Tawazun Council, a UnitedArab Emirates (UAE) defence and security acquisitions authority for the armed forces, has signed an agreement with Thales to initiate the domestic production of Ground Master series air surveillance radars.
The initiative is part of the Tawazun Economic Program, under which Thales Emarat Technologies will establish a manufacturing facility dedicated to the production of these radar systems.
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This development aims to strengthen the UAE’s defence production sector, aiming for greater autonomy in essential technology areas and providing adaptability to meet diverse operational demands.
The agreement was formalised during the fourth edition of “Make it in the Emirates 2025”.
Designed for enhanced performance, mobility, and versatility across mission types, the Ground Master radars are said to be one of the world’s “leading air surveillance and defence systems”.
Tawazun Council Defence and Security Industry Affairs sector chief Matar Ali Al Romaithi said: “The expansion of Thales’ Radar Centre of Excellence reflects the strength of the UAE’s defence industrial strategy and its regional leadership in advanced technologies.
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By GlobalData“This initiative enhances national capabilities in air surveillance radar systems while creating significant opportunities for local companies to grow, innovate, and compete globally.”
The anticipated completion and full operational status of the facility is set for 2027.
Upon completion, it will engage in the assembly, testing, and qualification of the air surveillance radars that will cater to the needs of both local defence requirements and international market demands.
Thales land and air systems executive vice-president Hervé Dammann said: “Thales is proud to contribute to the growth of the UAE’s industrial defence ecosystem by advancing local capabilities, in-line with the national vision.
“The expansion of our Radar Centre of Excellence, through the establishment of a new production facility, marks a major milestone – from integration, testing, manufacturing to lifecycle support.
“This investment reinforces the UAE’s sovereignty in critical defence technologies, strengthens the national supply chain, embarks UAE talents and deepens local expertise in advanced radar systems.”
As per a GlobalData report, the UAE’s defence budget stood at $25bn for 2024, largely driven by procurement requirements. The budget is forecast to grow at a compound annual rate exceeding 4% between 2025 and 2029, with a focus on modernisation and counter-insurgency operations.
In addition, the Global Military Radar Market indicates a steady growth trajectory, with expectations of a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.6%. The market size is projected to expand from its valuation of $10.6bn in 2023 to an estimated $15.2bn by the year 2033.
Over the course of this ten-year forecast period, the total global expenditure on military radar is estimated to reach a cumulative value of $144.9bn.
In 2024, the US State Department approved a proposed foreign military sale to the UAE, which includes Guided Multiple Launch Rocket Systems and Army Tactical Missile Systems, in addition to associated logistics and programme support.
