Abu dhabi: EDGE Group entity, EPI, has achieved a significant milestone by becoming the first in the region to receive approval from Raytheon, an RTX business, for compliance with the MIL-DTL-5541 Type II Class 1 and Class 3 standards. This approval represents a groundbreaking alternative to the hazardous hexavalent process in surface treatment, marking a pivotal advancement in the UAE's aerospace, energy, and defence industries.
According to Emirates News Agency, the announcement was made during the Dubai Airshow 2025, currently taking place at Dubai World Central (DWC) from 17 to 21 November. This achievement not only reinforces EPI's status as a preferred supplier for leading OEMs but also plays a crucial role in enhancing the UAE's advanced sovereign industrial capabilities, aligning with EDGE's overarching strategy.
Michael Deshaies, CEO of EPI, remarked on the achievement, highlighting its significance: "The latest milestone with Raytheon underscores our commitment to the 'Make it in the Emirates' initiative and EPI's position as a key player in the global aerospace supply chain. Through this partnership, we continue to push boundaries of local manufacturing excellence and international competitiveness."
Fahad Al Mheiri, Managing Director of Raytheon Emirates, commented on the collaboration, stating, "This achievement strengthens our relationship with EPI and highlights the UAE's progress toward a resilient, self-reliant defence industry. It showcases how combining global expertise with local capability builds a future-ready defence ecosystem, driving growth and solidifying the UAE's role in global supply chains."
This development is part of a contract between EPI and Raytheon for the supply of machined aluminium and assembly components for the Coyote Counter-UAS interceptor.