The UAE Defence Companies Council, in collaboration with Turkey’s Defence and Aerospace Cluster (OSSA), and with the support of the Ministry of Defence and the Tawazun Council, organised the “UAE-Turkey Defence Industries Cooperation Forum.”
The event aimed to strengthen partnerships and foster the exchange of expertise between the two nations in the defence sector.
Held on October 9, 2024, at the Tawazun Defence Hall, the forum brought together leading government entities and a range of defence industry companies from the UAE and Turkey.
One of the key highlights was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the UAE Defence Companies Council and the Turkish Defence and Aerospace Cluster.
This MoU aims to facilitate communication between defence and security companies in both countries through joint events, seminars, and bilateral meetings, to build strategic partnerships.
The forum served as a vital platform to discuss the opportunities and challenges facing the defence industries. It featured presentations highlighting specialised services and achievements from key institutions and companies in this critical sector.
Representatives from the Defence and Security Affairs Unit, alongside the Engineering and Evaluation Unit of the Tawazun Council’s Acquisition Department, provided detailed presentations on the council’s services.
Additionally, Turkish and Emirati companies showcased their latest defence products and solutions, creating opportunities for networking and the exchange of ideas and expertise.
Mona Ahmed Al Jaber, Chairperson of the UAE Defence Companies Council, emphasised the importance of the strong bilateral relations between the UAE and Turkey, noting the promising opportunities available to local companies specialising in the defence and security industries.
Moreover, she expressed her optimism about expanding cooperation with Turkish counterparts to accelerate progress in advanced defence and security technologies.
“The UAE-Turkey relationship is built on a long-standing history of friendship and partnership, and this strategic bond has flourished across various sectors, including defence and security industries,” said Al Jaber.
“The UAE Defence Companies Council is committed to showcasing the capabilities of Emirati companies and connecting them with their Turkish counterparts to foster collaboration and build lasting partnerships,” he added.
Al Jaber also described the forum as an ideal platform to achieve shared objectives, through active participation, knowledge exchange, and the creation of strong communication networks that will contribute to the development of the defence industries in both nations.
Ibrahim Yarsan, Chairman of the Turkish Defence and Aerospace Cluster OSSA, echoed these sentiments, stressing the strategic significance of cooperation between the two countries’ defence industries. “The UAE is a crucial partner in our efforts to expand our international presence, especially in the defence and aerospace sectors,” Yarsan remarked.
He added that OSSA is focused on enhancing the competitiveness of its 320 small and medium-sized member companies through building strong strategic partnerships.
With the support of Turkey’s Ministry of Commerce and the participation of 23 leading Turkish companies, the forum reflected OSSA’s commitment to establishing long-term, sustainable collaborations with Emirati companies.
“By leveraging Turkey’s industrial capabilities and the UAE’s advanced technological potential, we aim to develop joint projects that deliver innovative solutions to global markets,” Yarsan said.
“There are immense opportunities for knowledge exchange, technology transfer, and the co-development of products that will give both nations a competitive edge in international projects. Through collaboration, we can keep pace with advancements in the defence and aerospace sectors and solidify our countries’ positions as global leaders in this field.”
