UAE Arms Maker Says Homegrown Defenses Are Priority

An Omen hybrid-electric vertical takeoff and landing drone, developed by Anduril and Edge Group, right, at the Dubai Air Show.

Photographer: Christopher Pike/Bloomberg

The United Arab Emirates’ largest weapons manufacturer says developing an air-defense system is its top priority, underscoring the Gulf nation’s growing worries of drone attacks.

The project, dubbed SkyKnight, will be EDGE Group PJSC’s flagship product, according to Chief Executive Officer Hamad Al Marar. It plans to have the system operational next year.