UAE Gives $2.8B Contracts to Boost Defense Strength

BY THE ARAB TODAY Feb 20, 2025

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UAE Gives $2.8B Contracts to Boost Defense Strength

The UAE’s Tawazun Council, which manages defense purchases for the country’s defense ministry and security agencies, has signed 10 contracts worth $2.8 billion (AED 10.2 billion) with local and international companies to improve the country’s military strength.

Major Defense Deals

New defense deals were signed on Wednesday at the International Defense Exhibition (IDEX) and the Naval Defense Exhibition (NAVDEX) 2025 in Abu Dhabi. These deals brought the total agreements over the first three days to $5.4 billion (AED 19.9 billion) across 28 contracts, according to Emirates News Agency (WAM).

Out of these contracts, seven were awarded to UAE-based companies, with a total value of $2.6 billion (AED 9.6 billion), said Mahra Bilal Al Dhaheri, the spokesperson for Tawazun Council.

One of the biggest deals was with EDGE Group, which won several contracts:

A $522.7 million (AED 1.9 billion) contract for developing technical support systems for the naval forces.
A $33 million (AED 121.3 million) deal with ‘Trust’ for protective suits against chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear threats.
A $1.2 billion (AED 4.4 billion) contract to supply MK-series bombs (Phase 2).

Other key deals include:

A $61.8 million (AED 227 million) contract for anti-jamming systems.
A $78.4 million (AED 288 million) deal for unmanned ground vehicles (TRACKED RCV).
A $104 million (AED 382 million) contract with International Golden Group for an E-LORAN system.
A $642.5 million (AED 2.36 billion) deal with CLS Automotive Technologies to provide IFV Wahsh armored vehicles.

International Contracts

Tawazun Council also signed three contracts with international companies worth $142.4 million (AED 523 million):

A $6.5 million (AED 24 million) deal with France’s Eurotradia International for spare parts for Leclerc tanks.
A $128.5 million (AED 472 million) contract with France’s Naval Group for logistics support for corvette vessels.
A $7.3 million (AED 26.8 million) contract with U.S.-based Lockheed Martin for technical support services.

Background

The exhibitions are held under the patronage of President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and organized by ADNEC Group with the Ministry of Defense and Tawazun Council. IDEX and NAVDEX help global defense companies form military partnerships as the UAE strengthens its military power.