Qinetiq and Middle East General Enterprises
Houbara Defence and Security, LLC, a joint venture of Middle East General Enterprises (MGE) of the United Arab Emirates and Britain’s QinetiQ plc, has established a facility at the Tawazun Industrial Park (TIP) for the assembly of unmanned aerial systems (UAS) and unmanned surface vessels (USV).
The company will leverage QinetiQ experience in the development, manufacture, test and marketing of unmanned target systems to satisfy an increasing demandfor operational training and mission rehearsal. Initially, the facility will work on the JET BANSHEE aerial target, which simulates airborne threats for air defence systems, and the HAMMERHEAD maritime target, designed to simulate so-called swarming attacks by high-speed inshore attack craft.
“This new facility is part of Houbara’s strategy to build local capacity in the defence sector. It focuses upon creating technology systems that will be used for training and skills development for the UAE military, reflecting the goals set out by our leadership in Vision 2021,” commented Houbara’s Chairman, Saeed Ghanim.
Tim Allen, CEO of Houbara said: “We are delighted to open our new facility at TIP. It demonstrates Houbara’s commitment to customers and our collaborative approach through direct investment into the UAE’s defence industry. In addition to our locally-based resources, we offer unique access in the UAE to QinetiQ’s global resources of 6,000 dedicated professionals, providing technological and scientific expertise that helps our customers protect and optimise their defence and security capabilities.”