EDGE Group entity Abu Dhabi Ship Building (ADSB), a regional leader in the design, construction, repair, maintenance, refit, and conversion of naval and commercial vessels, has signed a strategic partnership agreement with LACROIX, a leading French company in naval decoy systems and countermeasures. This collaboration focuses on integrating LACROIX’s advanced decoy system into ADSB’s recently launched FA-400 Fast Attack Vessel.
The partnership agreement was signed by David Massey CEO of ADSB and François Moulinier, COO of LACROIX at this week’s EURONAVAL 2024 Exhibition in Paris.
David Massey, CEO of ADSB, said: “This partnership with LACROIX equips the RABDAN FA-400 – a 45-metre, purpose-built patrol vessel designed for speed and territorial and coastal duties – with proven, state-of-the-art decoy technology. This greatly enhances its defence capabilities, ensuring it is fully prepared to support military operations, search and rescue, surveillance, and patrol activities in modern maritime environments.”
François Moulinier, COO of LACROIX said: “Collaborating with ADSB on the FA-400 enables us to integrate our advanced decoy systems into a new generation of patrol vessels, merging French innovation with UAE naval expertise. Our technology, already operational on over 30 vessels worldwide, offers enhanced protection against a range of multifaceted threats, strengthening vessel defence capabilities on a global scale.”
The RABDAN FA-400, fitted with LACROIX’s advanced decoy system, will be showcased at the Naval Defence Exhibition & Conference (NAVDEX), which will be held in Abu Dhabi from 17-21 February 2025.
In another development, Abu Dhabi Ship Building (ADSB) launched earlier this month a new technology office in Abu Dhabi. The new office reinforces ADSB’s commitment to safeguarding intellectual property in the UAE and expanding in-country value (ICV) through collaborations with top local partners in the naval defence industry.
To ensure continued collaboration in maritime defence, the office will be managed by a highly specialised team of engineers from diverse sectors. This committee brings the international perspective that enhances ADSB’s ability to integrate world-class features into its vessels.
On the opening, David Massey, CEO of ADSB commented: “This new Technology Office reflects our commitment to positioning the UAE as a leader in global maritime defence technology and innovation.”
“Through focused expertise and strategic partnerships, we aim to set new standards in naval defence, sustainability, and advanced maritime operations. These technologies developed in UAE will streamline operations, enhance situational awareness, and enable fully autonomous solutions for defence vessels,” he added.
ADSB, known for providing unmatched service and skill is now intensifying its focus on innovation as a core pillar. The new office will serve as a dedicated space to advance designs, build special materials, autonomous vessels, subsea technology, systems integrations, and implement AI-driven naval design - all critical to maintaining ADSB’s edge in maritime innovation.
