BEIRUT — The United Arab Emirates defense conglomerate EDGE Group has officially delivered six HT-100 NAVAL unmanned helicopters to the Angolan Navy, fulfilling a €1 billion ($1.2 billion) contract originally struck in 2023.
The delivery was finalized after the unmanned aircraft successfully completed Factory Acceptance Trials (FAT) in late August at ANAVIA facilities in Switzerland. ANAVIA, an EDGE subsidiary, manufactures the rotorcraft.
“The successful trials encompassed the inaugural operational flight tests of all six HT-100 NAVAL systems and represent a significant milestone for the program,” the company stated. “Upon completion of the FAT, all six systems were delivered to the Angolan Navy, marking a crucial step toward their integration with the BR71 MK II corvettes and the enhancement of maritime surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities.”
The $1 billion-plus agreement was signed in 2023 between Abu Dhabi Ship Building (ADSB)—another EDGE subsidiary—and the Angolan Navy, with three 71-meter (233-foot) BR71 MK II corvettes serving as the primary acquisition.
The unmanned helicopters are slated to operate aboard the corvettes, with two assigned to each vessel. They will be fully integrated with the ships’ combat management systems. EDGE noted that the aircraft are equipped with electro-optical/infrared (EO/IR) sensors designed to bolster the corvettes’ surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities.
“By fostering close collaboration across EDGE, ADSB, and ANAVIA, we are merging naval platforms with unmanned systems to provide an integrated solution tailored to Angola’s operational needs,” said Khaled Al Zaabi, President of Platforms and Systems at EDGE.
ADSB contracted French shipbuilder CMN Naval to construct the first and third corvettes at its shipyard in Cherbourg, France. The second vessel is currently under construction in Abu Dhabi.
Looking beyond Angola, ADSB CEO David Massey indicated in a February interview with Breaking Defense that the company harbors export ambitions across Asia, West and East Africa, and Brazil. He noted that more than 50 percent of ADSB’s order book is expected to be allocated to exports for the foreseeable future.
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