ABU DHABI, 20th February, 2025 (WAM) – UAE’s Shielders Advanced Industries and Australia’s Electro Optic Systems (EOS) announced today a strategic partnership to establish a state-of-the-art production facility for the R150 Remote Weapon Station (RWS) in the UAE.
This commitment to a strategic partnership, enabled by Tawazun Council through its Tawazun Economic Programme, aims to promote technological knowledge transfer, localize defence industries, and boost the national supply chains. The programme collaborates with global defense leaders and focuses on training UAE talent in cutting-edge technologies to strengthen local capabilities in defence manufacturing.
This strategic partnership agreement was signed during the fourth day of IDEX 2025 at Tawazun Council Chalet, in the presence of Hamad Al Marar, CEO of EDGE Group, Matar Ali Al Romaithi, Sector Chief of Defence & Security Affairs Units at Tawazun Coucnil, Dr Andreas Schwer, CEO of Electro Optic Systems and Khalifa Al Ali, Chairman of Shielders Advanced Industries.
Majed Saif Al Shamsi, Director of Tawazun Economic Programme at Tawazun Council, signed the agreement with AbdulRahman Abdulla Al Ameeri, CEO of EOS UAE.
The project aims to enhance local manufacturing capabilities and meet the global market’s demand for advanced defence systems. The R150 RWS is recognized for its high-precision remote-control features, boosting operational effectiveness in military engagements. The facility will leverage advanced production technologies to ensure top-tier quality and innovation.
Commenting on the agreement, Majed Saif Al Shamsi, Director of the Tawazun Economic Programme at Tawazun Council, said: “This partnership reflects the UAE’s commitment to bolstering its position as a regional hub for defence industries and advanced technology. We look forward to fostering local innovation, accelerating manufacturing capabilities, and unlocking new avenues of industrial and technological collaboration between national and global companies.”
He further emphasised Tawazun Council’s important role in supporting and developing the UAE’s defence ecosystem by enabling strategic partnerships and facilitating projects that advance the nation’s industrial and technological self-reliance.
Reaffirming this commitment, Dr Andreas Schwer, CEO of Electro Optic Systems, said: “We are pleased to formalize this strategic partnership with Shielders Advanced Industries, made possible through the support of Tawazun Council. This joint venture strengthens industrial ties between our countries while localizing production to enhance the UAE’s defence capabilities. By combining EOS’ expertise in remote weapon systems with Shielders’ manufacturing capabilities, we will deliver high-quality defence solutions and contribute to the UAE’s industrial and economic growth.”
Khalifa Al Ali, Chairman of Shielders Advanced Industries said: “As a proud UAE-based manufacturing company, Shielders Advanced Industries is committed to strengthening the UAE’s defence capabilities through innovation, strategic partnerships, and local expertise. Our collaboration with Electro Optic Systems (EOS) under Tawazun Economic Programme marks a key milestone in advancing sustainable defence manufacturing and reinforcing the UAE’s position as a global industry leader.”