EDGE and BAE Systems to explore co-creation opportunities across the UAEs defence industry
Abu Dhabi, UAE, February 21, 2023: EDGE Group has today signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with BAE Systems, a global leader in advanced technology solutions, to explore potential collaboration and co-creation opportunities to enhance technologies and capabilities across the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
Under the MoU announced at the International Defence Exhibition and Conference (IDEX), the new strategic partnership will see both companies bring their collective expertise in cyber, maritime, air, and defence technologies in support of the UAE’s industrialisation ambitions to become a leading global hub for future defence and security solutions.
The MoU was signed by Mansour Almulla, Managing Director & CEO of EDGE and Gabby Costigan, Group Managing Director for Business Development, BAE Systems plc, in the presence of the UK’s Ambassador to the UAE Patrick Moody, Air Marshal Martin ‘Sammy’ Sampson CBE DSO, UK Defence Senior Advisor to the Middle East and North Africa (DSAME), Mark Goldsack, Director of the Department for International Trade for UK Defence and Security Exports, and Miles Chambers, EDGE’s Director of International Business Development, during a ceremony held at IDEX.
Mansour Almulla, Managing Director & CEO, EDGE Group said:
“We are pleased to sign this MoU which represents the first step in our long-term strategy for cooperation with BAE Systems, as a partner in some of our key programmes. Fostering strategic alliances is a key pillar of EDGE’s strategy, which will support our objectives of developing a local industrial base, strengthening the UAE’s sovereign capabilities, and enhancing the export potential of our products and solutions in line with the UAE Leadership’s mandate.”
Gabby Costigan, Group Managing Director for Business Development, BAE Systems plc said:
“Bringing together EDGE’s homegrown disruptive solutions with our extensive design, development, integration, manufacture, training and sustainment expertise, we’re excited about the potential of this new strategic collaboration to advance sovereign capabilities in the UAE. BAE Systems has been established in the UAE for 26 years and we continue to explore collaboration opportunities to strengthen the defence and security of the country.”
BAE Systems prides itself on working closely with local partners to support economic development by transferring knowledge, skills and technology, including in the Middle East where it has had a presence for more than 50 years.
