Thales Invests in New Facility to Produce Ground Master Radars, Enhancing UAE’s Defense Manufacturing Capabilities

Thales Invests in New Facility to Produce Ground Master Radars, Enhancing UAE’s Defense Manufacturing Capabilities

(IN BRIEF) Thales Emarat Technologies has announced an investment in a new factory dedicated to producing Ground Master series air surveillance radars, marking a significant step in strengthening the UAE’s defense manufacturing capabilities. The facility, set to open by 2027, will support both domestic and export needs, while fostering local talent and expertise in advanced radar technologies. The cooperation agreement with Tawazun Council reflects the UAE’s broader vision to enhance self-reliance in critical defense technologies and further bolster its national defense strategy.

(PRESS RELEASE) LA DÉFENSE, 22-May-2025 — /EuropaWire/ — As part of its ongoing commitment to the UAE’s industrial development, Thales Emarat Technologies has announced an investment in a cutting-edge factory dedicated to the production of Ground Master series air surveillance radars. This new facility, set to be operational by 2027, will significantly enhance the UAE’s capabilities in sovereign manufacturing, supporting the nation’s strategic goals for self-reliance in defense technologies.

The cooperation agreement, which was signed between Tawazun Council and Thales during the fourth edition of the “Make it in the Emirates 2025” event, aims to accelerate the UAE’s growth in defense manufacturing and bolster its national defense strategy. The signing ceremony was 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, along with key representatives from both organizations.

The Ground Master radars, renowned globally for their superior reliability, performance, and adaptability, will be assembled, tested, and qualified at the new facility to serve both the domestic and international markets. This factory is designed to play a pivotal role in enhancing the UAE’s defense capabilities, helping the nation maintain its position at the forefront of global defense technology.

Thales is committed to localizing expertise through its Radar Centre of Excellence, focusing on developing Emirati talent and ensuring sustainable career opportunities in advanced radar technology. This initiative will not only elevate the UAE’s defense sector but also foster a highly capable workforce ready to meet future technological challenges. The project further reinforces the national industrial base by encouraging the qualification of local suppliers and promoting long-term self-reliance.

Matar Ali Al Romaithi, Sector Chief of Defence and Security Industry Affairs at Tawazun Council, commented: “This collaboration exemplifies the UAE’s strategic vision for defense manufacturing and leadership in advanced technologies. It creates opportunities for local companies to innovate, compete globally, and contribute to strengthening national capabilities in air surveillance radar systems.”

Hervé Dammann, Executive Vice-President, Land and Air Systems at Thales, added: “The establishment of this new facility is a key milestone in our commitment to advancing the UAE’s defense industry. By investing in local production, we’re reinforcing the nation’s sovereignty over critical defense technologies, fostering the growth of the national supply chain, and deepening local expertise in radar systems.”

About Thales

Thales (Euronext Paris: HO) is a global leader in advanced technologies for the Defence, Aerospace, and Cyber & Digital sectors. Its portfolio of innovative products and services addresses several major challenges: sovereignty, security, sustainability and inclusion.

The Group invests more than €4 billion per year in Research & Development in key areas, particularly for critical environments, such as Artificial Intelligence, cybersecurity, quantum and cloud technologies.

Thales has more than 83,000 employees in 68 countries. In 2024, the Group generated sales of €20.6 billion.

About Thales in the UAE

Thales has been present in the UAE for 50 years, providing customers with technologically advanced solutions in Defence and Security, Digital Identity and Security, Aerospace, and Space industries.

Part of the Tawazun Economic Program, Thales Emarat Technologies (TET) is a fully-owned Thales Group entity that was established in 2019 to boost localization and the development of Emirati talent. It houses centres of excellence for critical systems and a variety of defence and digital aerospace technologies. Since its establishment in 2019, Tawazun Economic Council and TET have launched the Radar Centre of Excellence, the Defence Services Center and Digital Center of Excellence.

Media Contact:

Tel: +33 (0) 1 57 77 80 00

SOURCE: Thales