ISTANBUL: EDGE Group entity LAHAB, the United Arab Emirates' exclusive munitions manufacturer, has entered into a partnership with ASSAN Group, a prominent Turkish manufacturer of ammunitions and aircraft bombs, to co-develop advanced ammunition solutions and expand manufacturing capabilities. The collaboration formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aims to innovate new ammunition types and establish a robust supply chain for essential energetic materials. According to Emirates News Agency, the agreement stipulates that ASSAN Group will aid LAHAB in upgrading its manufacturing facilities to enhance production efficiency and better meet customer demands. This strategic move is intended to achieve the UAE's goal of strategic independence from potentially unstable global supply chains and to maintain a competitive edge in the munitions industry. Hamad Al Marar, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of EDGE Group, emphasized the significance of the partnership as part of EDGE's Industry 4.0 roadmap. He noted that ASSAN Group has become a crucial partner in ensuring mission readiness through reliable supply chains. The collaboration underscores EDGE's dedication to innovation and maintaining a world-class munitions industry. Emin Öner, Chairman of ASSAN Group, highlighted the ongoing challenges in global supply chains post-COVID pandemic and expressed confidence in ASSAN Group's role as a dependable partner in supplying critical materials. He remarked that the MoU with EDGE's LAHAB marks a significant step in addressing supply chain issues in the defence sector, particularly concerning energetic materials. The agreement, signed during the SAHA EXPO 2024 in Istanbul, aligns with EDGE's strategy to expand its cooperation with the Turkish defence industry, promoting mutual industrial growth and knowledge exchange.