Tawazun Council for Defence Enablement and MBDA announced a suite of major strategic projects at Dubai Airshow 2025 aimed at accelerating the localisation of defence technologies and strengthening the UAE’s industrial innovation ecosystem. The announcements mark a significant expansion of the longstanding partnership between the UAE and the European missile systems leader.
The agreements were signed by Matar Ali Al Romaithi, Director General of the Industrial Development Directorate at Tawazun, and Eric Béranger, CEO of MBDA. Al Romaithi said the new projects reflect both sides’ shared commitment to building sovereign capability. “These initiatives are a practical example of what the Tawazun Economic Programme achieves in terms of targeted partnerships and technology transfer. They support the development of national competencies and strengthen the UAE’s position as a regional hub for advanced defence industries.”
The initiatives form part of MBDA’s ongoing commitment to the Tawazun Economic Programme, which supports strategic partnerships, technology transfer and capability development aligned with the UAE’s industrial transformation objectives. MBDA CEO Eric Béranger highlighted the strategic significance of the new initiatives. “The creation of MBDA UAE marks a major milestone in our enduring commitment to the Emirates. The future development and production of the Diamond-Shaped loitering munition in the UAE demonstrates our dedication to delivering meaningful, high-value industrial projects. This long-
term collaboration will continue to support our shared ambition of strengthening the UAE’s defence industry in the best way possible.”
As part of its expanded commitment, MBDA announced plans to establish MBDA UAE, a wholly owned entity that will enhance the company’s long-term presence in the Emirates. The new entity will focus on research and development, production, and technical support, significantly expanding in-country capability and reinforcing MBDA’s role as a long-term industrial partner.
The move represents a new chapter in a partnership that has been growing since 2000.
MBDA also unveiled a new project to co-develop an AI-enabled loitering munition, in collaboration with French start-up Fly-R. The system will feature a breakthrough airframe design offering high speed and extreme manoeuvrability, with integrated artificial intelligence to deliver superior situational awareness and enhanced effect on the modern battlefield.
In line with Tawazun’s drive to localise critical supply chains, MBDA revealed plans for a new Emirati Thermal Batteries (ETB) manufacturing facility at Tawazun Industrial Park (TIP). The plant—an extension of the global ASB Group—will produce thermal batteries, a strategic component essential to missile systems. The initiative will strengthen sovereign capability in key defence technologies, expand the UAE’s missile production ecosystem and support the country’s wider defence industrial base. This project is part of Tawazun’s “Project Bank” portfolio, which targets high-impact, technology-driven investments.
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