EDGE to begin prototype production of machined aluminium for Raytheon

EPI, the cornerstone of precision engineering in the UAE’s aerospace, oil & gas, and defence industries, on Friday announced they had been contracted to produce prototype aluminium and assembly parts to the Coyote programme for Raytheon, an RTX business.

EPI is part of the Platforms & Systems cluster within EDGE, one of the world’s leading advanced technology groups.

As part of the first contract awarded to EPI by Raytheon, EPI will supply prototype quantities of machined aluminium and assembly parts for the Coyote Counter-UAS interceptor, including manufacturing, complex machining, special processes and surface treatments, quality assurance, and sub-assembly of the parts and their materials.

The agreement supports the ‘Make it in the Emirates’ initiative, a comprehensive plan for developing the UAE’s industrial sector and enhancing its role in stimulating the national economy.

Michael Deshaies, EPI CEO, said, “We are very proud to be collaborating with Raytheon, as our bespoke manufacturing services are uniquely equipped to supplement their international supply network. This contract also represents a significant step in our goals to expand our machining portfolio, localise national manufacturing capabilities, and increase the threshold for ‘Made in the UAE’ exported parts.”

“We’re thrilled to team up with EPI on our Coyote localisation programme,” said Fahad Al Mheiri, MD of Raytheon Emirates. “This partnership aligns with our ‘Make it in the Emirates’ commitment, bolstering UAE’s industrial sector.”

LoI with Thales Group: EPI, the cornerstone of precision engineering in the UAE’s aerospace, oil & gas, and defence industries, on Friday announced their signing a Letter of Intent (LoI) with the Thales Group, a global leader in advanced technologies within defence, digital identity and security, aeronautics and space, and transport. The agreement will allow both companies to jointly explore procurement opportunities for industrial parts, as well as engineering services. The announcement was made during Dubai Airshow 2023.

The partnership falls under the Thales ‘Go to UAE’ initiative, which aims to forge an industrial footprint by growing local suppliers for local and export needs through a range of international certifications for technologies, parts, and services.

Michael Deshaies, EPI CEO, said: “EPI looks forward to this partnership with the Thales Group, and is excited to offer our advanced machining services to bolster the local scope of sovereign manufacturing in their ‘Go to UAE’ initiative. As a key contributor to the UAE’s defence, aerospace, and oil and gas industries, EPI is proud to join forces with Thales to further strengthen our commitment to excellence and innovation.”

Meanwhile the EDGE, one of the world’s leading advanced technology and defence groups, and Calidus, a UAE-based provider of next-generation aeronautical and land systems, signed an MoU at Dubai Airshow to integrate EDGE precision-guided munition (PGM) and guided-glide weapon (GGW) solutions onto the B-250 light attack aircraft, and other Calidus platforms.

Hamad Al Marar, President of EDGE Group’s Missiles & Weapons cluster, said, “We are proud to work with Calidus on this integration initiative, and to provide high technology smart weapons to B-250 end-users. The opportunity will offer a range of versatile precision strike solutions, and complement the B-250’s multirole capabilities. We look forward to presenting a dynamic and advanced armed light attack aircraft, made in the UAE, and to enhancing our collaboration with Calidus in the future.” The MoU marks a significant effort by both companies towards growing the UAE’s aerospace industry, while paving the way for future UAE-made solutions. EDGE and Roketsan, a leading Turkish company which designs, develops, and manufactures rockets, missiles, guided munitions, and weapon systems, signed an agreement today to explore potential partnerships in the smart weapons domain.

Under the agreement, signed at Dubai Airshow 2023, the two companies will work together to explore opportunities in the joint development of new and advanced smart weapon technologies.

Cenk Onen, Vice President of Roketsan, said, “First of all I should state that as Roketsan, we are proud to be working with EDGE, UAE’s leading advanced technology and defence group. The joint efforts of Roketsan and EDGE are expected to explore opportunities in the joint development of new and advanced smart weapon technologies. The agreement signed between Roketsan and EDGE at Dubai Airshow 2023 is a profound step towards strengthening the partnership between us.

Meanwhile EDGE entity Abu Dhabi Ship Building (ADSB), the UAE’s leader in the design, new build, repair, maintenance, refit, and conversion of naval and commercial vessels, announced that it is building two 28-metre vessels for Adnoc Logistics and Services (Adnoc L&S), a global energy maritime logistics leader.