On the occasion of IDEX (International Defence Exhibition and Conference) 2025, Safran Aircraft Engines and Abu Dhabi Aviation (ADA) have signed a Strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to enhance collaboration in military aviation maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) services. The agreement aims to strengthen national capabilities and expand international opportunities in aerospace maintenance.
As the holding company of GAL, a key provider of integrated aviation support for the defence sector, and AMMROC, the region’s leading provider of military maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) solutions, ADA plays a pivotal role in advancing the UAE’s aviation and defence ecosystem.
Through this partnership, Safran Aircraft Engines and ADA will explore joint opportunities in engine maintenance combining the expertise of ADA subsidiaries with the knowledge of the engine manufacturer. Together the partners will aim at ensuring on-base sustained operational readiness for the end-user and local DLM (Depot Level Maintenance) capabilities across Safran Aircraft Engines’ portfolio of military engines to support mission-critical aviation operations.
His Excellency Nader Ahmed AlHammadi, Chairman of Abu Dhabi Aviation, commented, “This agreement with Safran Aircraft Engines is a strategic step in reinforcing the UAE’s aerospace and defence ecosystem. By integrating Safran’s world-class expertise with ADA’s proven capabilities in aviation maintenance and operational support, we are empowering fleet readiness, enhancing technical proficiency, and ensuring sustained mission success. This partnership aligns with our commitment to positioning the UAE as a global leader in aerospace services, while delivering long-term value to our defence and aviation sectors.”
“We are honored to partner with ADA to support the UAE’s defense sector,” said Christophe Bruneau, EVP & General Manager for the Military Engines Division at Safran Aircraft Engines. “This collaboration represents a significant step forward in leveraging our combined expertise to deliver world-class MRO solutions. By working together, we aim to anticipate and address the maintenance needs of the UAE armed forces and to reinforce our MRO global network, reinforcing fleet reliability and sustainability.”
The signing of this MoU aligns with the UAE’s strategic vision to strengthen its indigenous defence capabilities while positioning the country as a global hub for aerospace services. By integrating expertise and resources, Safran Aircraft Engines and ADA will jointly pursue initiatives that enhance fleet availability, improve delivery timelines, and ensure mission readiness for the UAE’s Armed Forces.
The United Arab Emirates is a long-standing partner of Safran and currently operates Mirage 2000-9 fighters equipped with M53 engines. In 2021, the United Arab Emirates became the sixth export customer of the Rafale and its M88 engines. This continuation ties the historical significance of the Rafale order to the broader context of a long-term support relationship while emphasizing strategic alignment for the decades ahead.
Abu Dhabi Aviation (ADA) offers a comprehensive range of services for both military and civilian sectors, specialising in rotary and fixed-wing aircraft. The company’s expertise extends to maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) services, air cargo solutions, luxury travel, helicopter leasing, advanced aircraft simulator training, and technical training.
ADA is the largest commercial helicopter operator in the Middle East. Operating & owning 11 Group Companies including 75 aircraft and 5 Simulators, ADA Group employs over 9500 personnel.
Safran is an international high-technology group, operating in the aviation (propulsion, equipment and interiors), defense and space markets. Its core purpose is to contribute to a safer, more sustainable world, where air transport is more environmentally friendly, comfortable and accessible. Safran has a global presence, with 100,000 employees and sales of 27.3 billion euros in 2024.
Safran Aircraft Engines designs, produces and sells, alone or in partnership, commercial and military aircraft engines offering world-class performance, reliability and environmental compliance.
Through CFM International (a 50/50 joint venture between Safran Aircraft Engines and GE Aerospace), Safran Aircraft Engines is the world’s leading supplier of engines for single-aisle mainline commercial jets.
