Edge, an Abu Dhabi-based advanced technology and defense company, has launched X Range, an international training facility for defense and aerospace capabilities and testing space for commercial products.
The facility, which was unveiled at the Dubai Airshow 2023 on Monday, is located on a 350-square-kilometer island called Abu Al Abyad, about an hour’s drive from Abu Dhabi. It will feature a 3,800-meter runway for large aircraft and a 1,200-meter runway for unmanned aircraft.
The island will provide an urban training village for special operations exercises, a digital communications network, and a shoreline dedicated to marine and landing maneuvers.
X Range users will have exclusive access to end-to-end advanced testing services and facilities for platforms, systems and subsystems across the air, land, sea and electronic warfare domains, Edge said.
The testing capabilities include detailed data and analysis needed to drive arms development, including work on infantry and smart weapons, autonomous systems, EW solutions and naval vessels, the company added. In the future, there are plans to open the facility to third-party commercial clients.
