Fairbanks Morse Defense (FMD) on Tuesday said it has signed an agreement with Estonia’s DECK Marine Systems
to co-develop an autonomous launch and recovery system for unmanned marine vehicles (UXVs).
The agreement also gives FMD exclusive license to sell and service DECK’s launch and recovery systems, instrument deployment units and winches for the U.S., Canada, Australia and United Kingdom government markets.
FMD for the past 18 months or so has been acquiring, and partnering with, companies to position itself as a turnkey services provider for shipyard, defense and commercial marine customers.
“As the Navy develops and tests more unmanned vehicle technologies, FMD remains committed to providing the capabilities and support necessary for expanding the reach and scope of our fleet,” Jay McFadyen, FMD’s chief commercial officer, said in a statement. “The expanded capabilities offered through our licensing agreement with DECK Marine Systems, combined with our existing products and services from our Welin Lambie business unit, strengthens our ability to help propel U.S. maritime defense into the future.”
DECK doesn’t currently work with the U.S. Navy.
In addition to its marine products, FMD has a global network of field service technicians that DECK will now have access to. DECK will also be able to leverage FMD’s customer-focused regional account managers to expand its presence among marine defense customers.
“Precision and durability are essential for maritime military success, wen we believe that makes DECK’s proven technology solutions an ideal fit to support the Navy’s UXV programs,” Dmitri Jekimov, DECK’s CEO, said in a statement. “We look forward to working with FMD to expand our presence and capabilities to serve more military marine markets.”