Airbus is reinforcing its commitment to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) through a strategic plan that focuses on enhancing partnerships and boosting local industrial capabilities. Jean-Brice Dumont, head of air power at Airbus Defence and Space, emphasized the company’s dedication to supporting the UAE’s vision of becoming a global hub for future industries. This effort aligns with the nation’s ambitious Operation 300bn strategy aimed at increasing industrial output and fostering economic development.

The company has been a key player in the UAE aerospace industry for many years and is now looking to expand local production and export capabilities. A notable example of this strategy is Airbus’s partnership with Emirates Precision Industries (EPI) to produce cargo compartment removable tanks (CCRT) for the C295 aircraft. Such collaborations not only develop specialized manufacturing skills in the region but also create new revenue opportunities and high-skilled jobs, thus integrating the UAE further into the global aerospace supply chain.

Airbus has established significant partnerships with key UAE aerospace entities, including Strata Manufacturing and EPI, to enhance defense and aerospace capabilities. Strata, fully owned by Mubadala, has been a crucial contributor to Airbus’s global supply chain for over 15 years, providing essential components for widebody aircraft. Meanwhile, EPI has been instrumental in manufacturing critical airframe parts for the A320 and A330 platforms. The recent agreement regarding C295 CCRTs marks a pivotal shift for EPI into defense manufacturing, aligning with Tawazun’s objectives and the broader industrial strategy of the UAE.

Looking to the future, Airbus plans to manufacture significant work packages for the A400M in the UAE, contingent on the aircraft’s selection. This initiative aims to develop an ecosystem around the A400M, which includes maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) services and training centers, thereby further enhancing regional aerospace capabilities.

The C295 project is critical for Airbus as the UAE operates a fleet of seven C295s, which dominate the medium tactical transport category. The introduction of the CCRT enhances operational capabilities, enabling missions such as aerial refueling, solidifying the C295’s strategic importance in the region.

Airbus has provided an update on its A330 multi-role tanker transport (MRTT), which is celebrated for its advanced air-to-air refueling technology. The UAE currently operates four A330 MRTTs, with a fifth aircraft on order. This model has become integral to the UAE’s fleet due to its reliability and versatility in meeting various operational demands.

Airbus’s history in the UAE dates back to the 1970s, driven by a vision of fostering aerospace innovation and industrial growth. Over the years, Airbus has expanded its presence across commercial aviation, defense, and space sectors. Today, the UAE stands as a strategic partner and regional hub for Airbus, with components produced locally appearing in every Airbus aircraft, thanks to collaborations with organizations such as EDGE, Strata, EPI, and Mubadala. The trust placed in Airbus is reflected in the UAE’s military fleets of A330 MRTTs and C295s, which highlight the company’s commitment to delivering critical capabilities.