The $440 million order for 24 of the type was made in June 2020 along with an option to acquire 12 more. Boeing began production in November 2023..

The deal also includes 551 Hellfire air-to-surface missiles, 200 AIM-92H Stinger air-to-air missiles, and 558 Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System precision-guided rocket kits. Africa reported

GE Aviation is supplying 48 T700-701D turboshaft engines and spare parts for the new fleet. Longbow LLC - the joint venture between Lockheed Martin and Northrop Grumman, is supplying AN/APG-78 Longbow radars.

Boeing’s vice president of attack helicopter programmes, Christina Upah, said the milestone delivery was important and will strengthen Morocco’s defence capabilities for years to come.

“Boeing’s partnership with the Kingdom of Morocco spans decades, and I am proud the Apache is now part of this legacy,” Upah said .

“This is another step forward in our long partnership with the Kingdom of Morocco,” said Jeff Shockey, Boeing Defense vice president, global sales and marketing, “Worldwide demand for the Apache is growing and we are proud to provide this best-in-class capability to Morocco.”

The AH-64E features an improved modern target acquisition designation system that provides day, night and all-weather target information, as well as night vision navigation capability. In addition to classifying ground and air targets, the fire control radar has been updated to operate in a maritime environment.

Morocco is Africa’s second-largest military spender behind Algeria and its modernisation programme includes the latest Lockheed Martin F-16 Block 70/72 Fighting Falcons to eplace older Mirage F1s and Northrop F-5E/F Tiger IIs and augment the F-16C/Ds received from 2011. 

For the UAE, innovation is not a mere buzzword, but a driving force that shapes its development ambitions. This is especially evident in the way the country nurtures its defence sector.

A close look at the International Defence Exhibition (IDEX) and Naval Defence & Maritime Exhibition (NAVDEX) helps understand how this sector is paving the way for the future of defence technologies while creating opportunities for every key sector, including small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), to grow, reflecting the nation’s commitment to holistic progress through innovation.

Organised by ADNEC Group in collaboration with the Ministry of Defence and with the Tawazun Council, the exhibition, held biennially in the capital, Abu Dhabi, has become instrumental in promoting collaboration and knowledge sharing, eventually extending its impact beyond the defence arena, advancing the development of sustainable solutions that align with the UAE’s vision for a diversified and innovation-driven economy, encapsulated in ‘We the UAE 2031’ which translates the future vision of the UAE into a tangible reality.

For more than 30 years, IDEX and NAVDEX have brought together industry stakeholders from around the world to share the platform, helping position the country as a leader in defence technologies, focusing on ingenuity and sustainability. More importantly, by enabling companies of all sizes to showcase their capabilities, it creates an opportunity for smaller players to work with bigger counterparts, secure funding, explore research options and build long-term partnerships.

International Golden Group, the UAE company specialising in integrated security solutions for the government sector, offers a perfect example. Its innovative products, including advanced surveillance systems and cutting-edge armour protection, garnered attention at previous IDEX exhibitions, which helped IGG – a relatively young enterprise – to grow its reputation and leverage the exposure offered by IDEX to expand its reach into global markets.

Last year, a 65 per cent stake in the company was acquired by Edge Group, while it formed a joint venture with Safran Electronics & Defense in 2023. With the Emirates aiming to build a diversified economy, it seeks to leverage innovative defence technology to also benefit key sectors such as renewable energy, water management, and healthcare, effectively addressing major global challenges through sustainable solutions.

Thus, MBZ-SAT, the region’s most advanced satellite developed by Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre, provides crucial data to address issues such as climate change and natural disasters, contributing to global sustainability efforts while strengthening national security, reflecting the nation’s ability to harness cutting-edge technology for peaceful purposes. By aligning defence technologies with space exploration and broader development objectives, the nation continues to strengthen its position as a global leader in an expansive area.

Tru to the country’s ethos, the UAE company AeroTech which designed and manufactured UAV systems initially for surveillance and reconnaissance tasks in defence, has been adapted for disaster management, search and rescue operations, and environmental monitoring. AeroTech’s UAVs are also employed in agricultural research for crop monitoring and irrigation management, while armoured transport and surveillance technologies developed by Transguard are being adapted for civilian use, including secure transport of valuables and surveillance in sensitive areas such as airports, banks, and government buildings, as well as in disaster response efforts.

Events such as IDEX and NAVDEX play a critical role in driving the development of such multipurpose technologies. By facilitating collaboration, exchanging knowledge and connecting local and global stakeholders, these exhibitions accelerate innovation and create solutions that extend beyond defence to impact critical sectors such as sustainability, disaster management, and public safety.

This holistic approach to innovation is aligned with Vision 2031 and UAE Centennial 2071, which seek to transform the country into a diversified and technology-driven economy through strategic partnerships and investments, enabling local companies to expand their footprint in the defence sector, while contributing to sustainable, civilian-centric solutions that address some of the world’s most pressing challenges.

In this spirit, the Emirates is positioning itself at the forefront of technological advancements with a focus on global sustainability, environmental responsibility, and social well-being. By aligning its defence innovations with peaceful applications and sustainable practices, the country continues to prove that the future of defence is not merely about security, but also about driving positive change worldwide.

As IDEX and NAVDEX focus on the future, they will continue to serve as a unified platform for technological advancement, empowering SMEs, and reinforcing the UAE’s role as a global leader in defence and sustainable innovation alike.

* The colocated IDEX and NAVDEX shows take place at ADNEC in Abu Dhabi on February 17 to 21. 

This paves the way for its entry into service in 2025.

The development builds on nearly a decade of operational success for the Trent XWB-84, which has established itself as one of the most efficient and reliable engines in aviation.

The Trent XWB family is widely used across the global airline industry, including by nine of the world’s ten most profitable carriers, including Emirates which officially unveiled the very first Airbus A350-900 powered by the Trent XWB-84 last month.

The new EP standard introduces technical improvements aimed at delivering a 1% improvement in specific fuel consumption, reducing CO₂ emissions and contributing to lower operating costs.

The engine is also compatible with up to 50% Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) and has undergone testing for 100% SAF, supporting industry-wide goals for reducing emissions.

Further updates to component design will also enhance reliability and extend the engine's lifecycle, reducing maintenance requirements and improving availability.

Testing and Certification

The certification process involved extensive ground and in-flight testing to validate the engine's performance and durability under a range of operating conditions. Thousands of testing hours were conducted, including trials in extreme temperatures and high-cycle operations, to ensure the engine meets industry standards and customer requirements.

Pete Young, chief engineer for the Trent XWB-84 EP, said: “The certification of the Trent XWB-84 EP is the result of a rigorous design and testing programme. It reflects the continuous improvement of the Trent XWB family, ensuring it remains a competitive option for airlines navigating evolving industry challenges. We now look forward to its introduction into service in 2025.”

This enhanced strategic framework agreement focuses on key areas of Maintenance, Manufacturing, Human Capital Development, Advanced Material and Space.

The partnership prioritises nurturing local talent through collaborative training opportunities for Emirati engineers and aerospace professionals. With space a key focus area for Mubadala, this partnership unlocks opportunities in air traffic management, Earth observation, and propulsion systems. Additionally, it enhances capabilities within Strata Solvay Advanced Materials, focusing on advanced materials for engine applications, solidifying the UAE's position in aerospace materials science.

“We are pleased to strengthen our long-term partnership with Safran, a global aerospace leader,” said Ismail Ali Abdulla, Executive Director of UAE Clusters, at Mubadala’s UAE Investments Platform. “As an national investor, we are dedicated to support the diversification of the UAE’s economy by building world-class national champions and fostering innovation in high-growth sectors. This agreement not only reinforces Abu Dhabi’s position as a premier aerospace hub but also underscores our shared commitment to upskilling local talent, empowering the next generation of engineers and professionals to lead in the global aerospace industry.”

"This strategic framework agreement marks a significant milestone in our partnership with Mubadala, contributing to positioning the United Arab Emirates as a global leader in aerospace innovation and manufacturing. By joining forces, we are enhancing our ability to support technological advancements, develop a skilled workforce, and promote aerospace excellence under the 'Made in the UAE' brand," said Philippe Errera, EVP, International Development and Government Relations Safran.

The African Center for Manufacturing of Excellence (ACME) will be part of the Mohammed VI Polytechnic University, whose headquarters will be based in Nouaceur. It will work in close collaboration with companies of various sectors to enhance R&D, propose innovative solutions and create added value for its members.

This deal once again depicts the Kingdom’s commitment to provide a highly skilled manpower with international standards to its growing aerospace industry and its ecosystem. To ne noted that Morocco has been investing massively in its aerospace, defense and limitary industry. It is now a well-established and trusted partner of leading manufacturers for supply chain.

The Kingdom is also addressing financial, administrative and technological challenges especially with the use of AI. 

This gains the benefit of the OEM’s engine durability upgrade package which will be available in early 2025.

The carrier currently operates seven 309-seat 787-9s, which are the flagship of its long-haul fleet.

In 2023, Rolls-Royce CEO, Tufan Erginbilgic announced a £1 billion ($1.3 billion) investment to upgrade all its current in-service engines, including a Durability Enhancement package for the Trent 7000 and Trent 1000 TEN.

“The Trent 1000 fleet is demonstrating fantastic in-service performance with over 99.9% dispatch reliability, but the upgrade is aimed at improving the durability of the engine,” said Jason Sutcliffe, Marketing Director, Middle East, Africa & Central Asia of Rolls-Royce.

The upgrades are targeted at the most demanding sandy and hot operating environments, such as those experienced in northern Africa and the Gulf, that have caused issues leading to more frequent than expected engine removals.

“The enhancement package will more than double the time on wing of the Trent 1000 helping drive down the cost of operation for our operators,” said Sutcliffe.

According to Rolls-Royce, the package employs the latest technology in analytics and design methods, specifically in turbine blade cooling design, to optimise turbine component durability against the much higher turbine temperatures needed to deliver the fuel efficiency and durability operators require.

The engine durability upgrade takes place under the Rolls-Royce TotalCare engine maintenance agreement for in-service engines and will be applied to new-build Trents.

A second phase of Trent 1000 improvements sees Rolls-Royce developing a second durability package of ‘hot section’ enhancements from 2026. “These will provide an even greater time on wing improvement, by as much as 30%,” explained Sutcliffe.

EgyptAir will add the Airbus A350 to its longer-range fleet to complement the 787 in a couple of years.

At the Dubai Air Show in late 2023, EgyptAir ordered the Airbus A350-900 to bolster its widebody types as part of an expansion plan to scale up its fleet to 125 aircraft by 2028.

Announcing the Airbus order for 10 A350s plus six options, EgyptAir Holdings chairman and CEO Yehia Zakaria said that the A350-900s will be delivered between 2025-2027. They will be powered by Rolls-Royce Trent XWB engines.

Scheduled to be held from 19th to 21st of November 2024 at Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Center (ADNEC) Air Expo Abu Dhabi 2024 anticipates drawing 18,000 visitors and over 250 manufacturers and suppliers.

With over 37 years of operational experience, Sanad’s partnership with the Air Expo Abu Dhabi underscores its continued dedication to the advancement of the aerospace industry in the UAE. As a key sponsor, Sanad is set to play an integral role in the conference and exhibition, showcasing its latest accomplishments and contributions to the aerospace industry.  

Mansoor Janahi, managing director and Group CEO of Sanad said: "We are thrilled to support the Air Expo Abu Dhabi 2024. Our participation reflects our commitment to advancing aerospace excellence and innovation and reinforcing Abu Dhabi’s stature as a global aviation hub.”