ABU DHABI // Three of the most complex components of one of the world's most advanced counter-rocket artillery will be produced in the UAE, it was announced yesterday.
Tawazun Precision Industries (TPI), the precision manufacturer and subsidiary of the Abu Dhabi-based Tawazun Group, will produce five components for the German made Skyshield air-defence system that is designed to destroy threatening rockets, aircraft and missiles.
Muatassem Awda, chief executive of Tawazun Precision Industries, said that the UAE is winning recognition as an industrial hub, with TPI playing an important role by contributing to the evolving precision-manufacturing industry.
"As a UAE-based company we are proud to have signed a long-term agreement with yet another international customer, which is testament that we are being recognised as a strong partner that can deliver precision components to the highest quality in support of their global needs," said Mr Awda.
Earlier this week Eurofighter Gmbh announced that it would be acquiring a major structural component for the advanced multipurpose jet fighter.
Mr Awda said that the production of components with Rheinmetall Air Defence (RAD) started in 2011 for general supply of parts.
"Recently they have acquired a large contract for Skyshield where they were looking for a strong supplier, and our performance with them encouraged them to partner with us," Mr Awda said.
Rheinmetall Air Defence's vice president of marketing and product management, Fabian Ochsner, said that Skyshield has been deployed by five nations, with a further two contracts for supply for the system already signed.
"The TPI components will be used in the new systems that will be deployed," he said. "This system is the latest state of the art C-RAM (counter-rocket artillery and mortar) air defence system."
Mr Ochsner added that the company is considering more deals with TPI.
TPI has already delivered the first components to RAD for implementation in the Skyshield system. The partnership entails a sharing of expertise and technology between both companies.
"This is the most significant contract signed by TPI during Idex," said Mr Awda. "We have been conducting business development activities over the past year and a half and we have another two major deals that are in the pipeline and will be completed during 2013."
The chief executive of Rheinmetall Air Defence, Kurt Rossner, said yesterday that they were very proud to have found a reliable partner in TPI, a company which could guarantee a high level of skill. "This helps enable Rheinmetall Air Defence deliver on its commitment to serve our global market, and support the role TIP is playing in contributing to the UAE's industrial backbone," he said.