Leonardo and Abu Dhabi Ship Building (ADSB), part of the EDGE Group, have signed a contract valued at approximately €320m ($371m) to deliver naval combat systems for the Kuwait Navy’s Al Dorra missile boat programme.
The agreement, announced on 20 May 2026, will see Leonardo’s next-generation combat systems supplied for the Falaj 3 configuration.
Discover B2B Marketing That Performs
Combine business intelligence and editorial excellence to reach engaged professionals across 36 leading media platforms.
EDGE Group last year secured a Dh9bn deal with the Kuwait Ministry of Defence to provide FALAJ3 missile boats. Under the contract, EDGE will act as the main contractor, overseeing the design, construction, sea trials, and delivery of the 62-metre vessels.
ADSB chief executive David Massey told The National newspaper that eight ships are being built for the Kuwait Navy, with deliveries expected over five to six years.
The combat systems, which include radar and computerised management technology, are the same as those previously supplied by Leonardo for the Baynunah-class corvettes used by the United Arab Emirates Navy, according to reports in The National.
Leonardo has a history of collaboration with ADSB, with over 25 naval vessels delivered through more than two decades of partnership across multiple projects.
The Italian company serves as a strategic partner to naval forces worldwide, including the Italian Navy. Its systems, ranging from combat management to long-range surveillance and missile defence, are deployed on more than 100 naval fleets internationally.
The latest contract follows the completion of a preliminary evaluation by EDGE Group and Leonardo, which assessed technology transfer opportunities and broader market potential in anticipation of establishing a joint venture in Abu Dhabi.
In June 2025, both companies signed a Memorandum of Understanding formalising their intention to proceed with the joint venture.
“This agreement plays a key role in strengthening cooperation between the two organisations and marks a further step toward the creation of a future joint venture between Leonardo and EDGE Group,” Leonardo said in a statement.
