GM Defense And EDGE Sign Agreement To Explore Joint Light Tactical Vehicle Projects

Looking to expand its sales of light tactical vehicles to other parts of the world, GM Defense has just signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with EDGE, a defense and tech company based in Abu Dhabi.

Notably, a memorandum of understanding such as that between GM Defense and EDGE is usually not legally binding like a contract, but outlines shared intentions between two business partners from which they can negotiate and, often, later develop a contract or multiple contracts.

The memorandum was signed during the International Defense Exhibition & Conference 2025 currently under way in Abu Dhabi. GM Africa & Middle East president Jack Uppal represented GM Defense, while Abri du Plessis, the CEO of EDGE subsidiary NIMR Automotive, signed for the other side. U.S. ambassador Martina Strong was present to witness the memorandum signing.

Amid a flurry of buzzwords about “shared vision,” “transformational technologies,” and “powerful synergy,” Steve duMont, president of GM Defense, said that the partnership is “poised to deliver advanced mobility solutions that offer exceptional performance, reliability and quality; enabling our customers to safely accomplish their mission.”

This, in practical terms, appears to mean developing light tactical vehicles for Middle Eastern and African countries, as well as military customers in Southeast Asia such as Malaysia and Indonesia. GM Defense has been engaged in expanding its customer base, including some business in the Middle East already with sale of its Suburban Shield armored SUV to Qatar, probably for VIP transport.

Back in October, GM Defense also pulled the sheets on its Next Gen tactical vehicle based on the Chevy Silverado 2500 HD ZR2 and GMC Sierra 2500 HD AT4X. Back in Spring 2024, the General Motors subsidiary also successfully tested its ISV (Infantry Squad Vehicle) for the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Armed Forces, including days of operation at a baking 132 degrees Fahrenheit (56 degrees Celsius).

At that time, Steve duMont said the company proved it can “deliver a highly capable off-road vehicle that can meet the needs of defense and government customers in the UAE and throughout the region” – with the current EDGE/NIMR Automotive partnership likely related.