Strategic Development Fund (SDF), the investment arm of Tawazun Economic Council, said its joint venture with Australia’s leading defence and technology companies, EOS Defence Systems, has signed a collaboration agreement with Edge Precision Industries for the manufacturing and supply of high precision components of the new 14.5 x 114 mm light-weight weapon system, currently under development for production in the UAE.

 

The SDF and EOS joint venture was formed to design and develop a new multiplatform, lightweight, 14.5 x 114 mm chain driven weapons system in the UAE. 

 

One of the leading advanced components manufacturers in the region, Edge Precision Industries is a key contributor to UAE's defence, aerospace and oil and gas industries.

 

On the new partnership, CEO Abdulla Naser Al Jaabari said SDF through its partnerships and investments, is committed towards its developmental mandate, to support the enablement of UAE’s strategic sector industrial capabilities.

 

"We are pleased to have the support of our distinguished partner EOS in being able to implement this target. EPI will participate significantly in the production of critical parts for this advanced solution," he stated.

 

"In line with our long-term partnership with Tawazun, EPI has built a plant that has greatly expanded its production capabilities," stated its CEO Chistian Ziehe. 

 

"Today, we have the capacity to manufacture key components required to support SDF and EOS with their requirement and we look forward to collaboratively strengthening indigenous capabilities and contributing to the UAE’s defense preparedness," he noted.

 

Lauding the deal, EOS Advanced Technologies CEO Abdulrahman Al Blooshi said: "EOS recognizes the importance of utilizing the resource capabilities that are available in the local market, and the need to direct investment towards supporting new innovations and technologies that ultimately improve and grow the UAE Defense and Security Industry."

 

EOS is a leading defence technology company that specialises in weapon systems integration, as well as ISR (Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance) for land warfare.

 

Its key products are next-generation remote weapon systems, vehicle turrets and counter-UAS systems incorporating directed energy and kinetic drone-defeat technologies.-TradeArabia News Service