General Atomics Aeronautical Systems has signed a memorandum of understanding with Calidus Aerospace to co-produce MQ-9B remotely piloted aircraft and Gambit collaborative combat aircraft in the UAE. The agreement outlines cooperation on airframe manufacturing, final assembly, testing, flight acceptance, and command-and-control integration, with GA-Intelligence contributing battle-management and software expertise. The partnership reflects GA-ASI’s broader strategy to expand its international industrial footprint through localized production and technology collaboration. Over the past year, the company has pursued multiple global agreements, including work with Qatar’s Barzan Holdings on advanced battle-management software to enhance theater-level situational awareness. GA-ASI has also partnered with CAE on next-generation MQ-9B mission trainers and with South Korea’s Hanwha Aerospace on Gray Eagle STOL drone development. The UAE agreement strengthens regional aerospace capabilities while supporting emerging operational concepts such as collaborative combat aircraft and networked ISR.
