UAE’s Strategic Move in Naval Manufacturing
The United Arab Emirates is taking significant strides in naval manufacturing with the establishment of a new joint venture, AD NAVAL (ADN), in partnership with the French shipbuilder CMN NAVAL. This venture, headquartered in Abu Dhabi, aims to harness pre-existing orders worth 7 billion euros ($7.5 billion) for a range of naval vessels, including corvettes, offshore patrol vehicles, high-speed interceptors, and landing crafts.
This partnership fundamentally reflects the UAE’s intention to enhance its defense manufacturing capabilities, allowing for the independent production of ‘small to mid-size’ naval platforms that are key to modern naval operations.
Technological Integration and Collaboration
Under a unique agreement, the joint venture will also explore the integration of EDGE Group’s advanced technologies, including autonomous air and sea systems, smart weaponry, radar systems, and cyber solutions into the vessels developed by AD NAVAL. This collaboration is particularly focused on addressing the needs of non-NATO naval forces, expanding market reach and capabilities significantly.
This initiative follows an earlier agreement signed at the International Defence Exhibition & Conference 2025, marking a commitment from both companies to pursue joint opportunities aimed at elevating naval capabilities.
EDGE’s Dominant Position in the Joint Venture
With a 51-percent stake in the newly formed joint venture, EDGE Group is set to create a dedicated design bureau aimed at securing intellectual property rights for future naval designs. This initiative will also grant them access to CMN NAVAL’s extensive global supply chain and Integrated Logistics Support systems.
In addition to production, both companies plan to collaborate on sales and engineering activities, further solidifying their partnership in the defense sector.
Economic Impacts and Job Creation
Hamad Al Marar, Managing Director and CEO of EDGE, expressed optimism regarding the partnership, noting its potential to generate significant employment opportunities both in the UAE and internationally. He emphasized that this venture will not only foster economic growth but also enhance the UAE’s capabilities in the naval sector.
Al Marar mentioned that leveraging CMN’s technological strengths will enhance EDGE’s competitiveness in key emerging markets, particularly within Africa, allowing the production of advanced naval vessels right in the UAE.
CMN NAVAL’s Commitment to Innovation
Pierre Balmer, Chairman of CMN NAVAL, highlighted the synergies between the two companies, stating that their cooperative effort will facilitate the delivery of next-generation naval solutions tailored to the dynamic requirements of global maritime forces.
Balmer’s comments underscore a mutual commitment to innovative practices in shipbuilding, showcasing the strategic vision behind this partnership.
Broader Partnerships in Naval Asset Production
In addition to its collaboration with CMN NAVAL, EDGE Group has previously formed joint production agreements with prominent shipbuilders including Italy’s Fincantieri and the Brazilian Navy.
These strategic alliances reflect EDGE’s ongoing commitment to enhancing its naval manufacturing capabilities, further establishing the UAE as a significant player in the global defense industry.
