In a landmark development at IDEX 2025 in Abu Dhabi, Safran Aircraft Engines and Abu Dhabi Aviation (ADA) have signed a strategic memorandum of understanding (MoU) aimed at positioning the United Arab Emirates (UAE) as a global hub for aerospace maintenance and repair operations (MRO) for military aviation.

At the heart of this collaboration lies a shared commitment to bolstering UAE’s defence ecosystem, which is a top ambition to the country. Indeed, as part of its vision to localize defence capabilities and reduce reliance on foreign suppliers, the UAE has been investing heavily in advanced technologies and partnerships that enhance self-sufficiency. The collaboration between Safran and ADA exemplifies this approach by combining international expertise with local resources to create a robust aerospace ecosystem.

Safran’s role as a global leader is underscored by its impressive credentials. With 100,000 employees worldwide and revenues of €27.3 billion in 2024, the company occupies leading positions across multiple aerospace sectors. Meanwhile, ADA has cemented its status as a regional leader through subsidiaries like AMMROC, which specializes in military MRO solutions, and Etihad Engineering, one of the largest independent providers of commercial aircraft maintenance.

The MoU outlines plans to establish local Depot Level Maintenance (DLM) capabilities for Safran’s military engine portfolio, ensuring uninterrupted operational availability for end users. By leveraging ADA’s extensive experience in integrated aviation support and Safran’s technical expertise in propulsion systems, this partnership seeks to deliver world-class MRO solutions tailored to the needs of the UAE Armed Forces, especially with the entrance into service of as many as 80 Dassault RAFALE with their Safran M88 engines. The UAE is a traditional customer of French products and operates a fleet of around 62 MIRAGE 2000-9, for which no similar agreement had been established.

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