Update: UAE, Ukraine signs defence collaboration agreements

Ukraine and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have signed a collaboration agreement that brings together the defence industrial organisations of the two countries.

During a visit by Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy to the UAE on 14 February, an agreement was signed by Ukraine’s UkrOboronProm and UkrSpecExport and the UAE’s Edge group. According to a statement by UkrOboronProm, the agreement will “facilitate the exchange and development of advanced technologies by the three parties, with the prospect of investments worth more than USD1 billion.”

An Edge Group spokesperson told Janes that the collaboration will cover the development of missile systems, aircraft engines, and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) over a five-year period.

Tawazun Economic Council CEO Tareq Abdul Raheem Al Hosani told Janes that “This agreement between Ukraine and the UAE reflects a commitment to encouraging international collaboration within the defence sector. All three parties will benefit from government-to-government and industrial partnerships that are designed to support our efforts in developing an agile defence and security industry”.

Ukraine’s UkrOboronProm and the UAE’s Edge have signed a collaboration agreement valued at over USD1 billion. (Ukrainian Presidency website)

Edge Group CEO Faisal Al Bannai said in a statement that, “Edge places a strong emphasis on joint development and collaboration…. We are excited about the opportunities for the UAE and Ukraine to collaborate, exchange, and mutually benefit from one another’s military and technical capabilities.”

This article, published on 16 February 2021, has been updated with new information.