emirates7 - Tawazun Council and Thales have entered into a strategic cooperation agreement to locally manufacture advanced Ground Master air surveillance radars, aligning with the UAE's goal of boosting domestic production and enhancing national defence capabilities.
The agreement was signed on the second day of "Make it in the Emirates 2025" by Matar Ali Al Romaithi, Sector Chief of Defence and Security Industry Affairs at Tawazun Council, and Abdelhafid Mordi, CEO of Thales in the UAE, with delegations from both organisations present.
This partnership underlines Thales' dedication to supporting the UAE’s vision of industrial innovation and technological excellence in manufacturing.
The Ground Master radar series is renowned globally for its dependability, high performance, quick deployment, and adaptability to various mission profiles—making it one of the premier air surveillance and defence solutions worldwide.
The new production facility is expected to be fully operational by 2027. It will handle the assembly, testing, and qualification of the advanced radars to cater to both domestic needs and international markets.
As a strategic national asset, the facility will strengthen the UAE’s defence manufacturing infrastructure, improve technological self-reliance, and enhance the nation’s agility in meeting diverse operational requirements.
A cornerstone of this initiative is the expansion of the Thales Radar Centre of Excellence, with a strong emphasis on developing Emirati talent. Thales is prioritising localisation through advanced training and sustainable career development, aiming to build specialised national expertise in radar technology. This supports the UAE’s National Defence Strategy and its vision for a highly skilled and future-ready workforce.
Beyond radar production, the initiative also focuses on qualifying local suppliers, which will further deepen the UAE’s industrial base and foster long-term self-sufficiency.
Al Romaithi remarked, “The expansion of Thales’ Radar Centre of Excellence highlights the robustness of the UAE’s defence industrial strategy and its leadership in advanced technologies across the region. This project not only boosts national radar capabilities but also opens up growth and innovation opportunities for local businesses on a global scale.”
Mordi added, “Thales is honoured to support the UAE’s defence industry by enhancing local capacities in line with the country’s strategic vision. Establishing a new radar production facility marks a significant milestone, covering integration, testing, manufacturing, and lifecycle support.
“This investment strengthens the UAE’s sovereignty in key defence technologies, reinforces the local supply chain, nurtures Emirati talent, and cultivates deep expertise in sophisticated radar systems.”
The agreement was signed on the second day of "Make it in the Emirates 2025" by Matar Ali Al Romaithi, Sector Chief of Defence and Security Industry Affairs at Tawazun Council, and Abdelhafid Mordi, CEO of Thales in the UAE, with delegations from both organisations present.
This partnership underlines Thales' dedication to supporting the UAE’s vision of industrial innovation and technological excellence in manufacturing.
The Ground Master radar series is renowned globally for its dependability, high performance, quick deployment, and adaptability to various mission profiles—making it one of the premier air surveillance and defence solutions worldwide.
The new production facility is expected to be fully operational by 2027. It will handle the assembly, testing, and qualification of the advanced radars to cater to both domestic needs and international markets.
As a strategic national asset, the facility will strengthen the UAE’s defence manufacturing infrastructure, improve technological self-reliance, and enhance the nation’s agility in meeting diverse operational requirements.
A cornerstone of this initiative is the expansion of the Thales Radar Centre of Excellence, with a strong emphasis on developing Emirati talent. Thales is prioritising localisation through advanced training and sustainable career development, aiming to build specialised national expertise in radar technology. This supports the UAE’s National Defence Strategy and its vision for a highly skilled and future-ready workforce.
Beyond radar production, the initiative also focuses on qualifying local suppliers, which will further deepen the UAE’s industrial base and foster long-term self-sufficiency.
Al Romaithi remarked, “The expansion of Thales’ Radar Centre of Excellence highlights the robustness of the UAE’s defence industrial strategy and its leadership in advanced technologies across the region. This project not only boosts national radar capabilities but also opens up growth and innovation opportunities for local businesses on a global scale.”
Mordi added, “Thales is honoured to support the UAE’s defence industry by enhancing local capacities in line with the country’s strategic vision. Establishing a new radar production facility marks a significant milestone, covering integration, testing, manufacturing, and lifecycle support.
“This investment strengthens the UAE’s sovereignty in key defence technologies, reinforces the local supply chain, nurtures Emirati talent, and cultivates deep expertise in sophisticated radar systems.”