While primarily a commercial event, the “Make it in the Emirates” trade show in 2025 highlighted significant defense manufacturing agreements aimed at boosting the UAE’s self-sufficiency in military technology.
Thales and UAE Forge Groundbreaking Radar Manufacturing Hub
One of the marquee deals was a landmark partnership between the Emirati Tawazun Council and French defense giant Thales. This agreement will establish a dedicated production facility for Ground Master series air surveillance radars in the UAE, with an expected operational launch by 2027.
Thales emphasized that the new facility will serve as a strategic asset, strengthening the UAE’s defense industrial capacity, fostering technological self-reliance, and offering operational flexibility. The company also highlighted that the project is not solely about building radars but also about actively qualifying local suppliers, thus bolstering the national industrial ecosystem and promoting long-term self-reliance.
Matar Ali Al Romaithi, Sector Chief of Defence and Security Industry Affairs at Tawazun, stated that the initiative aims to enhance the UAE’s capabilities in air surveillance radar systems while creating significant opportunities for local companies to innovate and compete on a global scale.
This will mark the first Thales radar production facility in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. While specific financial details remain undisclosed, the partnership underscores the UAE’s strategic push toward indigenous military manufacturing.
Empowering Local Suppliers Through the ‘Go to UAE’ Program
In addition to the radar plant, Thales and Tawazun signed onto the “Go to UAE” initiative—designed to integrate over 20 certified local suppliers into expansive defense supply chains. The program allocates work packages valued at AED600 million (approximately $163 million USD), aiming to prepare UAE companies for involvement in large-scale international projects.
According to Tawazun, the initiative seeks to elevate local firms to meet international standards, facilitating their participation in global defense markets and enabling access to sustainable, high-value contracts both domestically and abroad.
EDGE Group Leads Defense Localization with Strategic Agreements
UAE defense conglomerate EDGE Group continues its push for local production, signing multiple Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) with international partners. Edge’s TRUST subsidiary and South African firm ADG Mobility agreed to collaborate on designing, developing, and manufacturing specialized land systems, including vehicles tailored for UAE operational needs.
Another MOU was signed between TRUST and South African engineering firm Specialist Mechanical Engineers to develop and produce specialized land systems components, such as auxiliary power units and other mechanical systems, within the UAE.
EDGE highlighted its commitment to local manufacturing, revealing that approximately 80% of its 220 products are now produced within the UAE, supported by a network of over 170 manufacturing facilities in Abu Dhabi.
A Strategic Shift Toward Self-Reliance and Global Integration
The agreements surfaced during the trade show reinforce the UAE’s strategic focus on reducing reliance on foreign imports and bolstering domestic defense manufacturing. By fostering local industry capabilities and integrating them into global supply chains, the UAE aims to cultivate a resilient, innovative, and self-sufficient defense sector poised for international competitiveness.
As the UAE continues to leverage partnerships with global industry leaders and strengthen its internal manufacturing base, it marks a decisive step forward in establishing a sustainable, cutting-edge defense industry aligned with its long-term strategic objectives.
