Strategic Partnership Sealed For UAE Navy's National Combat Management System Development

In a significant move to bolster the UAE's defence and security industries, Tawazun Council, Naval Group, and Marakeb Technologies have entered into a Joint Development Agreement for the creation of the National Combat Management System (NCMS). This collaboration aims at a comprehensive transfer of technology and expertise, marking a pivotal step in supporting the sector's swift expansion and equipping the national defence with future-ready solutions. The signing ceremony took place in Abu Dhabi, witnessed by Shareef Hashim Al Hashmi, CEO of Operations at Tawazun Council, Lilian Brayle, Executive Vice President of Combat Systems and Equipment at Naval Group, and Basel Shuhaiber, Chief Executive Officer of Marakeb Technologies, alongside several high-ranking officials.

The partnership designates Marakeb Technologies LLC, a subsidiary of Strategic Development Fund Company (SDF), as the national partner for this ambitious programme. The collaboration with Naval Group aims to develop an NCMS that will empower the UAE Navy with a system capable of being integrated into both newbuild and retrofit ship programmes. This initiative is part of broader efforts to enhance the UAE’s stance in the defence and security domain through advanced technology acquisition.

Muammar Abdulla Abushehab, CEO of Tawazun, highlighted the project's significance in reinforcing operational capabilities and providing national defence solutions. He emphasized the sovereign benefits such as control, customization, and system updates to meet the evolving needs of the Naval Forces. The transfer of defence technology and naval combat management programmes is expected to lay down a robust foundation for the country's defence industrial capabilities.

Pierre Éric Pommellet, CEO of Naval Group, expressed his enthusiasm about this new phase in their long-standing cooperation with Tawazun Council. He reaffirmed Naval Group's commitment to supporting the UAE’s ambition to advance its defence and security industry through sophisticated naval combat system capacities.

Basel Shuhaiber from Marakeb Technologies shared his pride in facilitating this significant knowledge transfer from Naval Group. He views this collaboration as not only a milestone in technological advancement but also as a step towards setting new maritime excellence standards in the region.

This joint development agreement represents a strategic endeavour to support and grow the UAE’s defence and security industries. By leveraging international expertise and fostering local capabilities, it aims to equip the UAE Navy with advanced systems that ensure operational readiness and strategic autonomy in maritime defence.

With inputs from WAM