Arab group buys Akaer, defense industry from José The purchase of Akaer, an aerospace engineering company from São José dos Campos (SP), by the EDGE group, from the United Arab Emirates, announced this Thursday (16), is part of a strategy by the state-owned company to expand its presence in the Brazilian defense industry. Since 2023, the group has acquired 50% of SIATT, also from São José dos Campos, specialized in missiles and intelligent systems, 51% of Condor Tecnologias Não Letais, in Rio de Janeiro, and has now purchased 100% of Akaer. The value of Akaer's negotiation was not disclosed and the operation still depends on regulatory approvals, which should take between three and five weeks. For a specialist in the aerospace and defense industry heard by g1, the acquisitions reflect foreign interest in the technological capacity developed in Brazil and the possibility of investing resources in companies that, despite their high competence, face difficulties in financing their expansion (read more below). ? Click here to follow the g1 Vale do Paraíba and region channel on WhatsApp According to EDGE, Brazil was chosen because it brings together companies with a high level of technology, specialized labor and a consolidated aerospace sector. "Brazil brings together a solid industrial base, highly specialized workforce and companies internationally recognized for their capacity for innovation and development of advanced technologies for the defense and aerospace sectors," the group informed g1. Founded in 2019, EDGE is a UAE government company focused on the defense and advanced technology sectors. According to the company, the group brings together more than 35 companies and around 18,400 employees. Purchase of Akaer, in São José dos Campos, was announced this Thursday (16). Reproduction/TV Vanguarda São José dos Campos at the center of the strategy Two of the three acquisitions made by the group in Brazil are from companies based in São José dos Campos. According to EDGE's financial director (CFO), Rodrigo Torres, in addition to the companies, the group sought out the city's existing engineering capacity. "We bring enormous training from São José dos Campos, the entire ecosystem of São José dos Campos, which is essential for the development of programs." The executive states that the combination between Akaer's engineering and EDGE's international structure will allow the Brazilian company to expand its operations in other markets. "With the union of EDGE's commercial area and the engineering capabilities that Akaer has, we were able to accelerate internationalization and exports." Plans for Akaer According to Rodrigo Torres, the expectation is to double the size of the company in the coming years. "We hope to double the company. Bring in twice as many engineers and the revenue will be double what it is today." He also stated that Akaer will continue in São José dos Campos, will maintain the status of a Strategic Defense Company and will have jobs preserved. Torres did not confirm financial problems at Akaer, but said the purchase represents a "turning point" for the company. According to the executive, in addition to Akaer, EDGE intends to expand investments in Brazil, with projects involving SIATT, Condor and partnerships with the Aeronautical Technological Institute (ITA). Expert sees interest in technology For Marcos Barbieri, professor at Unicamp and specialist in the aerospace and defense industry, the main attraction for the EDGE group is the technological capacity developed by Brazilian companies over decades. According to him, the three acquisitions made by the United Arab Emirates group involve companies considered references in their segments. "SIATT was a small company, almost a research center. Condor was one of the largest manufacturers of non-lethal weapons in the world. And Akaer is a highly competent aerospace and aeronautical engineering company", he stated. In the researcher's assessment, Brazil has internationally recognized technical knowledge, but many companies face difficulties in obtaining the necessary investments to grow. "We had great hope that Akaer could reach this level. In engineering they had competence. But they lacked resources." For Barbieri, countries usually adopt mechanisms to protect companies considered strategic. "From their side, it's excellent. They buy companies with very high competence that transfer technology," he said. See more news from Vale do Paraíba and the Bragantina region