Abu Dhabi: In a move that underscores its commitment to bolstering national defense capabilities, Tawazun Council has unveiled a strategic initiative to propel the development of the UAE’s National Combat Management System (NCMS) through advanced technology transfer and knowledge localisation.
According to Emirates News Agency, the initiative builds on a landmark partnership forged on December 19, 2023, with Naval Group, a French naval defense company, and Marakeb Technologies, a UAE national entity. This collaboration, aligned with the goals of the UAE’s Tawazun Economic Program, aims to enhance the nation’s defense capabilities while nurturing Emirati expertise in cutting-edge naval technologies.
In December 2024, Emirati engineers embarked on a two-year comprehensive training and joint development program at the Naval Group Centre of Excellence for CMS in Ollioules, France. The first phase, currently underway, focuses on knowledge and technology transfer, and integration. The second phase, to be conducted in the UAE, will grant the engineers full autonomy in the design, development, and operation of critical national functionalities and advanced naval combat systems.
At IDEX 2025, Tawazun Council is set to showcase the latest iteration of the UAE National Combat Management System, based on the combat-proven Naval Group’s SETIS® system. Developed by Naval Group, the SETIS® system is already deployed on the UAE’s Bani Yas corvettes and on French Navy ships and other international naval fleets.
Dr. Nasser Humaid Al Nuaimi, Secretary General of Tawazun Council, emphasized the importance of this strategic collaboration between France and UAE. He stated that this partnership marks a pivotal milestone in the transfer of technology and localisation of knowledge, reinforcing the UAE’s vision to achieve technological autonomy and advance its defense manufacturing sector. He added that their collaboration with Naval Group and Marakeb Technologies exemplifies how strategic partnerships can drive innovation and national capability development.
Dr. Al Nuaimi further highlighted the long-term value of the initiative, noting that the program creates an integrated environment where Emirati engineers gain hands-on experience, enabling them to develop and operate sophisticated systems that bolster the UAE’s defense readiness and cement its leadership in defense innovation.
Majed Saif Al Shamsi, Director of Tawazun Economic Programme at Tawazun Council, said that the initiation of the technology transfer program within the national naval combat management system marks a significant milestone. This move reflects Tawazun Council’s continued efforts in driving strategic partnerships, localizing advanced technologies, and equipping local talents with practical, high-level expertise through the Tawazun Economic Programme.
Pierre Eric Pommellet, Chairman and CEO of Naval Group, expressed that Naval Group is honored by this new step in their long-term cooperation with the UAE. He affirmed their commitment to supporting the UAE’s ambition to enhance its defense and security industry and develop sustainable and long-term partnerships meeting the national sovereignty objectives of the country.
Basel Shuhaiber, CEO of Marakeb Technologies, stated that Marakeb Technologies is proud to support the UAE’s defense sovereignty by advancing local expertise in combat management systems. Through their collaboration with Tawazun Council and Naval Group, they are driving technology localisation and empowering Emirati talent to develop world-class naval solutions, reinforcing the nation’s defense capabilities and operational readiness.