TKMS and EDGE sign MoU for joint underwater
German shipbuilder TKMS and UAE defence conglomerate EDGE have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to jointly explore the development of integrated
TKMS and EDGE Group signed a Memorandum of Understanding on September 25, 2026, during the UAE state visit to Germany. The signing took place in Munich. The agreement aims to explore the joint development of underwater surveillance and protection capabilities. Miguel Ángel López Borrego, Deputy Chairman of the Supervisory Board of TKMS, signed for the German firm, while Omar Al Zaabi, President, Commercial at EDGE, signed for the Emirati group.
Alignment with Germany-UAE defence initiative
The MoU forms a commercial part of a broader bilateral initiative. This initiative was agreed by the German government and the United Arab Emirates to achieve closer cooperation in defence and security. The corporate partnership directly supports this governmental aim.
Strategic rationale and technical approach
The companies stated the initiative responds to heightened geopolitical security challenges. These challenges have increased demand for naval assets to maintain maritime security and support the uninterrupted flow of commercial shipping. The partnership will examine how TKMS's platform capabilities can be combined with EDGE's systems expertise. The goal is to create an integrated multi-system approach for underwater security.
Combining multiple platforms and sensor systems could provide a more comprehensive situational picture. This integrated approach is intended to address a range of maritime threats and strengthen the maritime defence capabilities of both partners.
Company backgrounds and existing ties
TKMS brings its legacy as a systems supplier for submarines, naval surface vessels, maritime electronics, and security technologies. The company has a long-standing partnership with the UAE. Oliver Burkhard, CEO of TKMS, welcomed the bilateral government initiative. "We welcome the initiative of the German government and the UAE to strengthen cooperation in the defense and security areas," Burkhard said. He noted the collaboration would strengthen long-term underwater surveillance and defence capabilities given the current security situation.
EDGE, launched in November 2019 and headquartered in Abu Dhabi, consolidates over 35 entities into six core clusters. These are Platforms & Systems, Missiles & Weapons, Advanced Sensing, Secure Intelligence Systems, Technologies & Industrialisation, and Homeland Security. The group focuses on adopting Fourth Industrial Revolution technologies and building sovereign capabilities for the UAE. Hamad Al Marar, Managing Director and CEO of EDGE, emphasized the domain's importance. "The security of the maritime domain is fundamental to the UAE’s national and economic resilience, and the demands placed on it are growing," Al Marar stated. EDGE is working to build the sovereign capability to meet these demands, with partnerships like this one strengthening its offerings.
The parties now intend to evaluate an integrated multi-system approach for underwater security to strengthen maritime defence of both partners.
