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Three institutions join forces for academic, technological uplift

AL AIN — UAE Air Force and Air Defence, UAE University and the Business Unit of Government Aviation Pilatus on Tuesday signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to promote long-term cooperation in academic, research and technological development.

The MoU was signed by Shaikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Education and Chancellor of the UAE University, Major-General Khalid bin Abdullah Al Bu Ainain, Commander of the UAE Air Force and Air Defence, and Jim Roche, Vice-President, Business Unit, Government Aviation Pilatus. The three partners will immediately launch two projects, marking prompt implementation of the MoU. Pilatus Aircraft Ltd will fund the first project 'Basic Research Internship Project.'

The UAE Air Defence will provide in-kind support for the second project by allowing the use of its facilities at Khalifa Bin Zayed Air College. Pilatus, in association with the UAEU and UAEAF and AD, will complete necessary IFR flight tests there.

Shaikh Nahayan said the MoU was signed in consonance with the policy of the UAEU to seek cooperation from leading defence institutions and world renowned industrial companies to contribute to the development of the UAE.

Major-General Khalid Al Bu Ainain said that the UAEAF and AD invested significantly in system development. "Today, the UAEAF and AD strongly feel the need to invest in human resources, through quality education and knowledge, in different areas of advanced technology," he added.

Jim Roche expressed his belief that the MoU would reinforce his company's strong relationship with the UAEAF and AD, which has been developed over the last 20 years.

• UAE