicles.

The collaboration between the two companies began prior to the acquisition. In 2023, Akaer signed a Memorandum of Understanding with EDGE to jointly develop advanced equipment, with the partnership subsequently advancing to the development and industrialization of unmanned aerial systems. A significant portion of Akaer's commercial revenue is already linked to the EDGE Group. One of the pieces of equipment developed through this collaboration is the JENIAH large-scale drone, designed by EDGE, with Akaer contributing to the development of its structural components, internal parts, engines, cables, and various systems.

EDGE plans to leverage Brazil's industrial structure to participate in all development phases of new products, from conceptual design to engineering, industrialization, and manufacturing. Akaer will continue to serve the Brazilian Armed Forces in the future, while the transaction may also introduce foreign clients. The Brazilian Ministry of Defense has granted Akaer the classification of "Strategic Defense Enterprise" (Empresa Estratégica de Defesa), and EDGE has stated it will retain this classification through a shareholding structure that complies with the category's requirements.

The EDGE Group already has a presence in Brazil, holding a 50% stake in smart weapons systems company SIATT and a controlling interest in non-lethal equipment manufacturer Condor. SIATT is involved in the development of the MANSUP anti-ship missile, which will equip the Brazilian Navy's Tamandaré-class frigates. EDGE continues to expand its presence in Latin America through acquisitions, partnerships, and regional science and technology base agreements. Founded in 2019, the group operates in the fields of military platforms, missiles, autonomous systems, intelligence, security, space, and advanced technologies.