Safran Aircraft Engines and Abu Dhabi Aviation Sign Strategic MoU to Boost UAE’s Military Aviation MRO Capabilities

Safran Aircraft Engines and Abu Dhabi Aviation Sign Strategic MoU to Boost UAE’s Military Aviation MRO Capabilities

(IN BRIEF) In a move set to enhance the UAE’s military aviation capabilities, Safran Aircraft Engines and Abu Dhabi Aviation (ADA) have signed a strategic memorandum of understanding at IDEX 2025, focusing on joint engine maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) initiatives. This partnership aims to strengthen national defense readiness and expand global opportunities in the aerospace sector.

(PRESS RELEASE) PARIS, 19-Feb-2025 — /EuropaWire/ — At IDEX 2025, Safran Aircraft Engines and Abu Dhabi Aviation (ADA) have formalized their collaboration with the signing of a Strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). This agreement underscores the commitment of both organizations to enhance the UAE’s military aviation maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) services, while also fostering opportunities for international expansion.

As the parent company of GAL, a prominent provider of integrated aviation support to the defense sector, and AMMROC, the UAE’s leading military MRO service provider, ADA plays a critical role in advancing the nation’s defense and aerospace industry. This partnership aims to strengthen the UAE’s indigenous aviation capabilities, ensuring on-base sustained operational readiness for the armed forces while supporting the global growth of the defense sector.

The MoU will facilitate collaboration between Safran Aircraft Engines and ADA, specifically in the realm of engine maintenance. This strategic partnership will combine the specialized expertise of ADA’s subsidiaries with Safran’s world-class knowledge of military engines, offering enhanced Depot Level Maintenance (DLM) capabilities for Safran’s entire portfolio of military engines.

His Excellency Nader Ahmed AlHammadi, Chairman of Abu Dhabi Aviation, expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership, stating, “This agreement with Safran Aircraft Engines marks a major step forward in bolstering the UAE’s aerospace and defense ecosystem. By combining Safran’s expertise with ADA’s strong track record in aviation maintenance and operational support, we are ensuring fleet readiness, advancing technical expertise, and guaranteeing sustained mission success. This partnership also reflects our ongoing commitment to strengthening the UAE’s global position in aerospace services, driving long-term value for the defense and aviation sectors.”

Christophe Bruneau, EVP & General Manager of the Military Engines Division at Safran Aircraft Engines, also shared his excitement about the collaboration. “We are proud to partner with ADA to support the UAE’s defense needs. This agreement reflects a significant leap forward in our ability to deliver world-class MRO solutions. By working together, we will address the evolving maintenance demands of the UAE’s armed forces and reinforce the reliability and sustainability of its fleet.”

This partnership aligns with the UAE’s broader strategic vision to fortify its indigenous defense capabilities and solidify its position as a global aerospace services hub. By pooling resources and expertise, Safran Aircraft Engines and ADA aim to enhance fleet availability, improve delivery timelines, and maintain mission readiness for the UAE’s military.

The UAE has long been a key partner for Safran, which supplies the country with Mirage 2000-9 fighters powered by M53 engines. The UAE also became the sixth export customer for the Rafale and its M88 engines in 2021. This new collaboration continues the historical bond between Safran and the UAE, emphasizing a long-term partnership that reinforces the strategic alignment of both nations’ defense initiatives.

Safran is an international high-technology group, operating in the aviation (propulsion, equipment and interiors), defense and space markets. Its core purpose is to contribute to a safer, more sustainable world, where air transport is more environmentally friendly, comfortable and accessible. Safran has a global presence, with 100,000 employees and sales of 27.3 billion euros in 2024, and holds, alone or in partnership, world or regional leadership positions in its core markets. Safran is listed on the Euronext Paris stock exchange and is part of the CAC 40 and Euro Stoxx 50 indices.

Safran Aircraft Engines designs, produces and sells, alone or in partnership, commercial and military aircraft engines offering world-class performance, reliability and environmental compliance. Through CFM International*, Safran Aircraft Engines is the world’s leading supplier of engines for single-aisle mainline commercial jets.
*CFM International is a 50/50 joint venture between Safran Aircraft Engines and GE Aerospace.
Learn more: www.safran-group.com and www.safran-aircraft-engines.com

Media Contact:

Charles Soret
Safran Aircraft Engines
+33 6 31 60 96 79
charles.soret@safrangroup.com

SOURCE: Safran