Space42, Leonardo DRS Sign UAE Security Systems MoU
ABU DHABI: UAE space technology company Space42 and US defence technology company Leonardo DRS have signed a Memorandum of Understanding, or MoU, to work together on national security mission systems in the UAE.
The plan is to connect Leonardo DRS mission systems with Space42’s secure satellite network. This could help UAE security teams communicate, share information and stay connected over long distances, including places where normal ground networks may not work.
What did Space42 and Leonardo DRS agree to?
Under the agreement, Leonardo DRS will bring its experience in C5ISR mission systems. Space42 will provide secure satellite communications, AI-supported technology and Beyond Line of Sight, or BLOS, connections.
C5ISR is a military term for connected tools that help teams communicate, collect information, understand what is happening and make decisions. BLOS means people and systems can stay connected even when they are far apart and cannot directly see each other.
The two companies will study how these technologies can be designed and connected for UAE missions. The work is expected to focus on protected communications and better awareness of what is happening during security operations.
Why does the agreement matter for the UAE?
Modern security operations depend on fast and trusted information. A team on the ground may need to communicate with vehicles, command centres or other units many kilometres away. Satellite connections can keep that information moving when normal communication networks are too far away or unavailable.
The agreement also fits with the UAE’s wider work in defence and security technology. Arab Times News previously reported on the UAE National Pavilion at Eurosatory 2026, where UAE companies presented defence technology and met international partners.
What Space42 will provide
Space42 is based in the UAE and works in satellite communications, space services, geospatial information and artificial intelligence. For this project, its main role will be providing secure satellite connections that can work beyond normal ground networks.
Ahmed AlMehrzi, Chief Commercial Officer – Government at Space42, said the company wants to be a trusted provider of secure connections. He said combining Space42’s satellite network with Leonardo DRS technology can support protected communications for the UAE.
What Leonardo DRS will bring
Leonardo DRS develops technology used for military missions, including network computers, vehicle systems, displays, sensors and systems that give crews information about what is happening around them.
Denny Crumley, Senior Vice President and General Manager of Leonardo DRS Land Electronics, said the agreement supports the company’s work with UAE national security partners and its international business.
Leonardo DRS published more details about the partnership in its official Space42 agreement announcement.
What happens next?
The MoU is a framework for the two companies to study and develop possible mission systems together. It does not announce a finished system or give a delivery date.
The next work will focus on how Leonardo DRS technology and Space42 satellite services can operate together. The goal is to give UAE teams secure connections, useful information and better communication during demanding missions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Space42 and Leonardo DRS MoU?
It is an agreement for Space42 and Leonardo DRS to study ways to connect satellite communications with national security mission systems in the UAE.
What is BLOS connectivity?
BLOS stands for Beyond Line of Sight. It allows people and systems to communicate across long distances without needing a direct view of each other.
What is C5ISR?
C5ISR describes connected military systems used for communication, information gathering, monitoring and decision-making.
Where are the companies based?
Space42 is a UAE-based space technology company. Leonardo DRS is a US-based defence technology company.
According to Emirates News Agency, WAM, the partnership is aimed at supporting secure national security operations in the UAE.