Defense Electronics Maker, UAE Satellite Firm Agree to Combine Mission, Connectivity Tech
Deal Is a Framework Agreement; No Financial Terms or Timeline Disclosed
A U.S. mission-systems manufacturer and a United Arab Emirates satellite company signed a nonbinding agreement to explore combining their technologies for UAE national security operations.
“This MoU marks a significant step forward in our commitment to supporting UAE national security priorities with proven, advanced integrated capabilities that enable mission success in today’s evolving threat landscape.”
Denny Crumley, Leonardo DRS
Leonardo DRS, headquartered in Arlington, Virginia, and Space42, a UAE-based satellite communications company, signed the memorandum of understanding Aug. 6, according to a company news release. Under the agreement, Leonardo DRS would contribute its C5ISR mission systems technology, while Space42 would provide secure, AI-enabled satellite communications and Beyond Line of Sight connectivity.
The agreement is a framework, not a signed contract or a defined program of work. It sets no dollar figure, no delivery timeline and no specific list of systems to be built. The release describes the companies exploring “the joint design and integration of advanced mission capabilities for the UAE,” leaving the scope of any resulting work to future negotiation.
“This MoU marks a significant step forward in our commitment to supporting UAE national security priorities with proven, advanced integrated capabilities that enable mission success in today’s evolving threat landscape,” said Denny Crumley, senior vice president and general manager of the Leonardo DRS Land Electronics business unit. “We are proud to be a part of this opportunity with Space42 as we continue to grow our international business with strategic partners around the world.”
Ahmed Al Mehrzi, senior vice president of business development for government at Space42, described the deal in similar terms. “It is a strategic priority for Space42 to be recognized as a trusted leader in secure connectivity, as we set the standard for resilient, mission-ready networks,” Al Mehrzi said. “By combining our sovereign satellite infrastructure and AI-enabled communications capabilities with Leonardo DRS’s advanced mission systems, we are strengthening protected communications that advance the UAE’s national security ecosystem.”
Leonardo DRS builds tactical computing, smart displays and mission management systems for the U.S. military and allied forces, work the company has expanded internationally in recent years. Space42 provides satellite communications and space services intended to extend secure connectivity beyond ground-based networks.
Neither company specified a start date for joint development work or said when, or whether, the framework agreement would lead to a signed contract.