In a significant move for the UAE’s aerospace sector, EPI, a key entity of EDGE Group, has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with General Atomics-Systems Integration, an affiliate of General Atomics. The agreement was formalized during a signing ceremony at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre, coinciding with the International Defence Exhibition and Conference (IDEX) 2025.
The collaboration aims to advance precision engineering capabilities within the UAE’s aerospace, oil and gas, and defence industries. Michael Deshaies, CEO of EPI, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, stating, “Through this collaboration, EPI will significantly expand its capabilities. This will include the establishment of a state-of-the-art facility to support the production of electromechanical systems.”
Scott Sappenfield, Vice President of General Atomics-Systems Integration, also weighed in on the partnership, highlighting its potential to enhance aviation technology. “Working with EPI will mark a leap forward in the development and manufacturing of this advanced aviation technology. We expect to offer safe, affordable, high-performance solutions to replace legacy systems in military and commercial aircraft.”
The initiative is supported by the Tawazun Council as part of the Tawazun Economic Program and is poised to establish a new standard in the industry. A key aspect of the project involves obtaining certification for EPI’s facility as a Part 145 repair centre. This includes rigorous processes for production airworthiness certification and the testing and evaluation of prototype units to ensure compliance with industry standards.
This partnership not only strengthens the capabilities of EPI but also symbolizes a significant leap towards modernizing military and commercial aviation systems within the UAE, marking a pivotal moment in the region’s defense and aerospace landscape.
