The new facility will be operated by Thales Emarat Technologies and is expected to become fully operational by 2027. It will assemble, test, and qualify advanced radar systems to meet both domestic needs and export demands.
The Ground Master radars are recognised globally for their performance, reliability, mobility, and mission adaptability, and are considered among the world’s leading air surveillance systems. This facility will serve as a strategic asset to reinforce the UAE’s technological sovereignty and defence industry infrastructure.
The signing took place during the “Make it in the Emirates 2025” event, attended by Matar Ali Al Romaithi, Sector Chief of Defence and Security Industry Affairs at Tawazun Council, and Abdelhafid Mordi, CEO of Thales in the UAE. The agreement highlights Thales’ commitment to supporting innovation and excellence in Emirati defence manufacturing.
Commenting on the agreement, Matar Ali Al Romaithi said: “The expansion of Thales’ Radar Centre of Excellence reflects the strength of the UAE’s defence industrial strategy and its regional leadership in advanced technologies. This initiative enhances national capabilities in air surveillance radar systems while creating significant opportunities for local companies to grow, innovate, and compete globally.”
Hervé Dammann, Executive Vice-President, Land and Air Systems at Thales, stated: “Thales is proud to contribute to the growth of the UAE’s industrial defence ecosystem by advancing local capabilities, in-line with the national vision. The expansion of our Radar Centre of Excellence, through the establishment of a new production facility, marks a major milestone – from integration, testing, manufacturing to lifecycle support.”
Thales also emphasised that the project will promote long-term self-reliance by developing Emirati talent and qualifying domestic suppliers. Localisation is central to the company’s growth strategy, with advanced training programmes aimed at building national expertise in radar technologies.
