Tawazun Council, Naval Group and Marakeb Technologies have signed a Joint Development Agreement for the development of the National Combat Management System (NCMS) through a complete and extensive Transfer of Technology and Transfer of Know-How.
The agreement comes as part of the ongoing efforts to enable the UAE’s defense and security industries, support the sector’s rapid growth and provide national defense solutions capable of meeting future needs.
The agreement was signed in Abu Dhabi by Shareef Hashim Al Hashmi, CEO of Operations at Tawazun Council, Lilian Brayle, Executive Vice President Combat System & Equipment at Naval Group, and Basel Shuhaiber, Chief Executive Officer, Marakeb Technologies, in the presence of a number of senior officials.
Under the agreement, Naval Group will work in cooperation with Marakeb Technologies LLC, a subsidiary of Strategic Development Fund Company (SDF), which was chosen as the joint development national partner for this programme.
Naval Group will develop the National Combat Management System capacity to the UAE Navy to enable the UAE navy to operate a national CMS that will be integrated in their naval fleet, for both newbuild and retrofit ship programs.
H.E. Muammar Abdulla Abushehab, the CEO of Tawazun, affirmed that the development of the National Combat Management System (NCMS) project for the UAE Naval Forces is part of efforts to empower the defense and security industries, and acquire advanced defense equipment and technology to enhance the UAE’s position in this domain.
“The NCMS is aimed at developing a system that provides support for operational capabilities and offers national solutions through its local partner. Additionally, it aims to supply the armed forces with advanced defense products and enhance national competencies,” he added.
He pointed out that the project provides sovereign advantages in terms of control, customization, and system updates to align with the needs of the Naval Forces at all times. This is achieved through transfer of defense technology and naval combat management programs, contributing to charting a promising roadmap for defense industrial capabilities.
Pierre Éric Pommellet, CEO of Naval Group stated: “We are very pleased and honoured with this new step in our long-term cooperation and partnership with Tawazun Council. Naval Group remains committed to supporting the UAE’s ambition to enhance its defence and security industry with a cutting-edge naval combat system capacity.”
Basel Shuhaiber, CEO of Marakeb Technologies commented: “The National Combat Management System involves the transfer of expertise from the renowned French company Naval Group, underscoring the UAE’s commitment to maritime strength.”
“Marakeb is proud to facilitate the cultivation of this knowledge, marking a historic milestone in our technological journey. We believe this collaboration will not only enhance our naval capabilities but also set new standards for maritime excellence in the region,” he added.
Naval Group is a partner to its customers' maritime sovereignty. An international player in naval defense and heir to French naval know-how, Naval Group develops innovative solutions to meet the needs of navies. Present throughout the entire life cycle of the ships, the group designs, builds, integrates and maintains submarines and surface ships, as well as their systems and equipment, through to dismantling. It also provides services for shipyards and naval bases.
A high-tech company, Naval Group builds on its exceptional expertise, its unique design and production resources and its ability to set up strategic partnerships and successful transfers of technology. Attentive to the challenges of corporate social responsibility, Naval Group is a member of the United Nations Global Compact.
With operations on five continents, the group has a turnover of 4.3 billion euros and employs 16 029 people (full-time equivalents / 2022 data).
