Dubai Airshow: QinetiQ and MGE partner on future UAE defence capabilities
QinetiQ and Middle East General Enterprises (MGE) have announced a joint venture (JV) partnership in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to manufacture aerial and maritime targets to be used for test & evaluation, acceptance and training purposes.
Above:
Banshee Target.
Leveraging the technological and scientific expertise from both parties, the JV will invest in the UAE to build and develop specialist engineering and manufacturing capability in country, providing an opportunity to recruit and develop UAE technicians and graduates.
QinetiQ and MGE, will combine proven expertise to test, manufacture and distribute specialist targets. The range of products produced will include the Banshee aerial target and the Hammerhead fast attack craft maritime target, and will present an opportunity to be exported within the Middle East and international markets.
From the supply of targets through full “turn-key” services inclusive of launchers and ground control stations to specialist personnel, the newly formed venture will look to satisfy increasing local and regional demand to service training and rehearsal requirements.
Iain Farley, Managing Director International at QinetiQ said: “This is an important step for QinetiQ as we look to continue to implement our International growth strategy and leverage our world class capabilities. The Joint Venture builds on the success we have already had providing targets to the UAE Naval Forces and Abu Dhabi Critical Infrastructure and Coastal Protection Authority for the acceptance testing of new and in-service vessels. Working with MGE to establish an in country presence allows us to better support the UAE in growing its own capabilities. MGE is a specialist in Aerospace & Defence, Supply Chain Logistics, Retail, and Real Estate & Investments, and is a partner we are delighted to be working with. I look forward to realising what our combined expertise can offer the UAE in support of future defence capabilities.”
Saeed Ghanim, MGE Vice Chairman said: “We are proud to partner with QinetiQ on the aerial and maritime targets Joint Venture, to deliver sustained local capability in support of our country. We particularly welcome this opportunity to transfer knowledge and new technologies into the UAE. We look forward to expanding this into other equipment and services in due course.”