17:30 GMT, February 2, 2010 Cedar Rapids, Iowa and Riyadh, Saudi Arabia | Rockwell Collins and Advanced Electronics Company (AEC) today announced signing a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) to co-develop and market products and solutions to customers in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Middle East region.

Rockwell Collins, a leading global provider of avionics and electronics solutions and services for air, ground and sea applications, and AEC, a company specializing in designing, manufacturing and supporting a wide range of electronics products in Saudi Arabia, have agreed to jointly identify and pursue customer opportunities in the Middle East region.

"This important strategic alliance brings tremendous value to our customers in Saudi Arabia through co-developed, customized solutions, as well as increased customer responsiveness and overall world class service and support," said Greg Churchill, executive vice president and chief operating officer of Government Systems for Rockwell Collins.

AEC President and CEO Dr. Ghassan Al-Shibl stated, "This agreement confirms the excellent cooperation between Rockwell Collins and AEC and highlights AEC's growing capabilities as a supplier of different electronics products and systems in the region. By working with technology leaders like Rockwell Collins, AEC can expand its manufacturing base, service the needs of customers in our region and provide more meaningful opportunities to qualified Saudis."

Under the agreement, AEC will collaborate with Rockwell Collins to design, develop, manufacture, test and market avionics, electronics, navigation and communications solutions for air, ground and maritime applications in Saudi Arabia and the Middle East. In addition, AEC will become an authorized repair, overhaul and support service provider for these products and solutions.

"This agreement enables Rockwell Collins to provide an important local capability in Saudi Arabia and the Middle East in partnership with AEC, a highly respected company in the region," said Bruno Rambaud, vice president and managing director, Europe, Middle East, and Africa for Rockwell Collins. "As part of our international business strategy, Rockwell Collins is increasing our local presence in growth regions such as the Middle East through a direct presence and selected strategic alliances."

Examples of products and solutions to be offered to military customers as part of the strategic alliance include avionics, communications and navigation systems for fighter aircraft, integrated cockpit systems for mobility and rotary wing aircraft and handheld local language Global Positioning Systems (GPS) for soldiers.