EDGE, the Abu Dhabi-based advanced technology and defence group, is forming a shipbuilding joint venture with French shipbuilder CMN NAVAL, to build naval vessels like Corvettes, Offshore Patrol Vehicles (OPVs), High-speed Interceptors, Trimarans, and Landing Craft in Abu Dhabi.
The new Abu Dhabi-based JV is called AD NAVAL (ADN) and it will leverage an existing order pipeline worth approximately EUR7 billion ($7.6 billion).
CMN NAVAL is a world-renowned naval shipbuilding group specialising in the design, engineering, and construction of superior naval and commercial vessels and mega yachts.
EDGE and CMN collaboration
EDGE will hold a 51 per cent stake in the new company and will collaborate with CMN NAVAL on sales, commercial activities, and engineering. It will also establish a design bureau, which will assume intellectual property rights for all future designs.
The JV will grant EDGE access to CMN NAVAL’s global supply chain and its advanced Integrated Logistics Support (ILS) system and software, enhancing cost efficiency and operational performance through predictive and preventative maintenance, as well as the provision and management of all spare parts.
The scope of the JV will also explore Combat Systems Integration (CSI) of EDGE’s advanced autonomous air and sea, and smart weapons solutions onto vessels built by the new company.
Hamad Al Marar, Managing Director & CEO, EDGE, commented: “This is yet another example of our strategy of measured growth through international partnership with the world’s leading players across the air, land, and maritime domains. The scope of our collaboration with CMN, which is particularly strong in EDGE’s key focus markets in Africa, will enable us to combine our expertise, and to share technology and know-how in the naval domain to build superior vessels in the UAE.
“It will also enable us to develop cross-complementary integration programmes for our autonomous air and sea systems, smart weapons, radar, and cyber solutions, onto the vessels being manufactured for non-NATO navies around the world. It will also create valuable direct and indirect employment opportunities in the UAE and overseas, contributing to economic growth in this versatile and diverse sector.”
The announcement follows an initial partnership agreement signed at IDEX 2025 last month in Abu Dhabi, where both parties laid the foundations for collaboration across multiple domains.
Pierre Balmer, Chairman of CMN NAVAL, added: “We are proud to join forces with EDGE Group in this strategic collaboration, which reflects our shared commitment to innovation, excellence, and the advancement of naval capabilities.
“By leveraging our expertise in shipbuilding and EDGE’s defence technologies, we will deliver next-generation naval solutions tailored to the evolving needs of global maritime forces.
“This partnership not only strengthens our presence in key international markets but also paves the way for enhanced technology transfer, industrial cooperation, and job creation.”
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