Moves Smart Weapon Development from Design to Production Phases

Tawazun and MBDA have signed a head of terms agreement with the intent to cooperate in the field of smart guided weapon systems, the companies announced at IDEX on 22 February. The agreement falls under the bilateral cooperation agreement between France and the UAE.

The aim is to create a long-term partnership between the companies, enabling development of the SmartGlider weapon systems to progress from design to the production phase. A joint team of engineers, the majority from Tawazun, will undertake development studies, operating from MBDA’s first regional Missile Engineering Centre, established in the UAE.

“This agreement allows us to extend and increase our areas of co-development and co-production of technologically advanced defence products. Collaborating with MBDA will reinforce our commitment to contributing to the development of defence and security industries in the UAE, to building national capabilities, and to supporting the growth of local supply chains,” stated Matar Al Romaithi, Chief Officer of Tawazun’s Economic Development Unit.

During the pre-development phase, the two entities will study several concepts before reaching a development phase, the intention being to offer an optimal system at the right price and with the right performance, leveraging the capabilities of the UAE’s defence industry.