Tawazun Council Advances UAE Defence with Thales Partnership for Radar Facility
Deal News | May 21, 2025 | Zawya

Tawazun Council and Thales have entered into a cooperation agreement to establish a production facility for advanced Ground Master series air surveillance radars in the UAE. This initiative aligns with the UAE's goal to enhance local manufacturing and develop national defense capabilities. The agreement was made during the 'Make it in the Emirates 2025' event, attended by prominent figures from the involved organizations. This facility will play a crucial role in assembling, testing, and qualifying radars aimed at meeting both domestic and export demands by 2027. Not only will it enhance the UAE’s technological self-sufficiency, but it will also contribute to the training and development of Emirati talent in radar technologies. Thales emphasizes its growth strategy of localization through advanced training programs to create a capable national workforce. The initiative also strengthens the national industrial base by involving domestic suppliers, ultimately fortifying the UAE’s sovereignty in critical defense technologies.
Sectors
- Defense Manufacturing
- Technology and Innovation
Geography
- United Arab Emirates – The cooperation agreement and production facility are focused within the UAE, aligning with its vision for defense and industrial advancement.
Industry
- Defense Manufacturing – The article discusses the establishment of a local production facility for air surveillance radars, a key component of defense manufacturing.
- Technology and Innovation – The focus on advanced radar technologies and local talent development ties directly to the technology and innovation sector.
Financials
Participants
Name | Role | Type | Description |
---|---|---|---|
Tawazun Council | Target | Government | Tawazun Council is involved in enhancing local defense capabilities and is partnering to establish the radar production facility. |
Thales | Other | Company | Thales is a global high technology company that is partnering with Tawazun to set up the radar facility in the UAE. |
Matar Ali Al Romaithi | Sector Chief, Defense and Security Industry Affairs | People | Represents Tawazun Council in the agreement with Thales. |
Abdelhafid Mordi | CEO, Thales UAE | People | Represents Thales in the UAE and is involved in the establishment of the new production facility. |