The framework was signed by H.E. Faisal Al Bannai, Adviser to the UAE President for Strategic Research and Advanced Technology Affairs and Chairman of the Board of Directors of EDGE, and Lee Yong Cheol, Minister of DAPA. Senior officials from both the United Arab Emirates and the Republic of Korea attended the signing.
The visit highlighted the continuing strength of the “Special Strategic Partnership” between the two nations. It also reflected a shared commitment to deepen cooperation in defence and advanced technologies.
The memorandum of understanding establishes a structure for broad defence industry cooperation between EDGE and DAPA. It covers areas such as design, development, training and maintenance, moving beyond a traditional procurement relationship towards longer-term collaboration.
The partnership will focus on several capability areas, including integrated air defence systems, advanced aircraft capabilities and maritime power. Defence cooperation under the framework is expected to reach approximately $35 billion.
