Keen on Expanding Regional Presence, says ATERMES MENA Chief

ATERMES, which has seen its advanced surveillance solutions being adopted by countries such as Iraq for critical area protection and security infrastructure projects, wants to expand its regional presence, says Walid Lahoud, Head of Operations MENA, of the company.

The company expects to benefit from UAE’s continued investments in border security, drone detection, and critical infrastructure protection, Lahoud, told GBP Daily News in an interview.

Edited excerpts from the interview.

Could you elaborate on ATERMES’ presence in the Middle East and its market prospects in the UAE, in particular?

ATERMES has firmly established its presence in the Middle East through our dedicated ATERMES MEA branch in Dubai, ensuring a permanent footprint and proximity to key regional markets. The UAE, recognized as a hub for technological innovation and defence, presents significant growth opportunities for advanced surveillance solutions like ours. By being present in the UAE, we are able to directly engage in the MEA region with government entities, defence organizations, and private sector stakeholders, offering tailored solutions to meet their evolving security needs.

Beyond the UAE, ATERMES has achieved strong consolidation in Iraq through a series of notable successes. Our advanced surveillance solutions have been adopted by important agencies in Iraq’s for critical area protection and security infrastructure projects. These implementations have solidified ATERMES’ reputation as a trusted technology partner in the region. Our ability to deliver cutting-edge, AI-driven surveillance systems tailored to specific operational challenges has set us apart in the Middle Eastern market.

With the UAE’s continued investments in border security, drone detection, and critical infrastructure protection, ATERMES is well-positioned to expand its regional presence. The strategic successes in Iraq serve as a strong foundation for growth in other markets, including the UAE, where there is a clear demand for integrated, intelligent surveillance solutions like our flagship product, SURICATE.

Could you share an update on ATERMES’ participation at IDEX 2025?

At IDEX 2025, ATERMES is excited to showcase its flagship product, the SURICATE Smart Surveillance System, a leading solution in AI-integrated multispectral surveillance technology. This year, we are focusing on three critical applications of SURICATE, which will be demonstrated together for the first time:
• Border Protection: We will highlight SURICATE’s ability to deliver real-time, wide-area monitoring with advanced AI-driven threat detection. This capability is crucial for securing national borders against illegal crossings, smuggling, and other transnational threats.
• Drone Detection: As the threat from unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) continues to rise, SURICATE’s enhanced ability to detect, classify, and track drones in complex environments positions it as a vital tool for both military and civilian protection.
• Airport Protection Against Bird Strikes: SURICATE also features advanced capabilities for detecting and tracking birds, offering early warnings to prevent bird strikes. Combined with our A-TOM550 laser bird Repeller, SURICATE delivers a comprehensive solution for aviation safety and wildlife hazard management.

IDEX 2025 is the first time these diverse applications are showcased together, demonstrating SURICATE’s versatility across multiple security domains. Attendees can expect demonstrations that illustrate the system’s superior detection capabilities and AI-driven analysis in real-time operational scenarios, solidifying ATERMES’ position as a leader in smart surveillance technologies.

Please provide your perspective on the future of security and surveillance technologies?

The future of security and surveillance technologies is being shaped by the rapid advancements in artificial intelligence, automation, and sensor integration. As global threats become more complex and diverse, the need for intelligent, adaptable surveillance systems will only continue to grow. Key trends driving the future of this sector include:
• AI and Machine Learning Integration: AI will continue to transform surveillance by enabling systems to learn from their environments and improve detection accuracy. AI-driven technologies, like SURICATE, reduce false positives and enhance threat classification, offering smarter and more efficient solutions.
• Multispectral and Sensor Fusion: The integration of thermal, infrared, and visual imaging will become increasingly important, providing comprehensive situational awareness across various environments and operational scenarios.
• Drone Detection and Countermeasures: As the use of UAVs expands, so too does the need for sophisticated drone detection and mitigation systems. Future solutions will require precise differentiation between benign and hostile drones, as well as seamless integration with counter-drone technologies.
• Edge Computing for Real-Time Decision-Making: The shift toward decentralized data processing will enhance the speed and efficiency of surveillance systems. On-site data processing will allow for real-time threat detection and faster response times, critical in high-risk environments.
• Autonomous and Automated Surveillance: The rise of autonomous platforms—such as drones and robotic sensors—will enable persistent, automated surveillance with minimal human intervention, improving both cost-efficiency and operational coverage.
At ATERMES, we are at the forefront of these advancements, continuously evolving our products like SURICATE to meet the future demands of global security and defense operations. Our focus remains on delivering intelligent, adaptable surveillance solutions that can address the complex challenges of tomorrow’s security landscape.