Tawazun, Saab to deliver 3D-printing for UAE air defence
Tawazun Council, a UAE-based organization, announced that it had signed an agreement to collaborate with Saab (a prominent defence and security company) in order to create a sovereign additive manufacturing capability (3D Printing) for the UAE Air Force, Air Defence (AFAD), and other UAE Air Force units. The goal is to efficiently design and manufacture spare parts.
The deal is aimed at meeting several of the policy guidelines outlined as part of Tawazun’s Economic Programme objectives, including providing strategic benefits to the UAE, encouraging knowledge transfer, building new capabilities, creating employment opportunities for UAE nationals, and targeting aerospace and additive manufacturing as priority sectors.
The agreement was signed at Tawazun Chalet by Abdullah Saif Al Awani, Chief Economic Programme Officer at Tawazun Council, and Anna-Karin Rosén, Managing Director of Saab in the UAE, in the presence of a number of senior officials.
This comes following the launching of the first Emirati 3D printing Centre of Excellence “Sindan”, which was announced during IDEX 2023.
The UAE AFAD will have the ability to 3D-print parts using its sovereign additive manufacturing capability. This partnership will help it become more self-reliant and less dependent upon overseas suppliers. It also helps reduce lead time and costs. It will increase the availability and uptime for critical military assets.
Abdullah Al Awani explained that the partnership reflects Tawazun Council’s continued efforts to create and manage strategic partnerships in defence industry sectors, which have significant economic consequences for the UAE.
“This collaboration benefits everyone by creating value through locally produced products, encouraging self-sufficiency, human capability development and supporting local manufacturing. It facilitates technology transfer and enhances the UAE’s sovereign capabilities in areas such as air force, air defense and air force,” he said.
Anna-Karin Rosén said: “Saab is deeply committed to being an important strategic partner to the UAE’s AFAD, and we are honoured by the prospect of cooperating with Tawazun Council as it seeks to strengthen sovereign manufacturing capabilities that will ensure sustainable growth of the defence sector.”
“Our agreement is poised to accomplish this, while also leveraging the promising potential of the nation’s workforce by providing UAE nationals with high value training and employment opportunities that will equip them with the skills to lead and further develop the industry for years to come,” he added.-TradeArabia News Service