UAE’s EDGE Invests $10M in Israeli AI-Based Drone Detection Firm Thirdeye Systems
UAE-based defense technology group EDGE has announced a $10 million investment to acquire a 30% stake in Israel’s Thirdeye Systems, a company specializing in AI-driven electro-optical technology for detecting drones and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).
The acquisition is pending approval from Israel’s Defense Ministry. In addition to the stake purchase, EDGE has committed $12 million to establish a joint venture with Thirdeye, focusing on the development and global expansion of advanced electro-optical object recognition systems.
EDGE, headquartered in Abu Dhabi, is a major defense conglomerate with 25 subsidiaries and 12,000 employees. It operates across sectors including defense platforms, missiles, cyber defense, and electronic warfare, spanning 140 countries with an order backlog of $12.8 billion.
Thirdeye Systems CEO Segal emphasized the significance of the partnership, stating, “This collaboration highlights the strength of our AI-driven solutions in enhancing national security. Partnering with a globally recognized defense supplier like EDGE will enable us to showcase Thirdeye’s capabilities and expand our reach in international markets.”
Thirdeye’s AI-powered systems are currently used by the Israeli army and several NATO defense agencies. Following the investment announcement, Thirdeye’s stock price surged by 26% on the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange, reaching a market valuation of NIS 84 million ($23 million).
Recent conflicts in the region have underscored the growing threat posed by drones, with many evading Israel’s Iron Dome missile defense system. Thirdeye’s advanced surveillance solutions, such as the Meduza X and Chimera systems, leverage AI-based object recognition to track drones in complex environments. These technologies are designed for military operations, counterterrorism, and search-and-rescue missions.
EDGE Group President and CFO Rodrigo Torres described the investment as a strategic move. “This transaction reflects our confidence in Thirdeye’s innovative solutions, which provide a critical layer of defense against UAV threats. We look forward to advancing new identification technologies together,” he said.
Since the signing of the Abraham Accords in 2020, Israeli and UAE defense firms have strengthened cooperation. In March 2021, EDGE partnered with Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) to develop an advanced drone interception system tailored for the UAE market.
The investment in Thirdeye marks another step in the growing security collaboration between the two nations, reinforcing their joint efforts in AI-driven defense technologies.
