General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc

IDEX 2025: New Aerospace Partnership Between EPI & General Atomics-Systems Integration

EPI and General Atomics-Systems Integration have signed an MoU to advance aerospace MRO capabilities in the UAE, focusing on certification, innovation, and strategic industry growth By Joseph Macey / 19 Feb 2025
IDEX 2025: New Aerospace Partnership Between EPI & General Atomics-Systems Integration
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EPI, an EDGE Group entity specializing in precision engineering, has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with General Atomics-Systems Integration, an affiliate of General Atomics. 

The collaboration aims to enhance aerospace capabilities in the UAE by advancing maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) services and fostering technological development within the region.

The agreement was formalized during a signing ceremony on February 17, 2025, at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre as part of the International Defence Exhibition and Conference (IDEX) 2025. This initiative is supported by the Tawazun Council under the Tawazun Economic Program, reflecting the UAE’s strategic commitment to fostering local industrial growth and technological advancements.

A key objective of this partnership is the certification of EPI’s facility as a Part 145 repair center. This milestone will involve a rigorous production airworthiness certification process, along with the test and evaluation of prototype units to ensure compliance with the highest industry standards. The collaboration is expected to enhance the UAE’s capabilities in aerospace maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO), reinforcing its position as a hub for advanced engineering solutions.

Michael Deshaies, CEO of EPI, said, “Through this collaboration, EPI will significantly expand its capabilities. This will include the establishment of a state-of-the-art facility to support the production of electromechanical systems.”

General Atomics-Systems Integration Vice President Scott Sappenfield, added, “Working with EPI will mark a leap forward in the development and manufacturing of this advanced aviation technology. We expect to offer safe, affordable, high-performance solutions to replace legacy systems in military and commercial aircraft.”

This MoU underscores the growing role of the UAE in global aerospace innovation, bringing together international expertise and local manufacturing excellence to drive the defense and aerospace industries forward.

To learn more, visit the General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc Partner Hub: Innovation Partner Hub
Posted by Joseph Macey Joseph Macey is a Content Specialist at Defense Advancement, where he has focused on emerging defense technologies since joining in 2022. His expertise spans tactical UAS, rugged computing, and Satellite Communication Systems. After graduating in Journalism from Falmouth University, Joseph began his career in 2019 as a local reporter. His journalism background enhances both his reporting and interview skills, enabling him to provide insightful, authoritative analysis of the latest trends shaping the defense industry. Connect

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