The United States and the United Arab Emirates have announced a joint venture to design and build AI-powered drones named Omen. The advanced drone will be produced in Abu Dhabi, marking a major step in strengthening defense and technological cooperation between the two allies.
The collaboration brings together US defense tech firm Anduril and the UAE’s state-owned EDGE Group. The Omen drones will be developed at a new 50,000-square-foot facility in Abu Dhabi, with the UAE set to acquire the first 50 units. The drone can take off and land vertically like a helicopter while flying like an airplane, allowing it to operate in both war zones and disaster areas.
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EDGE is investing nearly $200 million in the project, while Anduril has already spent $850 million developing related technologies. The production of the drones is expected to begin by the end of 2028. The partnership also grants EDGE access to Anduril’s advanced Lattice AI system, which enables autonomous aircraft to coordinate and adapt in real time, serving as a three-dimensional command and control platform.
The initiative builds on decades of defense cooperation between Washington and Abu Dhabi. During Donald Trump’s visit earlier this year, both countries announced plans to expand joint military projects and technology sharing. The UAE, known as “Little Sparta” for its active military presence abroad, hosts the US Air Force at Al Dhafra base and continues to invest heavily in defense innovation.
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Anduril founder Palmer Luckey, also known for creating Oculus VR, said the partnership represents the future of defense technology. Analysts believe the Omen project highlights the growing role of artificial intelligence in global military operations and signals a new era of autonomous warfare.