US-based Raytheon Company's Missile Systems Business and Abu Dhabi Ship Building (ADSB) will celebrate their tenth year of partnership next year.

The two companies first worked together when they began integrating rolling airframe missiles onto the UAE's Baynunah class of ships in 2006, said a statement.

Inaugurated in 1996, ADSB initially focused on naval repairs and refits and gradually expanded its expertise to include building sophisticated war ships. It now specialises in the construction, repair and refit of naval, military and commercial vessels.

Raytheon Company, with sales of $23 billion in 2014, and 61,000 employees worldwide, is a technology and innovation leader specialising in defense, civil government and cybersecurity markets throughout the world.

Raytheon teams with ADSB to integrate Rolling Airframe Missiles and launchers, as well as Evolved SeaSparrow Missiles, onto the UAE's Baynunah-class corvettes and other ships, said the statement.

Rick Nelson, vice president of naval air and mission defense, Raytheon Missile Systems, said: “Raytheon and ADSB have worked hand-in-hand to ensure the UAE navy is equipped with the world's most advanced ship self-defense capability.”

“Our productive relationship continues to underscore a strong mutual commitment to UAE customers, and exemplifies how Raytheon partners globally,” he said.

Dr Khaled Al Mazrouei, CEO, ADSB, said: “Our relationship with Raytheon has grown stronger over time.”

“We work closely with Raytheon to provide the right products and solutions to support the UAE navy,” he added. – TradeArabia News Service