ELTBAT alliance aims for EW excellence
Italian electronic warfare house Elettronica (Stand 1516) and Abu Dhabi-based Baynunah Aviation Technology (BAT) have established a joint venture company intended to create a centre of excellence for electronic defence technology in the UAE and the Gulf region.
The new company, ELTBAT Electronic Systems Development LLC, will initially concentrate on improving in-country technical and logistics support to electronic warfare (EW) systems currently fielded by the UAE armed forces and other Gulf Co-operation Council members. Subsequently, the partner companies say they plan to develop ELTBAT’s indigenous technical capabilities “through state-of-the-art EW and mission preparation training programmes”. Over the longer term, the joint venture envisages the design and development of EW systems for airborne, ground and naval applications. ELTBAT chairman General Khaled Al Bu-Ainnain called the new business “a pioneering vehicle to establish a national EW culture, from which UAE Armed Forces as well as Gulf customers will greatly benefit, thanks to the support from the parent companies”.
He added: “Elettronica is a trusted and well-reputed partner; I am sure we will further develop our solid and successful relationship.” Elettronica’s president and chief executive Enzo Benigni said he believed Abu Dhabi-based ELTBAT would be “a key player consolidating Elettronica’s partnership with UAE through which to implement our strategic vision of expansion in the Gulf area”. Much of the UAE armed forces’ existing EW inventory has been supplied by Elettronica. This includes the EW suite fitted to the Mirage 2000-9 fighters operated by the UAE Air Force and Air Defence, electronic intelligence systems, and electronic support measures systems for UAE Naval Forces units (including the new Baynunah Corvettes)