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2020-04-01

Marakeb and PSDSARC to Develop Unmanned Platforms

UAE-based Marakeb Technologies, a global autonomous systems provider, and KSA-based Prince Sultan Defense Studies & Research Center (PSDSARC), a leading regional defence enabler, recently signed a collaboration agreement for the development of unmanned vehicles to serve the Armed and Security Forces of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The signing signifies the unity between the two countries in expanding their technological capabilities to cater to the growing trends in the unmanned industry.

PSDSARC continues to integrate leading technologies keeping the Saudi Vision 2030 in mind and building a local defence industry catering, primarily, to the KSA Armed Forces. Their advanced research and development of operationally enhancing products in radar technology, electronic warfare, electro-optics, communications and other related technologies complements their aim to develop unparalleled unmanned platforms in the Kingdom.

The Centre is an independent entity and represents the achievements of the Prince Sultan Institute for Advanced Technology Research that has actively contributed to the transfer and localisation of knowledge and development of technologies in complex and rare applications in the fields of defence and security, including the provision for technical solutions, strategic studies and investment in human capital through qualification of the homegrown innovators to serve the military sectors scientifically and technically.

Dr. Sami Alhumaidi, Director General of PSDSARC, commented that “through the Kingdoms’ Vision 2030, PSDSARC is actively supporting the defence industry to expand its products offerings through new and innovative solutions. PSDSARC is proud to expand its collaborations into the UAE through the partnership with Marakeb”.

While Marakeb Technologies provides unmanned capabilities to any aerial, ground, and marine platform through the integration of its patented modular MAP Pro technology. The company’s continued success in delivering international projects for air, land, and sea reaffirms their commitment to highlight the UAE as a global leader in the field of autonomy.

Developing Regional Partnerships

The integration of Marakeb Technologies MAP Pro into the current aerial and marine platforms developed by PSDSARC enables both entities to deliver a unique fleet of UAVs and USVs to the market in the interim and to build a localised defence industry in the Kingdom through the joint development of new unmanned platforms in the future.

Basel Shuhaiber, Chief Executive Officer of Marakeb Technologies was quoted saying: “The GCC region has one of the fastest growing defence industries in the world. Our aim is to continue to develop regional partnerships with industry-leading entities like PSDSARC to capitalise on this trend, particularly in the unmanned industry.”

Marakeb Technologies designs and manufactures technological products that range from advanced autonomous systems to ground control stations for military and industrial applications. With the integration of its patented and proven MAP Pro autonomous technology, the company can convert any aerial, ground, and marine vehicle from manned to unmanned providing the operators with the ability to monitor and control the autonomous vehicle from anywhere on land and at sea. Tawazun Strategic Development Fund (TSDF), the investment arm of Tawazun Economic Council, owns a 30 per cent stake of the company.

With the integration of the proven MAP Pro autonomous conversion kit, which is patented in five different countries, Marakeb Technologies can take on any vehicle and convert it to an unmanned system.

Whether it a marine vehicle, a ground vehicle or an aircraft, the device can control the mission and the sensor package. According to a company statement, whether it is a weapon station, radar, cameras, the MAP is one unit that can do it all.

The modular nature of the technology enables clients from distinct sectors to utilise their current assets for conversion, rather than purchasing full turnkey solutions. Military and civilian entities can use the technology to operate different assets for different missions. The operators have the ability to monitor and control the autonomous vehicle from anywhere on land and at sea. This technology helps to save resources and avoids putting lives at risk. Marakeb Technologies has delivered unmanned vehicles to the petroleum, port security, military, and civil defense industries.

Recently, Marakeb Technologies signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Fincantieri, one of the world’s largest shipbuilding groups. The agreement is intended to initiate a cross-evaluation of Fincantieri’s current automation solutions and Marakeb Technologies’ patented unmanned technology, as well as to jointly develop applications on various vessel types in Fincantieri’s portfolio.

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