EDGE Group Delivers Six HT-100 NAVAL Drones to Angolan Navy

EDGE Group PJSC has delivered six ANAVIA HT-100 NAVAL unmanned helicopters to the Angolan Navy following the completion of Factory Acceptance Trials in Bilten, Switzerland. The September 10, 2026, handover marks a critical integration phase in Angola’s EUR 1 billion naval modernization program, equipping the nation’s incoming surface fleet with organic aerial surveillance assets.

In a press release issued on September 10, 2026, the United Arab Emirates-based defense conglomerate confirmed the successful trials took place between August 24 and August 28, 2026. The unmanned systems will be integrated onto three BR71 MK II Combattante corvettes currently under construction to enhance the maritime surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities of the Angolan Navy.

Fleet modernization and corvette integration

The delivery stems from a EUR 1 billion contract signed in February 2023 between EDGE Group and Simportex, Angola’s public enterprise for defense procurement. The agreement centers on the construction and delivery of three 71-meter multi-mission corvettes designed to secure Angola’s exclusive economic zone and coastal waters.

The first-of-class corvette, designated NRA Ekuikui II, was launched on March 4, 2026, at the CMN Naval shipyard in Cherbourg, France. Abu Dhabi Ship Building (ADSB) is constructing the second vessel in Abu Dhabi, while CMN Naval builds the third. Under the program structure, two HT-100 NAVAL systems are assigned to each of the three corvettes.

Khaled Al Zaabi, President of Platforms & Systems at EDGE Group, highlighted the multi-subsidiary effort required to execute the contract.

The successful completion of the Factory Acceptance Trials marks an important milestone in the delivery of this advanced capability to the Angolan Navy. Through close collaboration across EDGE, ADSB, and ANAVIA, we are combining naval platforms and unmanned systems to deliver an integrated solution aligned with Angola’s operational requirements.

ANAVIA HT-100 NAVAL capabilities and next steps

EDGE Group acquired a majority stake in Swiss autonomous air systems developer ANAVIA AG in November 2023, bringing the HT-100 platform into its portfolio. The HT-100 NAVAL variant is specifically designed for shipborne operations and features electro-optical and infrared sensors tailored for maritime patrol, target acquisition, and search and rescue support.

Following the handover in Switzerland, the unmanned helicopters will undergo physical integration onboard the BR71 MK II platforms. Sea trials in Angolan waters will follow to validate the launch, recovery, and data-link systems before the aircraft officially enter operational service.

Ishan Sahgal, Co-CEO and Founder of ANAVIA, stated the delivery demonstrates the company’s capacity to field fully autonomous systems tailored for complex maritime environments, noting that the cooperation with the Angolan Navy and ADSB strengthens international confidence in the platform.

AirPro News analysis

We view the rapid progression from EDGE Group’s acquisition of ANAVIA in late 2023 to the delivery of the HT-100 NAVAL systems in 2026 as a clear demonstration of the conglomerate’s strategy to bundle acquired technologies into major export contracts. By pairing ADSB-managed naval platforms with ANAVIA’s unmanned aerial systems, EDGE Group is positioning itself as a turnkey provider for emerging naval forces. This approach allows operators like the Angolan Navy to procure integrated surveillance and strike capabilities from a single prime contractor, reducing the integration risks typically associated with sourcing ships and aviation assets from disparate vendors.

Sources: EDGE Group