Boeing, ADASI Sign UAS Agreement

Speaking at the International Defence Exhibition and Conference (IDEX) in Abu Dhabi, company representatives said the teaming agreement enables ADASI to provide training, support and marketing services for Boeing’s ScanEagle and Integrator unmanned aircraft systems in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), with prospects to expand into the Middle East and North Africa.

“This agreement advances Boeing’s strategy of partnering with best-in-industry companies such as ADASI,” says Debbie Rub, vice president and general manager, Boeing Military Aircraft. “We plan to continue investing and growing in the UAE and the broader Middle East region in order to support U.S. allies’ enduring need for affordable intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) solutions, such as ScanEagle and Integrator.”

The agreement supports the ongoing drive to develop UAE national capabilities within ADASI. Boeing’s direct involvement with ADASI will open many opportunities for ADASI’s UAE nationals to develop their knowledge and skills through Boeing’s world-leading capabilities and experience in the management and implementation of technical programs.

“[The] announcement is an important continuation of our strategy to build aerospace capabilities right here in the Middle East,” says Homaid Al Shemmari, chairman of ADASI. “Our homegrown expertise, coupled with Boeing’s technical capabilities in unmanned aircraft systems, is a winning combination and one that we look forward to strengthening in the coming years.”

The teaming agreement expands on a previous agreement between ADASI and Insitu, a wholly owned Boeing subsidiary that makes the ScanEagle and Integrator. That collaboration allowed for support and sustainment of Insitu’s unmanned ISR products and services.

“Boeing continues to demonstrate its enduring commitment to the UAE not just by delivering commercial aircraft and defense systems, but also through solid partnerships such as this latest agreement,” says Jeff Johnson, president of Boeing Middle East. “In this way, we can help the UAE achieve its national objective of providing new career opportunities for its people.”