EDGE, a prominent global player in the defense and advanced technology sector, has entered into a strategic partnership with CMN NAVAL, a renowned naval shipbuilding group, to establish a new joint venture (JV) in Abu Dhabi. The venture, named AD NAVAL (ADN), will focus on the production of advanced naval vessels, including corvettes, offshore patrol vessels (OPVs), high-speed interceptors, and other specialized platforms.
The partnership will leverage a robust pipeline of non-NATO commercial orders, estimated at EUR 7 billion, transferring these existing contracts to the newly formed Abu Dhabi-based JV. This move is expected to significantly boost EDGE’s naval capabilities and expand its footprint in the global naval market, particularly in regions outside NATO.
EDGE, which will hold a 51% stake in AD NAVAL, will collaborate closely with CMN NAVAL in various operational areas, including sales, commercial activities, and engineering. One of the key objectives of the JV will be to establish a design bureau responsible for creating innovative designs for future naval vessels. This bureau will also manage intellectual property rights for the designs, further cementing EDGE’s leadership in naval technology development.
The collaboration will provide EDGE with direct access to CMN NAVAL’s extensive global supply chain and advanced Integrated Logistics Support (ILS) systems. These resources will improve operational efficiency through predictive and preventative maintenance capabilities, helping to optimize vessel performance and extend the lifecycle of the vessels built by AD NAVAL. The JV will also benefit from CMN NAVAL’s established expertise in the shipbuilding industry, particularly in the integration of complex systems and high-quality vessel construction.
Additionally, the partnership will explore opportunities to incorporate EDGE’s advanced autonomous air and sea systems, smart weapons, radar, and cyber solutions into the vessels produced by AD NAVAL. This integration will ensure that the ships built under the JV will feature next-generation capabilities, catering to the evolving demands of modern naval forces.
The announcement of the JV follows an initial partnership agreement signed at IDEX 2025 in Abu Dhabi, where the two companies committed to collaborating on naval platform development, system integration, and maintenance. Both companies have expressed confidence that their joint efforts will set new benchmarks in naval innovation, focusing on cutting-edge technologies such as AI-driven autonomous systems, advanced combat solutions, and modular ship designs.
The joint venture will create valuable job opportunities in the UAE, particularly for skilled personnel in shipbuilding and naval technology sectors. It is also expected to provide indirect employment opportunities across the global supply chain, contributing to economic growth both locally and internationally.
Hamad Al Marar, the Managing Director and CEO of EDGE Group, commented on the partnership: “This joint venture marks a significant step in our strategy of fostering international partnerships to drive growth across the air, land, and maritime domains. CMN NAVAL’s strong presence in key markets such as Africa complements EDGE’s technological expertise, allowing us to share knowledge and technology in shipbuilding and naval systems. Our collaboration will enable the production of highly advanced vessels and drive the development of integrated systems for the global defense sector. We are also excited about the potential for economic growth and job creation that this venture brings to the UAE and abroad.”
Pierre Balmer, Chairman of CMN NAVAL, added: “We are excited to partner with EDGE Group in this strategic collaboration, which highlights our shared commitment to innovation and the advancement of naval capabilities. By combining CMN NAVAL’s long-standing experience in shipbuilding with EDGE’s cutting-edge defense technologies, we will deliver next-generation naval solutions tailored to the specific needs of global maritime forces. This partnership not only strengthens our position in international markets but also facilitates technology transfer, industrial cooperation, and job creation, paving the way for long-term growth in the defense and maritime sectors.”
CMN NAVAL, headquartered in France, is an integrated shipbuilding group with facilities in France, Germany, and the United Kingdom. The company has constructed over 3,500 vessels and has supported 48 navies worldwide. CMN NAVAL has also played a key role in the UAE’s naval programs, including the development of the Baynunah-class corvette, showcasing its deep involvement in the region’s defense and maritime sectors.