Baynuna and MBDA agree joint venture

Richard Scott

Thursday, 26 February, 2009

European missile house MBDA and UAE-based technology house Baynuna Aviation Technology (BAT) have signed a partnership agreement for the establishment of a local joint venture company.

Antoine Bouvier, chief executive officer of MBDA, and General Khaled Al Bu-Ainain, chief executive officer of BAT, signed a memorandum of association at IDEX yesterday. The new company is aimed at developing and enhancing UAE know-how in high value-added defence and weapon system technologies.

Bouvier told the Jane’s IDEX Show Daily: “We are very proud to associate ourselves with Baynuna, as we believe it is the partner of choice to reinforce a long-lasting relationship with the UAE and bring our support to the development of the high technology industry in this country.”

He added: “This is a long-term partnership, and the scope of co-operation is very large. It covers all areas of missile technology and integration, with the objective to develop capabilities locally and be closer to our customers in the UAE armed forces.”

Gen Khaled Al Bu-Ainain stated: “We aim through this partnership to bring value to the UAE in line with the strategic vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan for the creation of a pole of excellence in high technology and advanced industry.” MBDA has sold a wide range of guided weapons to the UAE over the past decades.