Tawazun And Pilatus Strengthen Partnership For PC-12 PRO Composite Parts Production

The Dubai Airshow 2025 witnessed a significant development as the Tawazun Council for Defence Enablement (Tawazun) and Pilatus Aircraft Ltd. (Pilatus), a Swiss aircraft manufacturer, signed an agreement. This deal aims to enhance their collaboration in producing PC-12 PRO composite parts, which will be manufactured by Strata Manufacturing PJSC (Strata), owned by Mubadala Investment Company.

This agreement not only extends the existing partnership between Strata and Pilatus but also introduces a new offset project focused on manufacturing PC-12 PRO composite components. Tawazun's support underscores its dedication to boosting national manufacturing capabilities and fostering global partnerships in dual-use technologies.

Since its inception, Strata has delivered over 31,500 components and more than 1,140 shipments from its Al Ain facility to Switzerland. These include PC-24 Flap Track Fairings, Belly Fairings, Bullet Fairings, Tail Cones, Pylon Fairings, and Internal Floor Panels. This achievement highlights Strata's growing role in the international supply chain.

Matar Ali Al Romaithi, Acting Director-General of Industry Development at Tawazun, and Ismail Ali Abdulla, Executive Director of the UAE Clusters Unit within Mubadala’s UAE Investments platform and Managing Director of Strata, were present at the signing. Representatives from Pilatus and Tawazun also attended this important event.

Majed Saif Al Shamsi, Executive Director of the Tawazun Economic Programme at Tawazun, stated: "We are committed to empowering national companies and supporting strategic investments that deliver lasting economic and industrial value for the UAE. Our partnership with Strata and Pilatus demonstrates the strength of collaboration between Emirati and global industry leaders."

Expanding Global Aerospace Contributions

Sara Al Memari, Acting CEO of Strata, expressed pride in Strata’s growing impact on the global aerospace sector. She remarked: "Our collaboration with Pilatus stands as a testament to the UAE’s manufacturing excellence and innovation. Today, over 65% of the composite airframe of the Pilatus PC-24 is proudly made by Strata in Al Ain — proof that Emirati craftsmanship is flying high across the world."

Johan van Nieuwenhuizen, Director of Industrial Participation at Pilatus, highlighted a significant milestone: "Delivering 100 shipsets across five major work packages for the Pilatus PC-24 Super Versatile Jet is a remarkable milestone that highlights Strata’s superior technical capability and performance."

The launch of this Tawazun-enabled offset project aims to expand composite manufacturing in the UAE for the PC-12 PRO. It reaffirms Pilatus's view of the UAE as both an operator and an essential industrial partner.

This agreement strengthens long-standing ties between Pilatus and Strata while enhancing their cooperation in aerospace manufacturing. The collaboration reflects a shared commitment to advancing technological capabilities within both local and international contexts.

With inputs from WAM