Arlington: TECHz – News Desk
Space42, a UAE-based AI-powered SpaceTech company, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with defense technology firm Leonardo DRS. The agreement establishes a collaborative framework to integrate Leonardo DRS mission systems with Space42’s secure satellite connectivity, aiming to enhance sovereign national security operations across the United Arab Emirates.
Under the agreement, Leonardo DRS will supply its expertise in Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Cyber, Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (C5ISR) mission systems. In parallel, Space42 will contribute its secure, AI-enabled satellite communications and Beyond Line of Sight connectivity infrastructure. The two organizations will jointly explore the design and integration of these advanced capabilities tailored for specific UAE mission requirements.
Ahmed AlMehrzi, Chief Commercial Officer for Government at Space42, emphasized the strategic nature of the partnership, noting that combining their sovereign satellite infrastructure and AI-enabled communications capabilities with Leonardo DRS’s advanced mission systems directly strengthens the UAE’s protected communications and national security ecosystem.
The collaboration targets the increasing complexity of modern security operations, which require robust integrated systems, secure communications, and continuous situational awareness. Leonardo DRS specializes in tactical computing, AI-enabled processing, and scalable C5ISR solutions designed to deliver real-time data while reducing cognitive burden. Space42 complements these capabilities by extending secure connectivity beyond terrestrial networks, supporting informed decision-making and operational resilience in complex environments.
Denny Crumley, Senior Vice President and General Manager of the Leonardo DRS Land Electronics business unit, noted that the agreement represents a significant step in supporting UAE priorities, adding that Leonardo DRS is proud to partner with Space42 to continue growing its international presence with strategic global allies.
