New lightweight machine gun to be developed in UAE

[Philip the Arab]

A new lightweight and chain-driven machine gun will be developed in the UAE using cutting-edge design and manufacturing technology.

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SDF, the investment arm of Tawazun Economic Council, on Monday said it has signed an agreement with EOS Defence Systems Pty Limited (EOS) to establish a joint venture (JV) with equal partnership. It would design and develop the new multi-platform 14.5mm x 114mm gun "with the involvement of international and local engineering and designing expertise".

The JV will utilise the latest technologies in design and manufacturing to provide to the market a superior weapon system compared to the existing conventional 14.5mm x 114mm products.

The new weapon system will provide lighter weight, improved accuracy, lower stoppage, reduced recoil and enhanced logistic support.

Tareq Abdulraheem Al Hosani, Tawazun CEO and Chairman of SDF, said: “This agreement stems from SDF’s commitment to support the development of the UAE’s strategic industries and contribute to the UAE economy through our developmental investment partnership module. It is our pleasure to partner with EOS, one of Australia’s leading defence and technology companies."

SDF CEO Abdulla Naser Al Jaabari said: “This agreement paves the way for the JV to set up production in the UAE that targets to supply the global market. Our strategy is to collaborate with UAE national companies with existing capabilities to support the development and manufacturing of the new weapon system and localise its supply chain."

 

[Philip the Arab]

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Industry, Logistics & Shipping​

SDF, Edge to manufacture weapon system components in UAE​

Strategic Development Fund (SDF), the investment arm of Tawazun Economic Council, said its joint venture with Australia’s leading defence and technology companies, EOS Defence Systems, has signed a collaboration agreement with Edge Precision Industries for the manufacturing and supply of high precision components of the new 14.5 x 114 mm light-weight weapon system, currently under development for production in the UAE.

The SDF and EOS joint venture was formed to design and develop a new multiplatform, lightweight, 14.5 x 114 mm chain driven weapons system in the UAE.

One of the leading advanced components manufacturers in the region, Edge Precision Industries is a key contributor to UAE's defence, aerospace and oil and gas industries.

On the new partnership, CEO Abdulla Naser Al Jaabari said SDF through its partnerships and investments, is committed towards its developmental mandate, to support the enablement of UAE’s strategic sector industrial capabilities.

"We are pleased to have the support of our distinguished partner EOS in being able to implement this target. EPI will participate significantly in the production of critical parts for this advanced solution," he stated.

"In line with our long-term partnership with Tawazun, EPI has built a plant that has greatly expanded its production capabilities," stated its CEO Chistian Ziehe.

"Today, we have the capacity to manufacture key components required to support SDF and EOS with their requirement and we look forward to collaboratively strengthening indigenous capabilities and contributing to the UAE’s defense preparedness," he noted.

Lauding the deal, EOS Advanced Technologies CEO Abdulrahman Al Blooshi said: "EOS recognizes the importance of utilizing the resource capabilities that are available in the local market, and the need to direct investment towards supporting new innovations and technologies that ultimately improve and grow the UAE Defense and Security Industry."

 

[Philip the Arab]

Lets see how light they can get it, it could be useful as a vehicle armament with increased firepower compared to an M2 that is also much lighter than older 14.5x114 machine guns as well.

This is good news as well for UAE even if it is a joint partnership.