UAE Air Force & Air Defence Signs Contract With IGG
IDEX, ABU DHABI – 22 February 2013 – General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA‑ASI), a leading manufacturer of Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA), tactical reconnaissance radars, and electro-optic surveillance systems, today announced the procurement of its first Predator® XP RPA system by the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Predator XP is an updated version of the company’s flagship Predator RPA that has been licensed by the U.S. Government for sale to a broader customer base, including countries in the Middle East and North Africa.
“Two years ago we made a commitment to help the UAE strengthen its national security and protect critical infrastructure, and today we are pleased to share the news that this allied nation will soon be realizing the benefits of Predator XP’s long-endurance and wide-area surveillance capabilities,” said J. Neal Blue, chairman and CEO, GA-ASI.
The UAE Air Force & Air Defence has completed contract negotiations with International Golden Group (IGG), a leading supplier of integrated defense systems in the Middle East and GA-ASI’s partner, to procure Predator XP to meet the surveillance needs of the UAE Government.
Following the expected near-term completion of negotiations between IGG and GA-ASI, and between GA-ASI and the Abu Dhabi-based Tawazun Economic Council to establish a Joint Venture (JV) for long-term service and support of Predator XP in the UAE, the procurement will be complete.
Offering improved Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities, Predator XP exhibits the same physical dimensions, altitude, speed, and long endurance (up to 35 hours) as the proven “RQ-1” Predator A aircraft. The aircraft also has been updated to include triple-redundant avionics, an Automatic Takeoff and Landing System (ATLS), GA-ASI’s Lynx® Multi-mode Radar with Maritime Wide Area Surveillance (MWAS), High-Definition Electro-optic video, an improved Claw® sensor control and image analysis software system, an Automatic Identification System (AIS), and a more efficient propulsion system.
High-resolution images of Predator XP are available to qualified media outlets from GA-ASI’s media contact listed below.
About GA-ASI
General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc., an affiliate of General Atomics, delivers situational awareness by providing remotely piloted aircraft, radar, and electro-optic solutions for military and commercial applications worldwide. The company’s Aircraft Systems Group is a leading designer and manufacturer of proven, reliable remotely piloted aircraft systems, including Predator A, Predator B, Gray Eagle®, and the new Predator C Avenger® and Predator XP. It also manufactures a variety of solid-state digital Ground Control Stations (GCS), including the next-generation Advanced Cockpit GCS, and provides pilot training and support services for RPA field operations. The Reconnaissance Systems Group designs, manufactures, and integrates the Lynx Multi-mode Radar and sophisticated Claw sensor control and image analysis software into both manned and remotely piloted aircraft. It also develops and integrates other sensor and communication equipment into manned ISR aircraft and develops emerging technologies in solid-state lasers, electro-optic sensors, and ultra-wideband data links for government applications. For more information, please visit www.ga-asi.com.
About International Golden Group
International Golden Group PJSC is a well-established company in Abu Dhabi-UAE specializing in providing High-end Security & Defense Solutions with an excellent reputation in the UAE and MENA region. Through the implementation of the latest advanced technology, IGG is able to provide products and technical solutions for various purposes related to the security needs of its clients.
Predator, Lynx, Claw, Gray Eagle, and Avenger are registered trademarks of General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc.
Additional information on the agreement may be obtained by contacting the following:
Mr. Khalifa Al Baloushi
Deputy CEO
International Golden Group
+971 26266661
For more information contact:
Kimberly Kasitz
Public Relations Manager
General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc.
+1.858.312.2294