In a bold move underscoring the UAE’s commitment to defense sovereignty and technological self-sufficiency, global technology leader Thales has entered a landmark agreement with the Tawazun Council to localize the production of Ground Master (GM) air surveillance radars. This groundbreaking partnership, announced at the “Make it in the Emirates 2025” forum in Abu Dhabi, represents not only a significant leap for the UAE’s defense sector but also a profound commitment to long-term industrial sustainability, localization, and innovation.
The Agreement: A Vision for Industrial Excellence
At the heart of the agreement lies a shared vision—to enable local production, assembly, testing, and maintenance of Thales’ state-of-the-art Ground Master radar systems within the UAE. These radar systems, used extensively by militaries around the world, are renowned for their advanced surveillance capabilities, adaptability across environments, and long-range performance.
The GM series, including the GM400 Alpha and GM200, will be manufactured in a new high-tech facility scheduled to become operational by 2027. The production line will be a full-cycle solution, encompassing design adaptation, system integration, qualification, and support services—all to be conducted on Emirati soil. This is not merely a manufacturing hub; it will be a cornerstone of UAE’s indigenous defense capabilities and a model for regional technological collaboration.
Ground Master: Technology That Elevates Security
The Ground Master radar family stands at the forefront of modern air defense. The GM400 Alpha, a long-range 3D radar, and its mid-range counterpart, the GM200 MM, are designed to detect, track, and classify aerial threats, including fast jets, helicopters, drones, and missiles. They offer superior situational awareness through digital beamforming, multi-mission modes, and high mobility.
These systems have been deployed in more than 30 countries, proving their efficacy in both defensive and strategic operations. By producing such radars locally, the UAE gains not only the equipment but also critical expertise and control over how these systems are maintained, evolved, and deployed in future scenarios.
Empowering Emirati Talent and Industry
A core pillar of this initiative is human capital development. Thales and Tawazun have emphasized that the partnership will go beyond hardware production—it is a long-term investment in the UAE’s human potential. Specialized training programs will be rolled out to equip Emiratis with the technical and managerial skills required for operating, maintaining, and innovating radar technologies.
Thales’ commitment to localization aligns with the UAE’s “Operation 300bn” strategy—a national industrial policy that seeks to increase the contribution of the manufacturing sector to AED 300 billion by 2031. By nurturing local talent in complex technological fields, the radar production facility will serve as a training ground for the next generation of defense engineers, technicians, and innovators.
Furthermore, the initiative prioritizes the development and qualification of local suppliers. This will not only create a robust domestic supply chain but also empower Emirati businesses to contribute meaningfully to a globally competitive sector. Over time, this ecosystem will become a hub of technical excellence and innovation, ensuring long-term resilience and scalability.
Strategic Sovereignty in a Changing World
In an era defined by geopolitical flux, ensuring national security through indigenous capabilities has become imperative. The UAE, situated at a strategic crossroads in the Middle East, understands this reality better than most. With this new accord, the nation takes a giant leap toward self-reliance in defense technologies, mitigating dependency on foreign supply chains, and reducing turnaround times for upgrades and maintenance.
By localizing the radar production process, the UAE ensures that its armed forces have direct access to mission-critical technologies at any given moment. This autonomy will enhance responsiveness, adaptability, and operational readiness, particularly in scenarios where agility is key.
Moreover, this initiative reflects a broader shift in global defense manufacturing, where countries are increasingly seeking to host strategic industries domestically. For the UAE, this is not a short-term tactical decision, but a long-term strategic vision rooted in sustainability, innovation, and resilience.
Economic Diversification and Industrial Development
The radar production facility will also have a significant impact on the UAE’s economy. As the country pivots away from hydrocarbon dependency, advanced manufacturing—particularly in aerospace and defense—has been identified as a high-growth sector.
This collaboration with Thales strengthens the UAE’s reputation as a manufacturing powerhouse in the region. It creates high-skilled jobs, fosters technological transfer, and attracts global interest in the country’s industrial capabilities. More importantly, it sends a strong message to international investors that the UAE is serious about building a sustainable, knowledge-based economy.
The expected inflow of foreign expertise, combined with the UAE’s pro-business policies and strategic location, sets the stage for the country to become a key player in the global defense supply chain. With time, the radar systems manufactured here could be exported, marking the UAE’s transition from consumer to producer in high-tech defense solutions.
The Role of Tawazun Council and Strategic Partnerships
The Tawazun Council plays a critical role in managing the UAE’s defense and security acquisitions. By facilitating joint ventures like this, it ensures that foreign partnerships translate into long-term value for the nation. The Council’s approach is focused on technology transfer, local content development, and the sustainability of defense investments.
In this accord, Tawazun not only facilitates the partnership but ensures that it aligns with the country’s broader goals—whether it’s building capacity, increasing exports, or supporting national security. The Council’s involvement guarantees that the collaboration with Thales will be structured for mutual benefit, accountability, and strategic growth.
Thales, on the other hand, brings its legacy of innovation, cutting-edge technologies, and experience in delivering complex defense solutions. Their global footprint and understanding of evolving defense threats make them an ideal partner for the UAE as it ramps up its capabilities in electronic surveillance and national defense.
Looking Ahead: A New Chapter in Defense Innovation
This strategic agreement marks a new chapter in the UAE’s defense innovation journey. It reinforces the country’s position as a forward-thinking, technologically advanced player on the global stage. The establishment of the radar production facility will likely serve as a model for future defense manufacturing projects, not only in the UAE but across the wider MENA region.
As geopolitical challenges continue to evolve, so must the tools with which nations secure their interests. With this partnership, the UAE is positioning itself to lead—not follow—in the race for technological supremacy in defense.
The echoes of this deal will be felt far beyond the defense corridors. From fostering high-tech education and supporting Emirati SMEs to attracting global partnerships and enhancing national security, the impact is both wide-ranging and deeply transformative.
By aligning its industrial ambitions with its defense priorities, the UAE demonstrates how vision, collaboration, and investment can come together to build not just infrastructure, but a legacy of innovation, strength, and resilience. The Ground Master radar production accord is not merely a defense initiative—it is a bold declaration of intent for a future defined by capability, confidence, and control.
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