Tawazun Council for Defence Enablement, EPI, an entity of Edge Group and General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) have signed a framework agreement to manufacture Electronic Brake Control Units (eBCU) in the UAE.
“Tawazun Council for Defence Enablement continues to drive transformative initiatives that harness capabilities across the full spectrum of advanced manufacturing. By leveraging strategic partnerships, we are contributing to sustainable value creation for the national economy and fostering a robust ecosystem of precision engineering and cutting-edge defence technologies that position the UAE as a regional hub for high-value manufacturing excellence,” Executive Director of the Economic Programme at Tawazun, Majed Saif Al Shamsi, said.
The collaboration is enabled by the UAE Tawazun Economic Programme (the Offset), which is overseen by Tawazun Council for Defence Enablement.
“We are committed to building the foundations for sustainable industrial growth, knowledge transfer, and technological self-reliance that will define the UAE's pioneer in defence and advanced manufacturing," Shamsi added.
The program has aimed to generate lasting value for the national economy by driving innovation, sustainability, and resilience, while supporting various stakeholders of the sector, and aligning defence priorities with broader industrial and technological development objectives.
“This collaboration with General Atomics, enabled by the Tawazun Council for Defence Enablement, marks a significant step in advancing the UAE’s aerospace industry. It strengthens our drive towards full vertical integration, enhances In-Country Value, and ensures comprehensive aftermarket support for this next-generation intelligent primary braking system," CEO of EPI, Michael Deshaies, said.
Through the framework agreement, EPI and GA-ASI will jointly manufacture and repair eBCUs, a technology designed to replace legacy hydraulic braking systems for both civilian and defence applications.
“Electronic braking represents a transformative advancement in aviation technology,” GA-ASI President, David Alexander, stated.
“Our product will offer a compact design, superior performance, environmental benefits, and reduced maintenance requirements. This breakthrough technology is set to become the standard for modern aircraft, driving innovation and sustainability across the aerospace sector.”