Tawazun Council And MBDA Announce Strategic Projects For Defence Technology Localisation In The UAE

The Tawazun Council for Defence Enablement and MBDA have unveiled strategic initiatives to bolster local defence industries and foster innovation. Announced during the Dubai Airshow 2025, these efforts aim to enhance the UAE's industrial and technological landscape. Matar Ali Al Romaithi of Tawazun and Eric Béranger of MBDA formalised this collaboration.

MBDA has launched MBDA UAE, a wholly owned subsidiary, marking a new chapter in its collaboration with Tawazun since 2000. This initiative aims to boost local research, development, production, and technical support capabilities. It solidifies MBDA's role as a long-term partner in the UAE's defence sector.

In partnership with Fly-R, MBDA is developing loitering munitions integrated with artificial intelligence. These munitions boast an innovative design that enhances speed and manoeuvrability, offering superior operational capabilities on modern battlefields. This development aligns with the UAE's vision for advanced defence technologies.

The Emirati Thermal Batteries (ETB) manufacturing plant has been inaugurated at Tawazun Industrial Park. As part of the global ASB Group, this facility will enhance the local defence manufacturing ecosystem by producing thermal batteries crucial for missile production. This project strengthens the UAE's sovereignty in missile technology.

The Tawazun Economic Programme plays a pivotal role in attracting global companies and promoting technology localisation. The programme aims to strengthen strategic partnerships and facilitate technology transfer, contributing to national economic growth. These efforts align with the UAE’s goals for industrial transformation.

Matar Ali Al Romaithi stated: "The newly announced projects in collaboration with MBDA reflect the depth of our strategic partnership and demonstrate the Council’s commitment to enabling the UAE’s defence industrial sector by attracting advanced technologies and localising supply chains."

Commitment to Long-Term Collaboration

Eric Béranger commented: "The creation of the MBDA landed company in the UAE is a major landmark of our enduring commitment to the UAE and an illustration of our long term partnership with the Tawazun Council for Defence Enablement." He emphasised their shared ambition to contribute significantly to the growth of the UAE defence industry.

These initiatives are part of Tawazun's "Project Bank" portfolio under its Economic Programme. They aim to support innovative projects using advanced technology to enhance national capabilities. The focus remains on reinforcing the UAE as a regional hub for advanced defence industries.

The collaboration between Tawazun and MBDA exemplifies targeted partnerships that support technology transfer and develop national competencies. These efforts reinforce the UAE’s position as a leader in advanced defence industries within the region.

With inputs from WAM