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2020-05-03

Leonardo and UAE’s Strong Partnership Bolsters Cooperation

Aerospace, defence and security company, Leonardo, has been a partner of the UAE for a long time. Its high-tech products and services, including more than 100 helicopters, naval systems, secure communications applications and training aircraft, have been employed by the country.

“The roots of our ties go back decades and, today, during this worldwide pandemic, they have been shown to be stronger than ever,” Domiziano Boschi, Head of Leonardo Office in Abu Dhabi, told Nation Shield. “Leonardo, as an Italian-headquartered company, is grateful to the UAE for their actions in response to the COVID-19 emergency in Italy. From our side, thanks to our office in the UAE and a local team of 24 people, Leonardo is guaranteeing continued support to local customers.”

Just as the UAE brought their Armed Forces together to strengthen the nation and create a more effective global power, Leonardo has shown the same drive to become the defence and security company of reference, both here in the Middle East and internationally: “Leonardo is celebrating the 44th Army Unification Day as the perfect example of standing together in order to face ever-greater global challenges,” explained Boschi. “Exactly as the UAE are always ready to support their friends, so Leonardo is always standing by for customers and partners.”

Close Collaboration

Leonardo’s technologies have equipped the UAE as far back as the mid ‘70s, having provided the SF-260 basic trainers and the OTO 76/62 naval gun. The company has integrated and delivered more than 20 Ghannatha, Baynunah, Falaj 2 and Abu Dhabi-class ships, providing combat systems based on state-of-the-art CMS Athena, Kronos AESA radar, advanced sensors and combat-proven naval artillery. In the air, the Aermacchi MB-339 jet trainer has been the backbone of the training activities for a long time and is now in service with the National Aerobatic Team. Today, the UAE’s Al Fursan team performs one of the most impressive air displays anywhere in the world, thanks in part to its training and collaboration with the Italian national Frecce Tricolori display team, which currently flies the same aircraft and will soon begin flying the Leonardo M-345.

Leonardo is also represented in the UAE by its helicopters, which are widely used for military, government and medical service operations. The company’s best-selling AW139 intermediate twin helicopters are used for a wide range of utility missions, the main task being Search and Rescue (SAR). Leonardo’s AgustaWestland helicopters have been employed for almost 25 years as the leading helicopter operator in the UAE, with almost 20 aircraft of various models in service. The helicopters in service includes the proven AW109 legacy and the AW139, which can perform in even the most demanding conditions. In the last few years, the AW189 super-medium type was introduced, which features great capacity and range. Elsewhere, AW109s and AW139s are operated by police authorities to deliver law enforcement and Emergency Medical Service (EMS) roles.

Leonardo’s airborne electronics are also at the heart of some of the UAE’s most advanced capabilities. The GlobalEye multi-sensor airborne early warning/multirole surveillance aircraft comes equipped with Leonardo’s Seaspray radar. It is an Active Electronically Scanned Array radar, also known as ‘E-Scan’, and can conduct surveillance using a variety of advanced modes, enhancing the platform’s ability to detect targets.

To continuously meet the expectations of the UAE, Leonardo looks at areas where it is possible to form local partnerships to offer joint solutions. Helicopter logistics services are provided in-country by AgustaWestland Aviation Services Ltd., a joint venture with Abu Dhabi Aviation, to ensure the highest levels of operational effectiveness for critical missions. The JV is able to offer an array of comprehensive services as well as helicopter spare parts and accessories including helicopter/component repair and overhaul, customisation, modification and upgrade, covering all the main Leonardo types used in-country including the AW109, AW139, AW169 and AW189.

With Abu Dhabi Ship Building, Leonardo has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aiming to develop a Combat Management System (CMS) Integration Laboratory capable of testing, maintaining and further developing the company’s CMS system software. Meanwhile, building on a MoU announced at the most recent Dubai Airshow, Leonardo and International Golden Group (IGG) will collaborate in business development activities for physical and cyber security, C4I, naval systems, guided ammunition, target drones and fire control systems.

In the UAE, Leonardo also operates via its U.S. subsidiary Leonardo DRS, which provides integrated naval systems for combat management, land electronics, fire control systems, and military radios.

Reference Text/Photo:

www.leonardocompany.com

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