The Tawazun Council for Defence Enablement (Tawazun) and MBDA have unveiled a series of strategic initiatives aimed at bolstering the localisation of defence industries and fostering the national innovation ecosystem. The announcement was made on the sidelines of the Dubai Airshow 2025, marking a significant step in the collaboration between the two entities.
The agreement was signed by Matar Ali Al Romaithi, Director General of the Industrial Development Directorate, and Eric Béranger, CEO of MBDA. These initiatives are part of MBDA’s commitment to the Tawazun Economic Programme, which focuses on strengthening strategic partnerships, facilitating technology transfer, and enhancing national economic value. The programme aligns with the UAE’s vision for industrial and technological transformation, aiming to support the country’s competitiveness and leadership in advanced defence industries.
A key highlight of the announcement is the future establishment of MBDA UAE, a wholly-owned subsidiary of MBDA. This move signifies a new phase in the long-standing collaboration between the two parties since 2000. The establishment of MBDA UAE aims to strengthen the company’s local presence while developing national capabilities in research and development, production, and technical support. This initiative will consolidate MBDA’s position as a long-term industrial partner of the UAE.
In addition to this, MBDA announced the development of loitering munitions integrated with artificial intelligence, in collaboration with the startup Fly-R. The new system will feature an innovative design offering high speed and exceptional manoeuvrability, with AI integration providing enhanced operational superiority on modern battlefields. This project underscores the commitment to leveraging cutting-edge technology to meet the evolving needs of defence and security.
Furthermore, MBDA unveiled the Emirati Thermal Batteries (ETB) manufacturing plant project at Tawazun Industrial Park (TIP). This plant, a new industrial branch of the global ASB Group, aims to develop the local defence manufacturing ecosystem. Thermal batteries are a key and strategic component in missile production, and the establishment of this facility will strengthen the UAE’s defence manufacturing capabilities and sovereignty in the missile sector. The project is part of the ‘Project Bank’ portfolio launched by the Council as part of the Tawazun Economic Programme, which seeks to support innovative projects and leverage advanced technology to enhance national capabilities.
Commenting on the announcements, Matar Ali Al Romaithi said, “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. These initiatives represent a practical example of what Tawazun Economic Programme achieves in terms of targeted partnerships and strategic investments that support technology transfer and the development of national competencies, reinforcing the UAE’s role as a regional hub for advanced defence industries.”
Eric Béranger added, “The creation of the MBDA landed company in the UAE will be 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. The development and future production of the Diamond-Shaped loitering munition in the UAE will further demonstrate our commitment to spurring meaningful and tangible projects with high in-country value. This long-term collaboration allows us to continue supporting our common ambition of being an integral part of the growth of UAE defence industry in the best way possible.”
These strategic initiatives are poised to shape the future of the defence sector in the UAE, fostering innovation, enhancing local capabilities, and positioning the country as a leader in advanced defence technologies. The collaboration between Tawazun and MBDA exemplifies the power of strategic partnerships in driving industrial and technological advancements, ultimately contributing to the UAE’s vision of becoming a global hub for defence innovation.