By Arie Egozi, Autonomy Global – Ambassador for Israel
General Atomics Aeronautical Systems (GA-ASI) and UAE-based Calidus Aerospace signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on January 20, 2026, at the UMEX and SimTEX 2026 event in Abu Dhabi, to collaborate on co-producing MQ-9B remotely piloted aircraft and Gambit Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA). This landmark agreement marks the first GA-ASI aircraft manufacturing in the Middle East, covering airframe production, final assembly, testing, flight acceptance and command-and-control (C2) systems.
Strategic Partnership Details
GA-ASI President David R. Alexander and Calidus CEO Dr. Khalifa Murad Alblooshi signed the MOU, involving GA-Intelligence for battle management and software integration. The deal leverages UAE expertise to meet surging regional demand for advanced UAVs amid rapid growth in unmanned systems. It fosters long-term innovation, knowledge transfer and manufacturing expansion between the partners.
CCA Technology Overview
The US Air Force’s Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) program features jet-powered, AI-driven UAS like Gambit, designed to operate alongside crewed fighters in contested airspace. CCAs support missions including air-to-air combat, air-to-ground strikes, electronic warfare (EW), targeting and ISR. CCAs expand fleets while reducing risks to pilots at lower costs. The Navy pursues similar initiatives, which signals broad US military adoption of loyal wingman concepts.
Regional and Global Impact
Israeli experts note that this partnership shows US’ willingness to collaborate internationally for accelerating advanced UAV development. It positions the UAE as a hub for next-gen autonomous systems production and enhances Middle East defense capabilities and global supply chains. The MOU aligns with prior UAE integrations, like EDGE weapons on the MQ-9B in 2023, which boosts interoperability.