Abu Dhabi’s Emirates Defense Technology (EDT) has signed a deal with the UK-based aerospace and defence company BAE Systems as a partner to develop artillery vehicles.
The agreement signed includes the opportunity to use BAE Systems’ towed M777 155mm Lightweight Howitzer and a plan to develop a self-propelled artillery system with EDT’s Enigma 8x8 Armoured Modular Fighting Vehicle. This UAE-made vehicle was unveiled at Abu Dhabi’s International Defence Exhibition (Idex) in February last year.
EDT’s Enigma programme seeks to provide the UAE’s land forces with a variety of vehicle types based on the common 8x8 chassis. This deal allows for the development of towed and self-propelled artillery systems, allowing forces the capability to carry out “fire-and-move” and precision attacks.
Colin Rothwell, the chief financial officer of EDT, said it was “delighted to collaborate with BAE Systems in the UAE for the M777 lightweight howitzer and its vehicle integration programmes”.
He said: “This agreement reinforces EDT’s commitment to partner with the world’s leading military companies to provide the most up to date and proven equipment, technology and solutions to our clients.”
BAE said that its M777 is half the weight of other 155m towed howitzers and is battle-proven, having been used by ground forces from the United States, Canada and Australia.
Stephen Luk, the head of campaign management at BAE Systems, said: “The M777’s credentials are unmatched by any other 155mm lightweight howitzer. It would provide the UAE Armed Forces with a high-quality howitzer that is easy to use and reliable in combat.”
Emirates Defense Technology has been building military equipment for the region for the past 20 years. The privately-owned company was originally part of the Bin Jabr Group which has subsequently also gained investment from Abu Dhabi-based KBBO Group.
Acccording to industry analyst IHS Jane’s, defence spending in the Middle East is likely to remain flat over the next two years at US$170bn per annum. Lower oil prices have caused regional governments to trim costs in other areas, but regional security concerns have meant defence budgets has been maintained.
Defence manufacturing is one sector that has been targeted as a priority for the diversification of the economy of Abu Dhabi. State investment fund Mubadala set up Emirates Defence Industries Company (EDIC) in 2014 by combining its own defence companies with assets owned by Tawazun Holding and Emirates Advanced Investments Group. Companies within EDIC’s portfolio include Abu Dhabi Autonomous Systems Investments, Al Taif Technical Services and defence vehicle manufacturer Nimr Automotive.
mfahy@thenational.ae
