ADASI signs teaming agreement with Boeing for unmanned aircraft systems

The agreement was signed at the International Defence Exhibition and Conference (IDEX 2013) which is taking place in Abu Dhabi until February 21.

Speaking at IDEX, company representatives said the teaming agreement will enable ADASI to provide training, support and marketing services for Boeing's ScanEagle and Integrator unmanned aircraft systems in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), with prospects to expand into the Middle East and North Africa region.

Homaid Al Shemmari, Chairman of ADASI said: "Today's announcement is an important continuation of our strategy to build innovative aerospace capabilities in the Middle East. Our homegrown expertise coupled with Boeing's technical capabilities in unmanned aircraft systems is a winning combination and one that we look forward to strengthening in the coming years."

"The agreement," he added, "is poised to have a significant contribution to the ongoing drive to develop UAE national capabilities within ADASI."

Boeing's direct involvement with ADASI will open many opportunities for ADASI's UAE nationals to develop their knowledge and skills through Boeing's world-leading capabilities and experience in the management and implementation of technical programs.

"This teaming agreement advances Boeing's strategy of partnering with best-in-industry companies such as ADASI," said Debbie Rub, Vice President and General Manager in the Boeing Military Aircraft business.

"We plan to continue investing and growing in the UAE and the broader Middle East region in order to support U.S. allies' enduring need for affordable intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) solutions, such as ScanEagle and Integrator."

The teaming agreement expands on a previous agreement between ADASI and Insitu, a wholly owned Boeing subsidiary that makes the ScanEagle and Integrator. That collaboration allowed for support and sustainment of Insitu's unmanned ISR products and services.

"Boeing continues to demonstrate its enduring commitment to the UAE not just by delivering commercial aircraft and defense systems, but also through solid partnerships such as this latest agreement," said Boeing Middle East President, Jeff Johnson.

"In this way, we can help the UAE achieve its national objective of providing new career opportunities for its people."

ADASI is the first UAE-based company to offer clients a comprehensive range of services to cover all types of autonomous systems. ADASI offers holistic solutions, starting with joint analysis of end-users' needs, through formalization of their requirements, to equipment selection and procurement. ADASI also offers product or system design, development, testing and commissioning of localized subsystems and systems, and other engineering solutions, as well as training of customer teams, operational support and systems maintenance.

The Boeing Company shares a long-standing relationship with the UAE. From air transport and aviation support services to defense and satellite systems, Boeing has worked closely with UAE civil and defense authorities to achieve the country's objectives and ambitions.

Boeing values its relationships and partnerships in the UAE and the region and is committed to building on these relationships for mutual benefit into the future.