Mira Aerospace has officially opened the first High Altitude Platform Stations (HAPS) manufacturing center in the MENA region, located in Abu Dhabi. This new facility aims to enhance the UAE’s sovereign aerospace capabilities and strengthen its leadership in the global HAPS market.

The state-of-the-art center spans 4 500 square meters and is expected to produce over 20 HAPS UAVs annually, which will be utilized for civil, environmental, and defense purposes. This development represents a significant step towards positioning the UAE as a leader in aerospace innovation and space-based connectivity.

Mira Aerospace, a subsidiary of Space42, is committed to supporting the UAE’s National Space Strategy 2030. The company emphasizes the importance of building sovereign capabilities in space technology, manufacturing, and research and development. The new HAPS facility aligns with the UAE’s technology roadmap, which focuses on enhancing innovation and national resilience in advanced industries.

According to TechAfrica News, Khaled Al Marzooqi, CEO of Mira Aerospace, stated, “As the global demand for HAPS accelerates, Space42 is making strategic investments to strengthen our leadership in this growing market.” He explained that the decision to establish the manufacturing hub in Abu Dhabi reflects their commitment to developing reliable, cost-effective systems that support both their business objectives and the UAE’s economic goals.

This HAPS facility is part of Space42’s broader strategy to invest in vertically integrated manufacturing and data infrastructure. The company is also partnering with ICEYE, a leader in synthetic aperture radar (SAR) technology, to co-produce Earth Observation (EO) satellites in the UAE. These initiatives will bolster the UAE’s EO Space Program, enhancing national capabilities in satellite-based remote sensing.

The HAPS manufacturing hub represents a key milestone in Mira Aerospace’s journey. Earlier this year, the company collaborated with XRANGE to create a permanent testing hub for high-altitude UAV trials. Additionally, in October 2024, Mira Aerospace developed two advanced payloads for various applications, including environmental monitoring and agriculture, further showcasing their leadership in the HAPS domain and commitment to innovation.