BAE Systems, a British multinational defence, security, and aerospace company, said one of its units has signed an agreement with The Advanced Military Maintenance Repair and Overhaul Centre (Ammroc) to set up a maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) facility in Al Ain.

Headquartered in Abu Dhabi, Ammroc is a joint venture company owned by Emirates Defence Industries Company (EDIC), Lockheed Martin Corporation and Sikorsky Aerospace Services.

The BAE deal is aimed at providing repairs and upgrades to aircraft at a facility in Al Ain under Ammroc, said a top official.

Speaking to the Emirates News Agency, WAM, after the signing on the second day of the International Defence Exhibition and Conference (IDEX 2019), in Abu Dhabi, Paul G. Markwardt, the Vice President and General Manager of BAE Systems, said: "Basically, what we are doing is setting up a partnership with Ammroc to have a local capability that supports our products and capabilities on F-16."

BAE Systems has been selected by Lockheed Martin to provide flight controls to upgrade next-generation F-16 aircraft for the UAE.

The company will provide the F-16s with its advanced Digital Flight Control Computer, which receives demand inputs from the pilots’ control stick and rudder pedals, and monitors current flight conditions from on-board sensors. It also rapidly computes and transmits commands to all actuators throughout the aircraft, including rudders, stabilisers, and spoilers to maintain controlled flight, he noted.

"We are planning to get the facility operational later this year. We are now in the process of discussing the products and which of the capabilities to bring first. We don’t have yet an exact timeframe set, but we are in the process in that discussion," he added.

London-headquartered BAE Systems said the agreement envisages plans for the two companies to work together on aviation maintenance repair and overhaul opportunities that will allow them to better support the UAE defence industries.

"Our agreement with Ammroc allows us to work with an established leader in Maintenance, Repair and Operations, MRO, and benefit from the skill and experience of their local workforce in the UAE," Paul further explained.

Under the MoU, the two organisations will work closely together on multiple possible projects, ranging from testing and repair services to manufacturing, support, and product installation. Potential projects include BAE Systems’ avionics, communication, display, sensor, and survivability products.

"This agreement enhances our position in delivering a fully integrated, world-class MRO solutions in accordance with industry best practices," said Ammroc CEO Abdul Hakeem Ahmed Saif Al Muflahi.

"The potential projects represent an exciting opportunity for both companies to work together in the field of MRO," he stated.

"Ammroc is proud to partner with BAE Systems, one of the world’s leading defence companies, and we look forward to working with their team to develop and execute on the MoU," he added.

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