As a leading force in strategic defence solutions, Thales Emarat Technologies (TET) plays a pivotal role in supporting the UAE’s national sovereignty through innovation and industrial excellence. Dedicated to advancing the country’s defence capabilities, the company continues to push the boundaries of technology and sustainability.
To gain deeper insights into the Group’s vision and plans, “Al-Jundi” Journal interviewed Abdelhafid Mordi, CEO of Thales in the UAE and had the following dialogue with him:
What are TET’s plans for supporting the UAE’s defence and security goals, and How does your leadership enhance the company’s efforts?
Thales celebrates 50 years in the country this year. We’ve had a long-standing presence in the UAE, working closely with our clients on advanced technological solutions across Defence and Security, Aerospace, Cybersecurity and Digital Identity. Thales Emarat Technologies is a strategic defence asset that plays a key role in supporting the UAE’s vision for national sovereignty through trusted innovation and industrial excellence.
Since its establishment, TET has launched key initiatives like the Radar Centre of Excellence, Defence Services Center, and the Digital Center of Excellence, positioning it as a hub for critical systems development. We work closely with our clients to ensure the UAE remains a global and regional leader by advancing high-tech manufacturing, securing critical infrastructure, and reducing reliance on foreign supply chains.
We are fully committed to supporting the UAE’s national vision, and this is evident in the incredible work that we have done in the country, whether it is setting up the Centers of Excellence or partnering with MBRSC for the Emirates Airlock. Another key priority is creating opportunities for Emirati talent, aligning with the UAE’s vision for human capital development. Today, we have a team of 170 skilled professionals in TET, and we aim to double this by 2030.
This is what the future holds – working closely with our local partners, building sovereign capabilities and strengthening the nation’s industrial supply chain to build leadership in defence innovation.
How does Thales integrate advanced technologies like AI, cybersecurity, and space systems to address the evolving challenges of modern defence?
Modern defence is evolving rapidly, and the Group invests close to €4 billion a year in Research & Development, particularly in key innovation areas such as AI, cybersecurity, quantum technologies, cloud technologies and 6G, to stay ahead of emerging threats and enhance resilience.
As R&D is part of our DNA, we’re quick to integrate technologies to enhance real-time threat detection and response capabilities. Let’s take AI as an example. By integrating trusted AI and data-driven solutions into defence systems, Thales supports the strategy’s goal of achieving a digitally advanced and resilient government. We further bolster this with systems that are cyber-secure by design. This ensures seamless connectivity on the battlefield, enabling real-time interconnectivity and enhancing decision-making across all operational domains.
How is Thales contributing to the UAE’s defence industry localisation and Emiratization goals?
Localisation is at the core of Thales’s strategy in the UAE, driven by partnerships, technology transfer, and talent development. Our ‘Go to UAE’ initiative integrates local suppliers into our global value chain. At the last edition of the ‘Make it in the Emirates’, we brought on board nine new suppliers, boosting local production and supply chain efficiency. We have also partnered with Katim (EDGE Group) to co-develop software-defined radio technologies. The diverse range of capabilities offered by these suppliers will enable Thales to meet the evolving demands of the market while integrating UAE-based suppliers into its international supply chain.
Thales is also fostering the next generation of innovators and leaders through tailored education, innovation hubs, and embedding advanced skills that align with the nation’s vision for a future-driven society. To boost local capabilities, 30% of Thales Emarat Technologies recruitments in 2030 will be UAE Nationals. In addition, hundreds of indirect jobs will be created in line with the UAE 2031 vision in the strategic fields of Defence, Space, Aerospace and Artificial Intelligence.
With sustainability becoming a critical factor in defence, how is Thales addressing environmental considerations in its product development?
At Thales, environmental responsibility is central to our strategy. Our researchers have been working on a four-pronged approach to make artificial intelligence more eco-responsible. They are reducing the impact of AI during the production phase by applying eco-design principles to product development, improving AI algorithms, favouring data quality over quantity, and improving electronics and implementation by developing electronic circuits that consume very little energy. We are also pioneering carbon-neutral aerospace systems, secure smart-grid solutions, and green manufacturing certifications with UAE partners. Additionally, we are transferring expertise in hydrogen-based solutions to build sustainable energy systems.
Interview by: ALJUNDI
