EDGE and CMN NAVAL Partner to Develop AI-Powered Warships for Next-Gen Naval Defense
EDGE Group, the UAE’s advanced technology and defence company, and French naval shipbuilding company CMN NAVAL have established a joint venture called AD NAVAL (ADN) to build advanced naval ships. The collaboration aims to produce corvettes, offshore patrol vessels (OPVs), and high-speed interceptors while integrating next-generation technologies such as AI-powered autonomous systems and modular ship designs. Based in Abu Dhabi, the joint venture manages an existing order pipeline valued at approximately €7 billion ($7.56 billion). EDGE holds a 51% stake in ADN and will collaborate with CMN NAVAL on sales, engineering, and commercial activities. Additionally, EDGE will establish a dedicated design bureau to oversee intellectual property rights for all future ship designs.
EDGE will benefit from CMN NAVAL’s global supply chain and advanced integrated logistics support (ILS) system, improving cost efficiency and operational performance. With access to cutting-edge software, EDGE can improve predictive and preventive maintenance, ensuring better fleet management. This partnership also streamlines the provision and management of spare parts, reducing downtime and optimizing naval operations. This collaboration strengthens EDGE’s position in the defense industry by integrating advanced logistics and maintenance solutions.
Hamad Al Marar, Managing Director & CEO of EDGE Group, highlighted that the partnership aligns with EDGE’s mission to enhance naval capabilities and drive technology exchange. He emphasized Africa as a key market for growth and stated that the venture would create jobs in the UAE and globally. The collaboration will focus on integrating EDGE’s advanced autonomous and combat technologies into next-generation naval platforms, strengthening its position in the defense sector. The joint venture stems from an agreement signed at IDEX 2025 in Abu Dhabi, where EDGE and CMN NAVAL committed to developing advanced naval platforms, integrating cutting-edge systems, and expanding commercial initiatives. The partnership will focus on AI-driven autonomous systems, advanced combat solutions, and modular ship designs.
Pierre Balmer, Chairman of CMN NAVAL, emphasized that this collaboration will boost naval shipbuilding and strengthen CMN NAVAL’s global market presence. He highlighted key benefits such as technology transfer, industrial cooperation, and job creation, making this a significant step in advancing the defense industry. CMN NAVAL is a leading shipbuilding group with facilities in France, Germany, and the United Kingdom. The company has a strong global presence with over 3,500 vessels built and support provided to 48 navies worldwide. CMN NAVAL has also been a key partner in the UAE’s naval programs, including the renowned Baynunah corvette, designed by the French shipbuilder. Its expertise in shipbuilding and long-standing collaborations make it a major player in the defense industry.