General Motors’ defense division is teaming up with United Arab Emirates contractor EDGE to deliver the next generation of tactical vehicles. 

The partnership, announced at this year’s International Defense Exhibition in Dubai, will focus on light combat vehicles that will blend the specifications of each contractor. GM Defense will partner with EDGE’s NIMR Automotive on vehicle projects. 

“This strategic agreement marks a significant step toward localizing GM Defense’s advanced capabilities and expanding GM’s transformational technologies and investments into new global defense markets,” GM Defense President Steve duMont said. “Together, we are poised to deliver advanced mobility solutions that offer exceptional performance, reliability and quality, enabling our customers to safely accomplish their mission.”

One such project was on display at IDEX this week. The Next Generation Tactical Vehicle combines an armored GM light combat vehicle with a drone launching system. EDGE’s Hunter SP loitering munition launcher sits in the back of the truck and provides the NGTV with a portable and reliable drone system, GM Defense says.

The NGTV is powered by a diesel generator that charges its electric battery, hence the vehicle can drive more silently than other tactical vehicles. 

GM Defense confirmed to the news outlet Breaking Defense that the NGTV made its debut last year, but the company won’t go through with testing until 2026. The American car giant said the testing would take place in the UAE and that GM Defense already has drawn interest in the technology from other Middle Eastern nations. 

• Vaughn Cockayne can be reached at vcockayne@washingtontimes.com.