Tawazun Council And Thales Collaborate To Establish Ground Master Radar Production Facility In The UAE

Tawazun Council and Thales have entered into a partnership to manufacture advanced Ground Master air surveillance radars within the UAE. This collaboration aligns with the UAE's goal to enhance local manufacturing and strengthen national defence capabilities. The agreement was signed during the "Make it in the Emirates 2025" event, with key figures like Matar Ali Al Romaithi from Tawazun Council and Abdelhafid Mordi from Thales present.

The new facility is expected to be fully operational by 2027. It will focus on assembling, testing, and qualifying advanced air surveillance radars for both domestic use and export. This strategic asset aims to boost the UAE's defence manufacturing capabilities, ensuring self-sufficiency in critical technologies while offering flexibility for various operational needs.

Thales is committed to supporting the UAE's vision of advancing its manufacturing capabilities through innovation. The Ground Master radars are globally recognised for their reliability and adaptability, making them among the top air surveillance systems worldwide. This initiative reflects Thales' dedication to industrial excellence in line with UAE's goals.

A significant aspect of this project is developing Emirati talent through Thales' Radar Centre of Excellence expansion. The company focuses on localisation by offering advanced training programmes and sustainable career development. This approach aims to build specialised local expertise in radar technologies, supporting the UAE’s National Defence Strategy.

The project also emphasises qualifying domestic suppliers, contributing to a stronger national industrial base and promoting long-term self-reliance. Al Romaithi highlighted that this expansion showcases the strength of the UAE’s defence strategy and its leadership in advanced technologies, creating opportunities for local companies to innovate globally.

Strengthening National Defence

Mordi expressed pride in contributing to the growth of the UAE’s industrial defence ecosystem by enhancing local capabilities aligned with national goals. He noted that expanding their Radar Centre of Excellence marks a significant milestone, covering integration, testing, manufacturing, and lifecycle support. This investment strengthens the UAE’s sovereignty in critical defence technologies.

The establishment of this production facility not only deepens local expertise but also reinforces the national supply chain. By embarking on this venture, Thales aims to deepen local expertise in advanced radar systems while fostering a future-ready workforce capable of meeting evolving defence needs.

This initiative underscores Thales’ commitment to supporting the UAE’s vision through innovation and excellence in manufacturing capabilities. By focusing on localisation and talent development, it enhances national capabilities while providing significant growth opportunities for local companies in global markets.

With inputs from WAM