Tawazun Council has announced a strategic initiative to enhance the UAE’s National Combat Management System (NCMS) through advanced technology transfer and knowledge localization. This initiative underscores the Council’s commitment to strengthening national defense capabilities and fostering Emirati expertise in naval technologies.
The effort builds upon a landmark agreement signed on December 19, 2023, between Tawazun Council, France’s Naval Group, and UAE-based Marakeb Technologies. This collaboration, aligned with the objectives of the Tawazun Economic Program, aims to bolster the UAE’s defense sector while equipping local talent with specialized skills in naval combat systems.
As part of the initiative, Emirati engineers embarked on a two-year comprehensive training and development program in December 2024 at the Naval Group Centre of Excellence for CMS in Ollioules, France. The program's first phase focuses on knowledge and technology transfer, as well as system integration. The second phase, set to take place in the UAE, will grant Emirati engineers full autonomy in the design, development, and operation of advanced naval combat systems crucial to national security.
Tawazun Council will showcase the latest iteration of the UAE’s NCMS at IDEX 2025. The system is based on Naval Group’s combat-proven SETIS® platform, already deployed on the UAE’s Bani Yas-class corvettes, as well as French Navy and international naval fleets.
H.E. Dr. Nasser Humaid Al Nuaimi, Secretary General of Tawazun Council, emphasized the significance of the initiative, stating: “This partnership marks a pivotal milestone in technology transfer and knowledge localization, reinforcing the UAE’s vision to achieve technological autonomy and advance its defense manufacturing sector.” He further highlighted the impact of strategic collaborations: “Our work with Naval Group and Marakeb Technologies demonstrates how partnerships can drive innovation and national capability development. We are committed to empowering Emirati talent to design and develop world-class solutions that meet the highest global standards.” Majed Saif Al Shamsi, Director of the Tawazun Economic Program, described the technology transfer program as a major step in strengthening the UAE’s naval defense capabilities: “This initiative reflects Tawazun Council’s ongoing efforts to drive strategic partnerships, localize advanced technologies, and equip local talents with high-level expertise. These partnerships are instrumental in fostering a national industrial ecosystem built on innovation and knowledge.” Pierre Eric Pommellet, Chairman and CEO of Naval Group, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to the UAE’s defense ambitions: “Naval Group is honored to deepen our long-standing cooperation with the UAE. We remain dedicated to supporting the nation’s goals of strengthening its defense and security industry through sustainable and long-term partnerships.” Basel Shuhaiber, CEO of Marakeb Technologies, also emphasized the importance of local expertise: “Marakeb Technologies is proud to contribute to the UAE’s defense sovereignty by advancing Emirati capabilities in combat management systems. Through our collaboration with Tawazun Council and Naval Group, we are driving technology localization and equipping local talent to develop world-class naval solutions.”