Tawazun Council for Defence Enablement and European missile systems manufacturer MBDA have announced a comprehensive set of strategic initiatives aimed at accelerating defence technology localisation and reinforcing the UAE’s advanced industrial ecosystem. The announcement, made during the Dubai Airshow 2025, marks a significant step in the UAE’s long-term strategy to build sovereign, innovation-driven defence capabilities.
The agreement was signed by Matar Ali Al Romaithi, Director General of the Industrial Development Directorate at Tawazun, and Eric Béranger, CEO of MBDA. The initiatives fall under the Tawazun Economic Programme, which is designed to enhance industrial partnerships, drive high-value technology transfer, and strengthen national economic contribution through advanced research, development, and manufacturing.
A key highlight of the cooperation is MBDA’s decision to establish MBDA UAE, a wholly owned local subsidiary that will serve as a dedicated platform for expanding research, development, production, and technical support within the Emirates. The establishment of MBDA UAE represents the latest chapter in a partnership that began in 2000 and reinforces MBDA’s growing role as a long-term industrial partner supporting the UAE’s defence transformation goals.
MBDA also announced a new programme to develop next-generation artificial intelligence-enabled loitering munitions, in collaboration with the French aerospace start-up Fly-R. The system will feature an innovative high-speed design, advanced aerodynamic performance, and integrated AI capabilities to deliver enhanced precision, faster decision-making cycles, and improved operational effectiveness across complex battlefield environments.
Further advancing sovereign manufacturing competencies, Tawazun and MBDA revealed the launch of the Emirati Thermal Batteries (ETB) manufacturing plant at Tawazun Industrial Park (TIP). Developed in partnership with the global ASB Group, the facility will focus on producing thermal batteries—critical components in missile systems and precision-guided weapons. The project forms part of Tawazun’s “Project Bank” portfolio, which aims to attract high-value global defence investments and expand the UAE’s strategic production capabilities.
Collectively, these initiatives reflect the UAE’s sustained commitment to strengthening national defence autonomy, developing next-generation industrial capabilities, and deepening partnerships with leading global defence companies. They also underline the Emirates’ broader vision to position itself as a competitive hub for advanced military technology, research, and manufacturing.
