EDGE Group, a leading technology and defense organization based in the UAE, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Fincantieri, one of the world’s largest shipbuilders, to collaborate on advanced underwater technology solutions. The agreement, signed at the EURONAVAL exhibition in Paris, marks the first venture into underwater systems for EDGE and will focus on designing, developing, and constructing manned and unmanned underwater systems. This new partnership, known as MAESTRAL JV, will operate out of Abu Dhabi and leverage the strengths of both organizations to serve the UAE and global navies.
EDGE CEO Hamad Al Marar and Fincantieri CEO Pierroberto Folgiero signed the MoU, symbolizing a joint commitment to the underwater domain. The collaboration will allow EDGE and Fincantieri to combine their engineering expertise and resources to meet high standards in interoperability, autonomy, and resilience in underwater operations.
Folgiero emphasized the importance of underwater technologies for both defense and energy sectors, highlighting the unique challenges of underwater engineering. “Together, we aim to set new benchmarks in safety, resilience, and environmental responsibility,” he said.
Al Marar noted EDGE’s expansion across multiple technology domains over the past five years, underscoring that partnerships like this with Fincantieri are vital to establishing EDGE’s role in advanced defense solutions globally. He added that the collaboration would unlock numerous opportunities for developing sophisticated naval systems and creating valuable job opportunities for skilled talent.
The MAESTRAL Joint Venture will focus on sales, engineering, and commercial operations related to underwater and surface vessels, strengthening UAE’s position as a hub for high-tech defense capabilities.
