“EDGE Enhances Naval Prowess with Major Multi-Billion Euro Alliance with CMN NAVAL”
EDGE, a prominent global advanced technology and defense organization, alongside CMN NAVAL, a distinguished maritime shipbuilding entity renowned for its expertise in conceptualization, engineering, and fabrication of exceptional naval and commercial crafts, as well as luxury yachts, have officially reached an agreement to establish a new shipbuilding joint venture (JV) headquartered in Abu Dhabi, named AD NAVAL (ADN). By capitalizing on an existing order backlog valued at around EUR 7 billion, this JV will unite both enterprises under an exclusivity agreement focused on the segment of high-value small to mid-sized naval vessels, which includes Corvettes, Offshore Patrol Vehicles (OPVs), High-speed Interceptors, Trimarans, and Landing Craft. This initiative will enable EDGE to significantly enhance its capabilities within the naval sector.
EDGE, possessing a 51% ownership stake in the newly formed entity, will work in tandem with CMN NAVAL on sales, commercial undertakings, and engineering. Additionally, a design bureau will be established, assuming intellectual property rights for all forthcoming designs. The JV will provide EDGE with access to CMN NAVAL’s expansive global supply chain and its sophisticated Integrated Logistics Support (ILS) system and software, bolstering cost efficiency and operational capabilities through predictive and preventative maintenance, alongside the provision and management of all spare parts.
The ambit of the JV will additionally investigate Combat Systems Integration (CSI) of EDGE’s state-of-the-art autonomous air and sea, alongside advanced weapon solutions, onto vessels constructed by the new enterprise.
Hamad Al Marar, Managing Director & CEO of EDGE Group, stated: “This signifies yet another demonstration of our strategy for measured expansion through international collaboration with premier players across the air, land, and maritime sectors. The breadth of our cooperation with CMN, particularly robust in EDGE’s pivotal focus markets in Africa, for example, will empower us to amalgamate our expertise and share technologies in the naval sector to produce superior vessels in the UAE. Moreover, it will facilitate the development of cross-complementary integration programs for our autonomous air and sea systems, advanced weaponry, radar, and cyber solutions, onto the vessels being crafted for non-NATO navies globally. Ultimately, it will also generate significant direct and indirect job opportunities in the UAE and abroad, contributing to economic advancement in this dynamic and diverse sector. We are confident that CMN will be an excellent partner for ongoing innovation and success.”
The announcement follows closely behind an initial partnership agreement signed at IDEX 2025 last month in Abu Dhabi, where both parties laid the groundwork for collaboration across various domains, including the development of innovative naval platforms, system integration, maintenance, and commercial endeavors, all aimed at establishing new standards in naval innovation, utilizing next-generation technologies such as AI-driven autonomous systems, advanced combat solutions, and modular vessel designs.
The JV will provide valuable direct employment opportunities for skilled individuals in the UAE, as well as associated third-party prospects across its global supply chain.
Pierre Balmer, Chairman of CMN NAVAL, remarked: “We are delighted to collaborate with EDGE Group in this strategic alliance, which showcases our mutual dedication to innovation, excellence, and the enhancement of naval capabilities. By harnessing our extensive experience in shipbuilding and EDGE’s advanced defense technologies, we will offer next-generation naval solutions tailored to the shifting demands of global maritime forces. This partnership not only fortifies our position in key international markets but also opens avenues for improved technology transfer, industrial cooperation, and job generation. Together, we look forward to establishing new industry benchmarks and fostering sustainable growth within the defense and maritime fields.”
CMN NAVAL is an all-encompassing shipbuilding conglomerate with facilities and shipyards across France, Germany, and the United Kingdom. It has successfully constructed over 3,500 vessels and provided support to 48 navies globally. The organization has also been a long-term partner in the UAE’s naval initiatives, including the esteemed Baynunah, a corvette design by the French shipbuilder.
