EDGE, a technology and defence group, has joined forces with CMN NAVAL to establish a new shipbuilding joint venture (JV), named AD NAVAL, based in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates (UAE).
The JV is set to capitalise on an existing non-Nato commercial order pipeline valued at approximately €7bn ($7.59bn).
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It focuses on the production of high-value, small to mid-size naval vessels such as corvettes, offshore patrol vehicles (OPVs), high-speed interceptors, trimarans, and landing craft.
This move will enable EDGE to broaden its naval capabilities.
Holding a majority share of 51%, EDGE will work closely with CMN NAVAL on various fronts, including sales, commercial activities, and engineering.
This also includes the setting up of a design bureau within the joint venture, which will hold intellectual property rights for all future vessel designs.
EDGE Group managing director and CEO Hamad Al Marar said: “The scope of our collaboration with CMN, which is particularly strong in EDGE’s key focus markets in Africa, for example, will enable us to combine our expertise, and to share technology and know-how in the naval domain to build superior vessels in the UAE.
“Furthermore, it will enable us to develop cross-complementary integration programmes for our autonomous air and sea systems, smart weapons, radar, and cyber solutions, onto the vessels being manufactured for non-NATO navies around the world. Ultimately, it will also create valuable direct and indirect employment opportunities in the UAE and overseas, contributing to economic growth in this versatile and diverse sector.”
Additionally, AD NAVAL will provide EDGE access to CMN NAVAL’s global supply chain and Integrated Logistics Support system and software.
This is expected to enhance cost efficiency and operational performance through advanced maintenance strategies and comprehensive spare parts management.
Furthermore, AD NAVAL will assess the integration of EDGE’s Combat Systems Integration on the vessels it builds, focusing on autonomous air and sea systems and smart weapons.
AD NAVAL aligns with CMN NAVAL’s aim for global expansion and is anticipated to contribute to the growth of the UAE’s defence sector.
The venture is expected to create jobs and support the Emiratisation initiative.
CMN NAVAL chairman Pierre Balmer said: “We are proud to join forces with EDGE Group in this strategic collaboration, which reflects our shared commitment to innovation, excellence, and the advancement of naval capabilities.
“By leveraging our deep expertise in shipbuilding and EDGE’s cutting-edge defence technologies, we will deliver next-generation naval solutions tailored to the evolving needs of global maritime forces.”
This announcement follows a preliminary partnership agreement signed at International Defence Exhibition & Conference (IDEX) 2025 in Abu Dhabi in February, where the two companies laid the groundwork for future collaboration.
In the same month, EDGE Group’s naval branch Abu Dhabi Ship Building partnered with Spain’s Indra to upgrade the FA-400 patrol vessel with advanced naval technologies.
