New Contract and Production Details
EPI, a key player in the UAE’s aerospace, oil, gas, and defense industries, has secured a contract to produce prototype aluminium and assembly parts for Raytheon’s Coyote® Counter-UAS interceptor. This contract marks the first collaboration between EPI and Raytheon, a business unit of RTX. EPI’s responsibilities will encompass manufacturing, complex machining, special processes, surface treatments, quality assurance, and sub-assembly of parts and materials.
Strategic Partnership and Local Impact
The agreement, announced at the Dubai Airshow, supports the ‘Make it in the Emirates’ initiative, aimed at developing the UAE’s industrial sector and enhancing its contribution to the national economy. It also follows a Memorandum of Understanding with Raytheon Emirates signed earlier at the International Defence Exhibition (IDEX).
Executives’ Perspectives
Michael Deshaies, CEO of EPI, expressed pride in collaborating with Raytheon, noting EPI’s bespoke manufacturing services are well-suited to supplement Raytheon’s international supply network. He emphasized that this contract is a significant step towards expanding EPI’s machining portfolio, localizing national manufacturing capabilities, and elevating the standard for ‘Made in the UAE’ exported parts.
Fahad Al Mheiri, MD of Raytheon Emirates, shared his enthusiasm for partnering with EPI on the Coyote localization programme. He remarked that this partnership reinforces the ‘Make it in the Emirates’ commitment and bolsters the UAE’s industrial sector. Al Mheiri believes EPI’s precision manufacturing will play a pivotal role in the Coyote program and in achieving the UAE’s broader industrial goals.
EPI’s Manufacturing Capabilities
EPI specializes in manufacturing high-quality complex engineering components for the defense, aerospace, and oil & gas sectors. The company is equipped with advanced capabilities and cutting tools necessary for manufacturing engineering, machining, surface treatment, coating, repairing, and assemblies.
