- German Federal Government and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have agreed on an initiative for closer cooperation in the areas of defense and security.
- Collaboration proposes integrated multi-system approach to achieve comprehensive picture of the underwater domain.
- Initiative comes amidst rising maritime security demands in the region.
Kiel / Abu Dhabi, September 25, 2026 – TKMS AG & Co. KGaA (TKMS) and EDGE Group have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) within the framework of the state visit of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to Germany. The MoU is a part of an initiative agreed by the German government and the UAE for a closer cooperation in the area of defense and security and aims to explore the joint development of underwater surveillance and protection capabilities. Under the MoU, TKMS and EDGE intend to evaluate opportunities towards establishing an integrated multi system approach for underwater security and to thereby strengthen the maritime defense capabilities of both partners.
Oliver Burkhard, CEO of TKMS, says: "We welcome the initiative of the German government and the UAE to strengthen cooperation in the defense and security areas. TKMS’s long-standing partnership with the UAE represents a solid foundation for our joint commitment. This cooperation will strengthen underwater surveillance and defense capabilities in the long term—an important contribution given the current security situation. TKMS is committed to continuing its long-standing engagement in the UAE and contributing to the further development of the national security architecture."
Hamad Al Marar, Managing Director and CEO, EDGE, says: “The security of the maritime domain is fundamental to the UAE's national and economic resilience, and the demands placed on it are growing. EDGE is working to build the sovereign capability to meet them, working with partners such as TKMS whose expertise strengthens what we deliver.”
Integration of multiple platforms and sensor systems could provide the basis for establishing a comprehensive situational picture, providing a solution for the variety and complexity of maritime threats. In this context the parties intend to explore how TKMS platform capabilities, complemented by EDGE systems competences, could contribute to enabling a suitable and effective surveillance and protection solution.
The MoU agreement comes amidst heightened geopolitical security challenges that have increased the demand for naval capabilities for maintaining maritime security and ensuring the uninterrupted flow of commercial shipping.
The MoU was signed in Munich by Miguel Ángel López Borrego, Deputy Chairman of the Supervisory Board of TKMS, and Omar Al Zaabi, President – Commercial at EDGE.
