Hensoldt’s Optronics business line and Atlas One-to-One Services have agreed to set up a joint venture and will establish an Optronics Center of Excellence with a maintenance, repair and operations (MRO) capability.

The contract was signed by Hensoldt and Atlas One-to-One Services at the International Defence Exhibition and Conference (Idex) being held in Abu Dhabi, UAE. The event opened yesterday (February 17) and will run until February 21.

By doing so, Hensoldt, the German Sensor House, will fulfil its offset obligations set by United Arab Emirates Offset Authority Tawazun Economic Council (TEC), connected to the sale of NightOwl cameras, spotting scopes and night sight equipment to the UAE, said a company statement.

The Optronics Center of Excellence, based in Abu Dhabi, will offer current and future customers in the UAE and in the region unique service capabilities for Hensoldt products at service level 3 with spare parts and special tool and test equipment (STTE).

Hensoldt will provide the necessary equipment, including a Golden Unit of the Night Owl M camera system, as well as in depth training of personnel of the JV partner.

In the future, the Optronics Center of Excellence will also provide service for third party products as well as a system integration capability and the sale of Hensoldt’s electro-optical and other surveillance sensors for wide area surveillance in the region. These include thermal cameras, visual cameras, as well as laser, passive and active sensors.

Andreas Hülle, managing director of Hensoldt Optronics, said: “Our company and Atlas Group have a long-lasting relationship and together provide customer-oriented solutions to the General Headquarters (GHQ).”

“The creation of the JV, of which 51 per cent will be held by Atlas Services and 49 per cent by our company, will further develop and deepen the existing economic ties between both parties,” he said.

Hülle continued: “This collaboration will allow the UAE to benefit from technology and local R&D, which was not available before. Our joint venture will support UAE’s economic development through the development and transfer of know-how, creating local job opportunities and enhancing our market access for security and safety applications in the region.”

“Our joint venture will benefit from being able to provide local services to the end-user in the region,” he added. – TradeArabia News Service