The UAE’s defence sector is entering a period of strong growth, driven by a major wave of agreements announced during the Dubai Airshow 2025. Over four days, total defence contracts reached an impressive $6.66bn, reflecting the country’s commitment to strengthening its military capabilities and expanding its national defence industry. The Tawazun Council for Defence Enablement played a central role in this momentum by signing seven new Ministry of Defence contracts worth $1.75bn during the fourth day of the event.
This rapid expansion signals the UAE’s long-term vision to build a modern, technology-driven defence ecosystem. It also demonstrates the country’s goals of improving national security, diversifying the economy, and nurturing advanced manufacturing and research capacity within the local industrial landscape.
UAE’s Growing Defence Ambitions
The UAE has consistently focused on developing a modern and adaptable defence strategy. With increasing geopolitical complexity and the rising importance of advanced technologies in modern warfare, the country is prioritizing investments that enhance its readiness and secure its strategic interests.
The contracts signed during the airshow reflect a balanced approach that combines international expertise with growing local capabilities. By working closely with global partners while developing domestic solutions, the UAE is building an efficient and sustainable defence environment for the future.
Tawazun Council’s Expanding Role
Strengthening National Defence Capabilities
The Tawazun Council has become a key driver of defence procurement in the UAE, ensuring that major agreements align with the country’s strategic objectives. The council’s announcement of $1.75bn in new contracts in just one day highlights its evolving significance and its ability to coordinate large-scale defence programs.
By acting as a link between the Ministry of Defence, international manufacturers, and local industries, Tawazun ensures that procurement decisions support both operational needs and long-term national interests.
Supporting Local Industry Growth
One of Tawazun’s main priorities is to strengthen local defence production. Many of the new contracts signed during the airshow include components related to local manufacturing, maintenance, system integration, or technology transfer. This focus helps create skilled jobs, build technical expertise, and support the development of a competitive defence industry within the UAE.
Involving Emirati companies in the implementation of defence programs ensures that innovation and economic growth remain key outcomes of these investments.
Overview of the New Defence Contracts
Major Momentum in Defence Procurement
The $6.66bn total contract value signed over the four-day period marks one of the strongest performances for the UAE at the Dubai Airshow. These agreements cover a wide range of defence needs, from aviation systems to intelligence technologies, communication upgrades, and air defence components.
This scale of investment reflects the UAE’s commitment to maintaining a modern, capable, and flexible armed forces structure. It also highlights the increasing importance of new technologies, especially those related to aerospace, cybersecurity, and digital warfare.
International and Local Partners Working Together
The contracts represent a combination of international defence suppliers and UAE-based companies. This dual approach ensures that the UAE benefits from global expertise while simultaneously strengthening its local industrial base.
Partnerships with international defence manufacturers provide advanced technologies and system knowledge. Meanwhile, Emirati companies add value through local production, assembly, maintenance, and long-term support services.
Key Focus Areas of the New Defence Deals
Enhancing Air and Missile Defence
A significant share of the new defence agreements is centred around air and missile defence capabilities. This is a core area of focus for the UAE, given its strategic location and the need to protect national infrastructure. The country continues to build advanced layered air defence systems, integrating modern radars, missile interceptors, and command-and-control technologies.
These upgrades support the UAE’s long-term security strategy and ensure the armed forces remain prepared for evolving regional challenges.
Strengthening Aviation and Aerospace Capabilities
The Dubai Airshow has always been a major platform for the UAE to expand its aerospace capabilities. The newly signed contracts include upgrades to aircraft systems, procurement of advanced aviation technologies, and investments in maintenance and training programs.
These enhancements will improve operational efficiency and extend the lifespan of key aircraft used by the UAE military. Investment in aviation also aligns with the country’s broader goal of maintaining a strong and innovative aerospace sector.
Boosting Cyber, Intelligence, and Electronic Warfare Capabilities
Modern defence strategies depend heavily on strong digital and intelligence systems. Several of the contracts signed during the airshow focus on upgrading communication networks, enhancing cybersecurity operations, and expanding intelligence-gathering capabilities.
These technologies are essential for protecting sensitive data, defending critical infrastructure, and maintaining situational awareness in complex security environments. By expanding its cyber and intelligence capabilities, the UAE is preparing itself for modern and future security challenges.
Economic and Strategic Value for the UAE
Driving Industrial Development
The defence agreements signed at the airshow play an important role in supporting the UAE’s economic diversification goals. Defence manufacturing and technology-driven industries create high-value jobs, support research and development, and encourage long-term investments in advanced technologies.
Local companies that participate in major defence programs gain access to global expertise and new opportunities that support the country’s growing industrial base.
Expanding Global Partnerships
The contracts also reflect the UAE’s strong relationships with international defence partners. The country has become a trusted participant in global defence networks, contributing to joint research initiatives, technology exchanges, and long-term military cooperation.
These relationships extend beyond defence, often strengthening diplomatic, economic, and cultural ties between the UAE and its international partners.
Contributing to Regional Stability
With its growing defence capabilities, the UAE plays an increasingly important role in promoting regional stability and cooperation. The country continues to support joint defence initiatives, contribute to peace-building efforts, and maintain readiness in a dynamic regional environment.
The new defence investments help ensure the UAE remains a reliable and capable partner in regional and international security frameworks.
Future Outlook for the UAE Defence Sector
Focus on Long-Term Readiness
The UAE’s defence strategy is centred around long-term readiness and resilience. As the nature of global threats evolves, the country is prioritizing multi-domain capabilities that integrate air, land, sea, cyber, and space systems. The newly signed contracts contribute directly to creating a modern and flexible defence structure.
Empowering Emirati Talent
Building a sustainable defence industry requires skilled local professionals. The defence programs launched through these contracts will create opportunities for Emiratis in engineering, cybersecurity, research, system design, aviation maintenance, and advanced manufacturing.
By empowering its workforce, the UAE is ensuring that its defence sector has the talent needed to grow independently.
Investing in Innovation
Emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, autonomous systems, advanced materials, and digital simulation are becoming key components of modern defence strategies. The UAE continues to invest in these technologies to stay ahead of future threats and to build a competitive edge in the global defence landscape.
These innovation-focused efforts ensure that the UAE defence sector is not only reactive but forward-thinking.
Conclusion
The signing of $6.66bn in defence contracts over four days at the Dubai Airshow reflects a major milestone in the UAE’s ongoing defence modernisation journey. The Tawazun Council’s leadership in securing $1.75bn worth of agreements in a single day demonstrates the country’s determination to strengthen its defence capabilities and support local industry.
These investments contribute to national security, economic diversification, international cooperation, and the development of future technologies. As the UAE continues to advance its defence strategy, it is building a strong foundation for long-term stability, innovation, and regional readiness.
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