Calidus And Indra Sign Agreement For Integrated Regional Pilot Training Centre In The UAE

Calidus Holding Group and Indra Group have entered a strategic partnership to establish a joint venture in the UAE. This collaboration aims to serve the Middle East, Asia, Africa, and Europe by offering comprehensive training solutions that adhere to top international standards. The agreement was signed during the Dubai Airshow, which runs from 17-21 November 2025, with key figures from both companies present.

The partnership focuses on technology transfer and co-development of advanced civil and military training simulators. These will cover various domains such as aerospace, defence, and air traffic control systems. The initiative also includes local manufacturing, integration, and certification processes. A regional simulation and strategic training centre will be established as part of this effort.

The new training centre will provide simulator-based courses for pilots, flight crews, ground operators, and more. It will cover platforms like fixed-wing aircraft, rotary aircraft, gyroplanes, unmanned air vehicles, radars, and other ground-based simulators. This project aims to localise high-value simulation technologies while enhancing national technical capabilities.

Dr. Khalifa Murad Alblooshi of Calidus Holding Group highlighted the importance of this collaboration: "This collaboration represents a strategic step to enhance our capabilities in specialised training and strengthen the Group’s position as a trusted and reliable partner in building and qualifying national and regional cadres."

The partnership is designed to foster indigenous engineering expertise through knowledge transfer and joint research. This will contribute to a sustainable ecosystem for simulation technologies while boosting local content and industrial self-reliance. Al Ain is set to become a regional hub for certified training and defence innovation.

Ángel Escribano of Indra Group remarked on the significance of this venture: "Indra Group is a global leader in the defence market, maintaining strong partnerships with the key local industry players. The joint venture reached with Calidus is strategic for strengthening our presence in the Middle East."

Advanced Training Systems Development

José Vicente de los Mozos from Indra Group stated: "Indra is one of the world’s leading simulator designers and manufacturers... ensuring the highest levels of safety and performance." This highlights Indra's role in developing next-generation training systems crucial for civil and military pilots as well as air traffic controllers.

Calidus focuses on delivering advanced solutions tailored to defence markets across its three clusters: Aerospace, Land Systems, Missiles, and Defence Systems. Meanwhile, Indra has provided over 400 simulator systems to more than 50 clients across 23 countries.

This joint venture not only strengthens Calidus' position but also offers Indra an opportunity to expand its operations within a promising environment in the UAE. The collaboration aims to advance the defence industry regionally while benefiting both parties involved.

With inputs from WAM