BAE Systems and Der’a have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at DSEI, London, to explore opportunities for collaboration in support of Oman’s defence sector and broader national capabilities.
The agreement outlines areas of cooperation across a wide spectrum of defence-related fields, including AI, autonomous platforms, warship support and maintenance, cyber security and intelligence information management, training programmes and defence industrial transformation to support Oman’s national defence sector in its modernisation drive and the directives of Vision 2040.
The MoU signals further development in an established relationship, following an agreement signed between BAE Systems and Der’a in 2024 to offer the Company’s Nautomate autonomous control system to customers. The system provides an autonomous capability for complex maritime missions, which enable uncrewed vessels to complete tasks while keeping personnel out of harm’s way.
Gabby Costigan, Group Managing Director for Business Development at BAE Systems, said: “This is an important commitment to deepen our partnership with Der’a and explore new areas of strategic collaboration that align with Oman’s broader defence vision.
“This agreement reflects our long-term goal to support Oman’s national priorities through our proven track record of innovation, capability development and industrial cooperation.”
Mahfoodh Al Shaikh, Deputy CEO at Der’a, said: “This agreement is an important step forward and builds on our existing cooperation with BAE Systems, one of the leading companies in the future of defence. In line with the Oman Vision 2040, we aim to work with our partner to drive forward a series of defence initiatives, such as cyber security, asset modernisation, specialised training, and the transfer of technology and knowledge. We’re focused on developing an empowered private sector and driving a national economy that is competitive and aligned with the global economy.”
Moving forward, BAE Systems will continue to strengthen defence readiness and deliver advanced technologies and services that support Oman’s sovereignty and security.
