General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) and Calidus Aerospace have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to collaborate on the prospective co-production of MQ-9B Remotely Piloted Aircraft and Gambit Collaborative Combat Aircraft in the United Arab Emirates, along with associated command, control and battle management systems.

The agreement was signed on 20 January 2026 in Abu Dhabi by GA-ASI President David R. Alexander and Dr Khalifa Murad Alblooshi, Managing Director and CEO of Calidus Holding Group. The signing took place on the sidelines of the UMEX and SimTEX 2026 exhibition, held from 20–22 January 2026.

The MOU establishes a framework for cooperation between GA-ASI, GA-Intelligence and Calidus. Under the framework, the companies will explore collaboration across multiple programme areas including airframe manufacturing, final assembly, test and checkout activities, as well as flight operational testing and acceptance.

David R. Alexander, President of GA-ASI, said partnerships within the UAE help the company connect with regional expertise and industrial capability. He noted that the agreement reflects a shared commitment to long-term cooperation, technological development and advancement of unmanned aircraft capabilities within the UAE.

Dr Khalifa Murad Alblooshi said the agreement represents a strategic step towards strengthening Calidus Group’s capabilities in the unmanned systems sector in line with user requirements. He noted the collaboration comes at a time of rapid sector growth both regionally and globally, drawing on the combined manufacturing expertise of both companies. He added that the partnership supports future cooperation in innovation, knowledge transfer and expanded manufacturing capability.

The collaboration is expected to represent the first time General Atomics aircraft would be manufactured in the region. The initiative is intended to support growing demand for MQ-9B Remotely Piloted Aircraft and Gambit Collaborative Combat Aircraft in the region and internationally.