Tawazun and Caracal announce merger

A merger of two of the UAE's leading defence manufacturers will bring their military and sporting guns under one brand name.

Tawazun has already signed deals with several international armed forces and security organisations to supply defence equipment. Fatima Al Marzooqi / The National

A merger of two UAE defence manufacturers will bring their military and sporting guns under one brand name.

Tawazun Holding, the UAE-based strategic investment company focused on specialised manufacturing and industry, said the merging of its two units, Caracal International and Tawazun Advanced Defense Systems (Tads), would help to "maximise global commercial opportunities" for the new company.

The announcement was made yesterday at the Abu Dhabi International Hunting & Equestrian Exhibition, at which Tawazun is the official weaponry partner.

"The decision to merge our two weapons manufacturers was made to create synergy among the group and streamline our military and sporting weapons offerings under one brand name," said Saif Mohamed Al Hajeri, the chief executive of Tawazun.

"The market for these products is constantly evolving and companies need to adapt to changing conditions."

Weapons manufacturing has emerged as an important cornerstone in Tawazun's efforts to develop profitable industrial ventures that help to build on the country's defence and manufacturing technology capabilities.

The new company, to be known as Caracal International, will design, develop, manufacture and sell firearms, sniper rifles and other light weapons in Abu Dhabi.

Sultan Aouda, formerly the general manager at Tads, has been appointed chief executive.

"Our focus is on new product development, international expansion and delivering on even higher levels of customer service," Mr Aouda said. "The merger has brought together experts from all corners of the globe under one roof to ensure best practice across a broad portfolio of light weapons manufacturing."

Tawazun has already signed deals with several international armed forces and security organisations to supply defence equipment including guns, tanks and aircraft components.

Launched as a fully owned subsidiary of Tawazun Economic Council in 2007, Tawazun's brief also includes helping to foster the UAE's offset programme, which builds partnerships between local and international defence companies to transfer knowledge and expertise to the local economy.