UAE-based International Golden Group and Safran Electronics & Defense have announced a joint venture.

The partnership will create the "Vision for Optronics & Navigation" in the defense and high-tech sector, with a focus on optronics and navigation.

French-owned Safran has a base at Staverton where it develops and builds aircraft landing systems, employing over 900 people in Gloucestershire.

International Golden Group and Safran Electronics & Defense set up a center of excellence in optronics and navigation to support Tawazun offset strategy.

Located in IGG Advanced Industries in the Tawazun Industrial Park in Abu Dhabi, this centre of excellence, with significant growth potential, will initially have more than 800 square metres (8,600 sq.ft) of floorspace, including cleanroom space.

Vision for Optronics & Navigation will employ several dozen people, fully supporting the UAE government's policy to localise highly skilled jobs.

Through this new joint venture, the two partners will meet the needs of the United Arab Emirates MOD and the needs of other regional organisations. The United Arab Emirates will benefit from the know-how and advanced technology of Safran Electronics & Defense, in line with Abu Dhabi's economic vision for the 2030s.

This initiative by International Golden Group and Safran Electronics & Defense further enhances the strategic partnership between the United Arab Emirates and France.