The MoU was signed in Abu\ Dhabi during last week’s IDEX 2015 by Dr. Khaled Al Mazrouei, CEO of ADSB, and Patrice Caine, CEO of Thales Group.
Under the strategic agreement, ADSB will collaborate with Thales to develop, implement, and deliver world-class life-cycle management solutions for ships for a number of regional defense stakeholders. The aim of the agreement is to develop and deliver comprehensive, efficient and cost-effective solutions for naval forces in the region, in addition to strengthening the maintenance, repair and overhaul operations of the UAE Armed Forces.
The MoU will enable ADSB to deliver on its strategy to expand operations beyond the UAE by providing solutions for marine fleets stationed in the region. ADSB and Thales will now be able to demonstrate their combined expertise and build strong relationships with regional naval forces.
The agreement includes cooperation in areas including renewal for expired vessels, programming system unification, procurement management, maintenance and operations training, data transfer, management of reinforcement systems and logistical support.
Commenting on the partnership, Dr. Khaled Al Mazrouei, CEO of ADSB, said: “This partnership supports our strategy to capitalize on the company’s competitive advantage in maintenance, repair and overhaul services as we look to support our partners’ readiness in the region, as well as help develop national talent specialized in this field.”
Patrice Caine, CEO of the Thales Group, said: “Thales has been present in the Middle East for over 35 years and employs over 1,200 people in the region. Thanks to the strength of the relationship we have developed with Abu Dhabi Ship Building over a long period, this new enhanced cooperation will allow Thales to extend its offer of services for the UAE naval forces to include naval services”.