Offsets company to manufacture EW systems takes shape in UAE

Abu Dhabi, - ELTBAT Electronic Systems Development L.L.C, an Abu Dhabi-based company specializing in electronic warfare was born under the UAE Offset Program. The company is jointly owned by Electtronica S.P.A (ELT) and Baynunah Aviation Technology (BAT). Elettronica and BAT hold 49% and 51% stakes respectively in the company. Elettronica will, through this venture, fulfill its offset obligation arising from a defense equipment supply contract with the UAE Armed Forces. "We are very pleased to be part of this unique project which will have a significant impact on the UAE's industrial capabilities, technological edge, and economic diversification drive," said H.E. Saif Mohamed Al Hajeri, Chief Executive Officer of the Offset Program Bureau (OPB) which oversees the implementation of the UAE Offset Program, according to a press release. ELTBAT offers a wide selection of services to the Air Force, Navy and military intelligence units in the UAE and the GCC countries in the field of operational support and engineering. Such services include: library generation, countermeasure definition, mission verification, software and hardware simulation, and mission analysis. It also provides simulation training to operational personnel. "This is a remarkable accomplishment for both Italy and UAE, within their long standing effort to consolidate their strategic partnership with value adding projects" stated Gen. Khalid Al Bu- Ainnain, Chairman of Baynunah Aviaion Technology (BAT) and of ELTBAT. " I am very pleased to see what started long time ago as a buyer-seller relationship evolve into a structured cooperation, and I am very proud of being part of this initiative born with the auspices of UAE leadership", commented Enzo Benigni, President and CEO of Elettronica. Al Hajeri indicated that the project will provide significant operational support and engineering services, "that will eventually translate into creating a national technological platform in electronic warfare". "The project fits well with our objectives to bring in latest technology and expertise to the UAE and to create wealth in the private sector by offering UAE citizens stakes in new businesses," added Al Hajeri. Khalifa Al Hemairi, Senior Project Manager at the OPB, commented: "This unique project will help transfer Elettronica's tradition of data base and library management to the UAE, with the main goal of training and nurturing qualified analysts, capable of decoding complex multi-scenarios and delivering operational assessment critical for tactical decisions in the field".