“EDGE and Fincantieri Forge Alliance to Innovate Underwater Technologies with MAESTRAL Joint Venture”

EDGE, a prominent entity in advanced technology and defence sectors globally, along with Fincantieri, a leading firm in intricate shipbuilding, revealed today the signing of a fresh Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that expands on the pact established in November 2024 in Paris within the swiftly evolving submersible sector. This enhanced collaboration strives to further solidify the alliance between the two organizations through their joint venture in Abu Dhabi, MAESTRAL. The MoU centers on both firms collaborating to create underwater technologies, aiding the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in emerging as a regional leader in underwater technological advancements.

Collaboration between EDGE and Fincantieri will emphasize the design, creation, and development of unmanned systems aimed at safeguarding vital underwater infrastructure and seabed mapping, next-gen submarines, drone-carrying ships, and lightweight torpedoes.

This accord arises amidst a swiftly changing landscape for national defence. Emerging threats and vulnerabilities are altering global dynamics, amplifying geopolitical tensions, and increasing the necessity for investments in maritime defence. Essential underwater infrastructure has become a focus due to its susceptibility to threats and requires sophisticated technological remedies, underscoring the urgent need for governments to allocate resources to this domain.

Building on their current partnership via MAESTRAL, this MoU will enable the two companies to exchange knowledge, technical skills, and production assets to innovate cutting-edge products that are tailored for the demanding and intricate underwater environment.

Hamad Al Marar, Managing Director & CEO of EDGE Group, articulated: “Through MAESTRAL, EDGE and Fincantieri are cultivating world-class underwater capabilities that will be crucial in the future of subsea security and maritime defence. This collaboration signifies a vital advancement in positioning the UAE at the forefront of this strategically critical domain, bolstering its role as a regional leader with globally competitive expertise. As underwater technologies gain importance in national security, we are dedicated to fostering innovation, enhancing sovereign capabilities, and establishing new industry benchmarks in this high-potential field.”

Pierroberto Folgiero, CEO and Managing Director of Fincantieri, remarked: “Since 1909, Fincantieri has cultivated a rich history in submarine construction, positioning itself as a trailblazer in the underwater sector by utilizing decades of systems integration knowledge and state-of-the-art innovation with a dual focus on both military and civilian spheres. The underwater domain is anticipated to reach $400bn by 2030, as the defence necessities of nations worldwide rapidly transform. Through MAESTRAL, we are delighted to support the UAE’s ambitious naval strategy, and in collaboration with a trusted partner like EDGE, we aim to deliver revolutionary underwater solutions to satisfy future requirements for its national capabilities.”