AMMROC inks $42m deal with UAE Armed Forces

AMMROC, a joint venture between Mubadala Aerospace, Sikorsky and Lockheed Martin, has announced that it has signed a $42.7m contract with the UAE Armed Forces to complete full modifications of six C-130 aircraft.

The announcement by AMMROC, also known as Advanced Military Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul Centre, took place during the International Defence Exhibition (IDEX), which closed on Thursday.

The modifications will be focused on making the six C-130 aircraft "state of the art" by changing the avionics in the cockpits from analog to digital using innovative technologies and computerised systems.

Transitioning from an analog to a digital cockpit will allow the UAE Armed Forces to extend the service life of the six C-130.

AMMROC is set to begin its work on the six C-130 in the next eight months, with the contract valued at AED157m ($42.7m).

Fahad Al Shamesi, CEO of AMMROC said: "AMMROC's expertise in maintenance, repair and overall makes us the right partner to help transition the UAE's Armed Forces valuable C-130 aircraft to best serve in the twenty first century.

"Through its many existing contracts with the UAE Armed Forces, AMMROC looks forward to helping extract value from existing aircraft through providing superior service as the UAE Armed Forces works to extend the longevity of its fleet."

Separately, AMMROC announced that it has begun performing major inspections of 13 AS565 MB Panther helicopters for the UAE Navy.

It marks AMMROC's first contract with the UAE Navy, valued at AED143m.

AMMROC is one of seven Mubadala companies committed to supporting the UAE Armed Forces, ensuring they have access to the best maintained equipment, and world class technical and communications services.