EDGE and TKMS Chart Course for Advanced Underwater Defence Partnership
The UAE defence conglomerate and German shipbuilder explore joint development of integrated maritime surveillance and protection systems during state visit to Germany.
EDGE Group and TKMS AG & Co. KGaA have formalised their commitment to developing sophisticated underwater surveillance and protection capabilities through a Memorandum of Understanding signed during the United Arab Emirates’ state visit to Germany.
The agreement, inked in Munich, represents a significant step in the bilateral defence and security cooperation initiative championed by both governments. By combining TKMS’s renowned platform expertise with EDGE’s systems competencies, the two organisations will evaluate opportunities for establishing an integrated multi-system approach to underwater security.
Omar Al Zaabi, President – Commercial at EDGE, emphasised the strategic importance of maritime security, noting that the initiative directly supports the nation’s economic and national resilience objectives. The collaboration aims to develop comprehensive situational awareness capabilities that can address the evolving spectrum of maritime threats through coordinated sensor systems and multiple operational platforms.
Oliver Burkhard, Chief Executive of TKMS, welcomed the German government and UAE initiative, highlighting the company’s longstanding partnership with the Emirates as the foundation for this expanded cooperation. He underscored the significance of enhancing underwater defence architecture in the current global security landscape.
The memorandum was executed by Miguel Ángel López Borrego, Deputy Chairman of the Supervisory Board of TKMS, alongside Mr Al Zaabi. Hamad Al Marar, Managing Director and CEO of EDGE, described the partnership as instrumental in building sovereign capability to meet growing maritime security demands.
The proposed integrated approach seeks to synthesise multiple sensing technologies and platform capabilities, enabling organisations to construct a detailed operational picture capable of identifying and responding to complex maritime challenges. Such synergies between German engineering excellence and Emirati technological advancement promise to yield solutions tailored to contemporary security requirements.
Source: WAM