EDGE, one of the world's leading groups in the advanced technology and defense sector, and Fincantieri, one of the world's leading shipbuilding groups, have signed today a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) paving the way for a strategic collaboration in the high-potential underwater sector. EDGE and Fincantieri will work together on the design, development and capacity building for the supply of advanced solutions for manned and unmanned underwater systems in the UAE through MAESTRAL, the joint Venture of Abu Dhabi-based shipbuilding recently launched by the two Groups. The preliminary agreement will pave the way and give impetus to the development of sophisticated solutions tailored to the specific underwater needs of navies around the world.
The collaboration marks the EDGE Group’s entry into the underwater space and will enable the two organisations to share expertise and draw on their vast technical and manufacturing resources to develop a range of innovative, interoperable manned and unmanned products, further enhancing the UAE’s sovereign capabilities in cutting-edge defence technologies for the benefit of the UAE and other navies around the world.
The MoU was signed by Hamad Al Marar, CEO and General Manager of EDGE Group, Pierroberto Folgiero, CEO and General Manager of Fincantieri Group, in the presence of Khaled Al Zaabi, President – Platforms & Systems, EDGE, and Dario Deste, General Manager of naval ships division of Fincantieri, together with other representatives of the same division, on the occasion of EURONAVAL, the most important international naval defense exhibition, currently underway in Paris.
Pierroberto Folgiero, CEO and general manager of Fincantieri, stated: “The agreement between Fincantieri and EDGE underscores the commitment to pioneering advances in underwater technologies, combining engineering excellence with a forward-looking approach. The underwater sector presents unique challenges, from fluid dynamics to communication and autonomy, requiring innovative and resilient solutions. Together, we aim to develop systems capable of meeting the most stringent interoperability standards, while addressing the critical needs of the defense and energy sectors. Our efforts are dedicated to setting new benchmarks in safety, resilience and environmental responsibility in underwater operations, providing a significant contribution to both national capabilities and global maritime security.”
Hamad Al Marar, CEO and General Manager of EDGE, commented: “In just five years, EDGE has boldly expanded its reach across the entire spectrum of advanced defense and technology. From the beginning, we saw collaboration and partnership as the only way to develop the technologies and capabilities needed for EDGE to become a leader in the air, land, maritime, cyber and space industries. Our current partnership with Fincantieri exemplifies this strategy, opening up limitless opportunities for both companies to jointly develop and produce advanced surface and underwater naval solutions.”
La joint Venture MAESTRAL focuses on sales, commercial operations and engineering for the design and service of underwater and surface vessels and products, while providing valuable employment opportunities for highly qualified local and international talents.
