German shipbuilder and UAE-based defense company EDGE Group have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) within the framework of the state visit of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to Germany to explore the joint development of underwater surveillance and protection capabilities.
The MoU was signed in Munich by Miguel Ángel López Borrego, Deputy Chairman of the Supervisory Board of TKMS, and Omar Al Zaabi, President – Commercial at EDGE.
Under the MoU, TKMS and EDGE intend to evaluate opportunities towards establishing an integrated multi system approach for underwater security and to thereby strengthen the maritime defense capabilities of both partners.
Integration of multiple platforms and sensor systems could provide the basis for establishing a comprehensive situational picture.
In this context, the parties intend to explore how TKMS platform capabilities, complemented by EDGE systems competences, could contribute to enabling a suitable and effective surveillance and protection solution.
"We welcome the initiative of the German government and the UAE to strengthen cooperation in the defense and security areas. TKMS’s long-standing partnership with the UAE represents a solid foundation for our joint commitment. This cooperation will strengthen underwater surveillance and defense capabilities in the long term—an important contribution given the current security situation," Oliver Burkhard, CEO of TKMS, said.
“The security of the maritime domain is fundamental to the UAE's national and economic resilience, and the demands placed on it are growing. EDGE is working to build the sovereign capability to meet them, working with partners such as TKMS whose expertise strengthens what we deliver," Hamad Al Marar, Managing Director and CEO, EDGE, commented.
The MoU agreement comes amidst heightened geopolitical security challenges that have increased the demand for naval capabilities for maintaining maritime security and ensuring the uninterrupted flow of commercial shipping.