Tawazun partners Saab to establish UAE-based facility for developing and manufacturing next generation radar systems

Abu Dhabi, Feb 5, 2013 (WAM) - Tawazun, the strategic investment firm focused on defence and strategic manufacturing owned by the Government of Abu Dhabi, has announced that it has partnered with defence and security company Saab, to create a new joint venture. It will be the Middle East region's first facility for the development, manufacture, assembly and integration of radar systems. The joint venture, named Abu Dhabi Advanced Radar Systems (ADARS), will be the newest member under the Tawazun group, and will be owned 51% by Tawazun and 49% by Saab. The next generation radars have multiple applications, for land, naval and other ground systems. ADARS will be the region's first company to have an onsite anechoic chamber to develop and test microwave products. Commenting on new partnership, Saif M. Al Hajeri, Chief Executive Officer of Tawazun said: "As we continue to grow as an organization, diversify our product portfolio and extend our export capabilities, it is imperative that we partner with like-minded entities who share our vision and who complement our values and ambitions. This partnership with Saab will see us invest in advanced technologies to develop unique products for the global defence market, which is testament of our commitment to continuously adapting and improving new technology to meet our customers' changing needs." "Creating ADARS is part of our strategy to increase our presence in key markets. UAE is one of these key markets, where we have had business relations since the 1980s, including within the radar system area," said Saab CEO, Hakan Buskhe. Tawazun will be sending 15 UAE Nationals to Sweden for specialized Masters programs in Microwave and Radar Systems Engineering to strengthen the UAE's and ADARS?s overall technical skill sets and assist the country's defence capabilities in the development and delivery of advanced radar systems. The ADARS facility will be based out of Tawazun Industrial Park, which is Tawazun's emerging knowledge hub for defence and strategic manufacturing in Al Ajban, just outside of Abu Dhabi, the capital city of the UAE. Along with all other Tawazun subsidiaries, ADARS will participate in the Tawazun pavilion at the International Defence Exhibition and Conference (IDEX) 2013, taking place February 17-21 at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC). - Emirates News Agency, WAM