EDGE Group has signed a Defense Industry Cooperation Framework with the Republic of Korea’s Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) during the Republic of Korea’s recent high-level visit to Abu Dhabi.
This marks a significant milestone in the defense partnership between the two countries, as per the statement.
DAPA is responsible for enhancing the nation’s defense capabilities, supplying military equipment, and promoting the development of the defense industry.
The agreement was signed by Faisal Al Bannai, Adviser to the UAE President for Strategic Research and Advanced Technology Affairs and Chairman of the Board of Directors of EDGE, and Lee, Yong Cheol, Minister of DAPA, in the presence of other senior officials from the UAE and the Republic of Korea.
The visit underscored the enduring strength of the ‘Special Strategic Partnership’ between the two nations.
EDGE Group-DAPA MoU
The MoU establishes a framework for comprehensive defense industry cooperation, encompassing design, development, training, and maintenance, moving beyond a traditional procurement relationship toward deeper, long-term collaboration.
Areas of cooperation include integrated air defense systems, advanced aircraft capabilities, and maritime power, with defense cooperation under the framework expected to amount to approximately $35 billion.
Recently, EDGE Group and Spain’s EM&E Group signed an agreement to explore the establishment of a UAE-based joint venture, underpinned by a commercial pipeline valued at approximately $1.5 billion.
Under the framework, EM&E Group will provide the latest technology in advanced remote weapon stations to the UAE and international markets. Furthermore, the agreement also lays the groundwork for the co-development of additional defense systems through the proposed UAE-based joint venture.
