Daily Newsletter

15 November 2023

Daily Newsletter

15 November 2023

EDGE sign deal to supply Airbus C295 tanks for remote refuelling

EDGE entity EPI will supply Airbus with multirole tanks for refuelling the C295 aircraft in a variety of operations.

Andrew Salerno-Garthwaite November 15 2023

Dubai Airshow saw the announcement on 15 November 2023, of a major new project for EPI, and EDGE group entity, to manufacture multirole cargo compartment removable tanks (CCRT) for Airbus Defence & Space as part of the C295 project. 

The C295 is a versatile tactical transport aircraft produced by Airbus Defence and Space, with variants including the C295 Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) Aircraft, and the C295 Armed ISR (Intelligence Surveillance & Reconnaissance) Aircraft and the C295W Transport and Surveillance Aircraft.

The CCRT facilitates Ground Refuelling (GR) operations for both land and air vehicles in remote areas, supporting weights of up to 6 tonnes, Extended Range (ER) operations for aircraft, accommodating weights of up to two tonnes, and Air-to-Air Refuelling (AAR) operations, allowing for weights of up to five tonnes.

The deal is for 150 or more hard and soft metallic parts, with EPI procuring raw materials, and performing machining, sheet metal forming, surface treatment procedures, along with the assembly.

Speaking at the event, Michael Deshaies, CEO of EPI, said that through the contract, EPI will achieve multiple new certifications for the specialised assembly processes, and the program will introduce new capabilities for large, complex assemblies.

The C295 Projects enabled and supported by the Tawazun Council, an independent government entity that works closely with the Ministry of Defence and security services of UAE. Shareef Hashim Al Hashmi, CEO of Operations at Tawazun Council described the project as a an addition to UAE’s economic diversification strategy. “By supporting the development of a diversified and competitive industrial base, the program is helping to create jobs, attract investment, and boost the country's GDP.”

Mikail Houari, President of Airbus Africa and the Middle East, expressed that the UAE has made significant progress in enhancing its manufacturing capabilities in the aerospace sector over the years. Such progress is a component of the nation's long-term vision to promote local development and strengthen its position on the global industrial map.

Houari said: “Today, we celebrate another milestone in our long-standing partnership with the UAE. This program aims to enhance EPI’s capacity, competitiveness and expertise, which will empower its technical assembly skills and knowledge within the defence and aerospace industries.”

Space economy - A universe of relentless competition

Per GlobalData estimates, the space industry was worth $450 billion in 2022 and is expected to expand at a CAGR of somewhere between 6% and 10% by 2030. Investor interest, evident gaps in the market, and advancements in space technologies have led to a surge in start-ups entering the space economy in the last five years. The unforgiving environment of space exploration is matched by the harsh financial reality of developing space technologies, which has made acquisitions of complementary companies, strategic suppliers, and partners more likely.

Newsletters by sectors

close

Sign up to the newsletter: In Brief

Visit our Privacy Policy for more information about our services, how we may use, process and share your personal data, including information of your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications. Our services are intended for corporate subscribers and you warrant that the email address submitted is your corporate email address.

Thank you for subscribing

View all newsletters from across the GlobalData Media network.

close