Tawazun Council and global defence technology leader Thales have signed a strategic cooperation agreement to locally produce the renowned Ground Master series air surveillance radars in the United Arab Emirates. This landmark partnership supports the UAE’s vision of boosting domestic manufacturing capabilities and enhancing national defence self-sufficiency.
The Ground Master radar systems are globally recognized for their reliability, exceptional performance, rapid deployability, and adaptability across a variety of military missions. The new facility, set to be fully operational by 2027, will undertake assembly, testing, and qualification of these advanced radar systems, serving both the UAE’s defence needs and international export markets.
This production hub will be a strategic asset, strengthening the UAE’s defence manufacturing sector, fostering innovation, and providing operational flexibility to address evolving threats and requirements. It also exemplifies Thales’ commitment to advancing the UAE’s manufacturing base through industrial excellence and innovation.
A key component of the Radar Centre of Excellence expansion is developing Emirati talent. Thales is prioritizing localisation through comprehensive training programs and sustainable career development to cultivate specialised expertise in advanced radar technologies. This aligns with the UAE’s National Defence Strategy and its broader vision of a highly capable, future-ready workforce.
Beyond manufacturing, the project focuses on qualifying and integrating domestic suppliers, thereby fortifying the national industrial base and promoting long-term self-reliance in critical defence technologies.
Matar Ali Al Romaithi, Sector Chief of Defence and Security Industry Affairs at Tawazun Council, remarked, “The expansion of Thales’ Radar Centre of Excellence reflects the strength of the UAE’s defence industrial strategy and its leadership in advanced technologies across the region. This initiative boosts national capabilities in air surveillance radar systems while creating meaningful opportunities for local companies to innovate and compete globally.”
Abdelhafid Mordi, CEO of Thales UAE, expressed pride in contributing to the UAE’s growing defence industrial ecosystem. “The establishment of the new production facility marks a major milestone—covering integration, testing, manufacturing, and lifecycle support. This investment enhances UAE sovereignty in critical defence technologies, strengthens the national supply chain, and deepens local expertise, empowering UAE talents in advanced radar systems.”
