Dubai: Calidus Holding Group, a prominent defence and manufacturing company, and Indra Group, a leader in information technology, aerospace, defence, and mobility systems, have signed a strategic teaming agreement to establish a joint venture in the United Arab Emirates. This collaboration aims to create the first Integrated Regional Pilot Training Centre in the UAE, serving regions in the Middle East, Asia, Africa, and Europe, aligning with international training standards.
According to Emirates News Agency, the agreement was formalized in the presence of key leaders from both companies, including Tareq Abdul Rahim Al Hosani, Chairman of Calidus Holding Group, and ngel Escribano, Executive Chairman of Indra Group, during the Dubai Airshow scheduled from 17-21 November 2025. The partnership emphasizes technology transfer, co-development, design, local manufacturing, and certification of advanced training simulators across various domains such as aerospace, defence, and air traffic control systems.
The initiative also involves the co-development and production of simulator hardware and software, integration of motion and visual systems, and the creation of a regional simulation and strategic training centre. This centre will offer diverse simulator-based courses for pilots, flight and ground crews, and operators across different platforms, including fixed-wing and rotary aircraft, gyroplanes, unmanned air vehicles, radars, and other ground-based training simulators.
The project aims to localize high-value simulation technologies and support the development of national technical capabilities, positioning Al Ain as a regional hub for certified training and defence innovation. The partnership is structured to develop indigenous engineering expertise through knowledge transfer and joint research and development, contributing to a sustainable ecosystem for simulation technologies and enhancing local content and industrial self-reliance.
Dr. Khalifa Murad Alblooshi, Managing Director and CEO of Calidus Holding Group, noted that the collaboration represents a strategic step to enhance specialized training capabilities and strengthen the group's position as a trusted partner in building national and regional expertise. ngel Escribano, Executive Chairman of Indra Group, remarked that the joint venture with Calidus is strategic for reinforcing Indra's presence in the Middle East and improving service delivery to global customers.
Jos© Vicente de los Mozos, CEO of Indra Group, highlighted Indra's role as a leader in simulator design and manufacturing, emphasizing the importance of next-generation training systems for preparing civil and military pilots and air traffic controllers, ensuring high safety and performance standards.
Calidus focuses on delivering next-generation solutions for defence and security markets across its three clusters: Aerospace, Land Systems, and Missiles and Defence Systems. Indra has established itself as a top global manufacturer of simulators, delivering over 400 systems to more than 50 customers in 23 countries.