Boeing and Abu Dhabi Autonomous Systems Investments (Adasi) signed a teaming agreement on February 18 to support Boeing unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) in the UAE, and to help develop that country’s own technical capabilities. The parties signed the agreement at the International Defense Exhibition and Conference in Abu Dhabi.

Specifically, the teaming arrangement allows Adasi to provide training, support and marketing services for Boeing's ScanEagle and Integrator UAS in the UAE and potentially in the greater Middle East and North Africa. “Today’s announcement is an important continuation of our strategy to build aerospace capabilities right here in the Middle East," said Homaid Al Shemmari, Adasi chairman. Adasi is a subsidiary of Tawazun, a strategic investment firm focused on the long-term development of the UAE’s industrial manufacturing and technology capabilities.

The teaming agreement expands on a previous agreement between ADASI and Boeing’s Insitu subsidiary for support of Insitu’s unmanned intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance products. Boeing acquired Insitu, which manufactures the ScanEagle and Integrator, in 2008.