As part of its push to localize defence manufacturing and build technological self-reliance, the UAE is strengthening industrial partnerships to support its National Defence Strategy and broader economic diversification goals.

Tawazun Council and Thales have signed a cooperation agreement to locally produce advanced Ground Master series air surveillance radars, in line with the UAE’s vision to enhance domestic manufacturing and defence capabilities.

The Ground Master radars are globally recognized for their reliability, high performance, and rapid deployability, making them a top choice in air surveillance and defence systems.

A new production facility is scheduled to be fully operational by 2027. It will assemble, test, and qualify radars for domestic and export markets, serving as a strategic asset to enhance national manufacturing and technological self-sufficiency.

The agreement also supports Thales’ expansion of its Radar Centre of Excellence in the UAE, which focuses on developing local expertise. Thales affirmed its commitment to “localisation at the heart of its growth strategy” through advanced training programs and sustainable career development, fostering specialised skills in radar technologies.

Beyond manufacturing, the project will help qualify domestic suppliers, further strengthening the national industrial base and promoting long-term independence in critical sectors.

Commenting on the agreement, Matar Ali Al Romaithi, Sector Chief of Defence and Security Industry Affairs at Tawazun Council, said, “The expansion of Thales’ Radar Centre of Excellence reflects the strength of the UAE’s defence industrial strategy and its regional leadership in advanced technologies.”
“This initiative enhances national capabilities in air surveillance radar systems while creating significant opportunities for local companies to grow, innovate, and compete globally,” he added.

Abdelhafid Mordi, CEO of Thales in the UAE, stated, “The expansion of our Radar Centre of Excellence, through the establishment of a new production facility, marks a major milestone – from integration, testing, manufacturing to lifecycle support.” Mordi added that “this investment reinforces the UAE’s sovereignty in critical defence technologies, strengthens the national supply chain, embarks UAE talents and deepens local expertise in advanced radar systems,” he said.