EDGE Lands Pioneering Deal with Airbus Defence and Space to Transform C295 Cargo Tank Innovations
EDGE entity EPI, the cornerstone of precision engineering in the UAE’s aerospace, oil & gas, and defense industries, has concluded a serial manufacturing agreement for C295 Cargo Compartment Removable Tanks with Airbus Defence and Space, a division of Airbus Group, Europe’s premier defense and space organization, and the second largest on a global scale with initiatives that include space, military aviation, and related systems and services.
According to the contract, both organizations will work collaboratively on the serial manufacture of C295 Cargo Compartment Removable Tanks over the next five years, leveraging the successes from the prototyping phase, which included 12 specialized process certifications for aerospace assembly operations. The agreement incorporates the integration of 300 fabricated components, 16,000 fasteners, center of gravity analyses, and leak testing. It supports EPI’s advancement toward assembling distinguished subsystems for aircraft frameworks. This partnership, in harmony with the vision of ‘Make It in the Emirates,’ emphasizes EDGE’s commitment to fostering Industry 4.0 practices, driving economic development, and enhancing technological leadership both locally and internationally. It also promotes significant knowledge exchange and collaboration between the two entities.
The agreement was finalized by Michael Deshaies, CEO of EPI, and Anna Jacobs, Head of Assemblies and Materials Commodity at Airbus Defence and Space, in the presence of Hamad Al Marar, Managing Director and CEO of EDGE Group, and Jean-Brice Dumont, Head of Air Power at Airbus Defence and Space.
Reflecting on the partnership, Michael Deshaies, CEO of EPI, indicated: “Our collaboration with Airbus Defence and Space to produce CCRT exemplifies our commitment to excellence and innovation. A pivotal element of EPI’s strategy is to expand our portfolio by diversifying operations and building dynamic local and international partnerships with key players in the industry, thus enhancing our supply chains, skills, and competencies. This alliance aligns with EDGE’s ongoing mission to localize advanced technology and industrial capabilities, reinforcing the UAE’s position as a competitive industrial hub across various sectors.”
Jean-Brice Dumont, Head of Air Power at Airbus Defence and Space, noted: “This strategic partnership with EPI on the C295 reinforces our dedication to the UAE’s aerospace sector, closely aligning with the nation’s long-term goals for economic diversification and innovation. Through this agreement, Airbus aims to enhance the UAE’s industrial and defense landscape while investing in future collaborative endeavors, including the strategic transport airlifter.”
The CCRT tank, collaboratively developed by Airbus and EPI, is designed for multifunctional applications, including Ground Refueling (GR) operations, Extended Range (ER) missions, and Air-to-Air Refueling (AAR) tasks. This collaboration showcases Airbus’s commitment to advancing the defense and aviation sectors while strengthening the capabilities of local industries within the region. Building on this framework, Airbus forecasts that the UAE Aerospace Industry, particularly EDGE, holds significant potential for ongoing collaboration and expanding its role in the industrial ecosystem for the upcoming A400M for the UAE.
The signing ceremony took place at the EPI facility during the celebratory event for the delivery of a completed C295 Cargo Compartment Removable Tank at the Tawazun Industrial Park.
