RIYADH: The UAE’s Tawazun Council for Defense Enablement signed 20 defense and security contracts totaling 18.01 billion dirhams ($4.90 billion) during the first three days of the Dubai Airshow 2025.
The independent government entity, which oversees acquisitions on behalf of the Ministry of Defense and Abu Dhabi Police, announced eight new contracts valued at 7.97 billion dirhams on day three alone, according to state news agency WAM.
The agreements highlight the UAE’s continued push to expand its defense manufacturing ecosystem and deepen technology transfers with global partners.
Tawazun works closely with the Ministry of Defense and national security agencies to strengthen domestic industrial capabilities and reduce reliance on foreign platforms.
Manea Abdulkarim Al-Mansoori, the official spokesperson of Tawazun, said that the third day agreements included a range of contracts with both national and international companies operating in the defense, security, and aviation sectors.
WAM quoted Al-Mansoori as saying these deals “contribute to strengthening the UAE’s defense and security industrial ecosystem and support the country’s efforts in technology transfer, localization, and industrial advancement.”
The local contracts signed on behalf of the Ministry of Defense included two agreements with Global Aerospace Logistics. The first, valued at 6.79 billion dirhams, covers aircraft maintenance services, while the second, worth 96.8 million dirhams, provides specialized manpower for technical support.
Another contract worth 154.5 million dirhams was signed with International Golden Group to supply materials and equipment for pilots and aerial rescue operations, as well as spare parts.
International deals included two agreements with French firm Thales. The first, valued at 53.5 million dirhams, covers the maintenance of air radars, while the second, worth 177 million dirhams, provides maintenance services and technical support for aircraft.
Tawazun also signed two local contracts on behalf of Abu Dhabi Police with Abu Dhabi Aviation. The first, valued at 121.5 million dirhams, covers the supply and repair of helicopter spare parts and technical equipment. The second, worth 144.1 million dirhams, is for the maintenance, repair, and management of rotary-wing aircraft services.
An international contract was also signed with Italy’s Leonardo to procure five helicopters for Abu Dhabi Police at a total value of 430.2 million dirhams.
Abdulla Ahmed Al-Saeedi, another spokesperson of Tawazun, said that these agreements “demonstrate the diversity of partnerships led by Tawazun Council between local and global industry players.”
He added that the collaborations aim to enhance the UAE’s defense business environment and encourage private-sector participation in developing innovative and sustainable defense solutions.
