In a significant move to enhance national defense capabilities, Tawazun Council has launched a strategic initiative aimed at accelerating the development of the UAE’s National Combat Management System (NCMS) through advanced technology transfer and knowledge localization.
This initiative builds upon a landmark agreement signed on December 19, 2023, between Tawazun Council, Naval Group—a leading French naval defense company—and Marakeb Technologies, a UAE-based entity. Aligned with the objectives of the UAE’s Tawazun Economic Program, the collaboration is set to strengthen the nation’s defense sector while fostering Emirati expertise in cutting-edge naval technologies.
As part of this initiative, Emirati engineers embarked on a two-year comprehensive training and joint development program in December 2024 at the Naval Group Centre of Excellence for Combat Management Systems in Ollioules, France. The program is structured into two phases: the initial phase, currently underway, focuses on knowledge and technology transfer, as well as system integration. The second phase, to be conducted in the UAE, will empower Emirati engineers with full autonomy in the design, development, and operation of critical national defense functionalities and advanced naval combat systems.
At IDEX 2025, Tawazun Council is set to showcase the latest iteration of the UAE National Combat Management System, developed using Naval Group’s combat-proven SETIS® system. Already deployed on the UAE Navy’s Bani Yas-class corvettes, as well as on French and other international naval fleets, the SETIS® system exemplifies cutting-edge maritime defense technology.
H.E. Dr. Nasser Humaid Al Nuaimi, Secretary General of Tawazun Council, emphasized the importance of this partnership between France and the UAE, stating: “This collaboration marks a pivotal milestone in technology transfer and knowledge localization, reinforcing the UAE’s vision to achieve technological autonomy and advance its defense manufacturing sector.”
“Our collaboration with Naval Group and Marakeb Technologies exemplifies how strategic partnerships can drive innovation and national capability development. We are focused on empowering Emirati talent to design and develop world-class solutions that meet the highest global standards,” he added.
Dr. Al Nuaimi further highlighted the long-term value of the initiative: “This program creates an integrated environment where Emirati engineers gain hands-on experience, enabling them to develop and operate sophisticated systems that bolster the UAE’s defense readiness and cement its leadership in defense innovation.”
Majed Saif Al Shamsi, Director of the Tawazun Economic Program at Tawazun Council, underscored the significance of this technology transfer initiative within the national naval combat management system, calling it a major milestone. “This move reflects Tawazun Council’s continued efforts in driving strategic partnerships, localizing advanced technologies, and equipping local talents with practical, high-level expertise through the Tawazun Economic Program. These partnerships play a vital role in advancing a comprehensive national industrial ecosystem built on innovation and knowledge. We are working on leveraging Tawazun programs with similar capability development projects,” he stated.
Pierre Eric Pommellet, Chairman and CEO of Naval Group, remarked: “Naval Group is honored to take this new step in our long-term cooperation with the UAE. We are committed to supporting the UAE’s ambition to enhance its defense and security industry, developing sustainable and long-term partnerships that align with the country’s national sovereignty objectives.”
Basel Shuhaiber, CEO of Marakeb Technologies, highlighted the company’s role in advancing the UAE’s defense sovereignty: “Marakeb Technologies is proud to support the UAE’s defense initiatives by fostering local expertise in combat management systems. Through our collaboration with Tawazun Council and Naval Group, we are driving technology localization and empowering Emirati talent to develop world-class naval solutions, reinforcing the nation’s defense capabilities and operational readiness.”
