Raytheon Company, a U.S.-based technology and innovation leader specializing in defense, civil government and cyber security markets, is marking its 10th year of working with Abu Dhabi Ship Building (ADSB) in the United Arab Emirates.
“Growing our relationship with Abu Dhabi Ship Building is a priority for us,” Christopher Davis, president of Raytheon International Inc., UAE, told Gulf News Journal recently. “ADSB is the local UAE partner we’ve done the greatest amount of work with to date in terms of actual contractual activity. They’re clearly a leader in regional logistical support; and when we think about how we can better serve our customers, partnership with local experts just makes sense.”
Abu Dhabi Ship Building specializes in the construction, repair and refit of naval, military and commercial vessels. Leveraging its highly strategic, centralized location in the Arabian Gulf region, ADSB is rapidly consolidating its position as the leading shipbuilder and support contractor for all naval, military and commercial operators in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC).
Raytheon’s association with ADSB started in 2006, when the two companies began integrating Rolling Airframe Missiles onto the UAE's Baynunah class of ships.
“Our focus continues to be integrating our Rolling Airframe Missiles, along with Evolved Seasparrow Missiles and launchers, onto the UAE’s Baynunah class of ships,” Davis said. “We are always looking at ways we can expand upon that relationship to bring the right defensive solutions to the UAE navy.”
Raytheon boasts 850 employees working across 10 countries in the Middle East. It has been in the UAE for more than 30 years and in the region for 50 years.
“We’re proud of the fact that those years have been uninterrupted, and we’re committed partners when it comes to increasing the security of our allies.” Davis said.
Even in the middle of a significant drop in oil prices, which is feared to adversely affect the Middle East economy, Raytheon maintains its strong hold in the region with its deep-rooted relations with its partners.
“There will always be other factors that influence the ebb and flow of growth across the globe, but we are focused on maturing partnerships and increasing protection," Davis said. "That’s what matters."
Currently Raytheon is focused on increasing the UAE’s naval strength, whether that’s through innovative design, new defense capabilities or the development of a new ship class.
“There is a great synergy that’s reached when you build ships and weapon systems in an integrated fashion, and the UAE navy will reap the benefits of our close cooperation with ADSB,” Davis said. “Raytheon is committed to our allies in the Middle East. We have been working with our in-region partners for 50 years, and we’ll be here for the next 50 as well.”
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