Defense & Military
Dassault and UAE Sign Strategic Aerospace Cooperation at Dubai Airshow
Dassault Aviation, TII, and ASPIRE join forces at Dubai Airshow to develop stealth, AI, and autonomous aerospace tech in support of UAE national goals.
A New Era of Aerospace Collaboration at Dubai Airshow 2025
At the Dubai Airshow 2025, we witnessed a pivotal moment in the evolution of the aerospace sector within the United Arab Emirates. Dassault Aviation, a historic partner of the UAE and a titan in the French aerospace industry, signed a Strategic Cooperation Agreement with two critical Abu Dhabi-based entities, the Startups Technology Innovation Institute (TII) and ASPIRE. Both TII and ASPIRE operate as subsidiaries under the Advanced Technology Research Council (ATRC), representing the cutting edge of the region’s research and development capabilities.
This agreement marks a significant departure from traditional defense procurement dynamics. Rather than a simple buyer-seller relationship, we are seeing the formation of a deep industrial partnership aimed at co-developing next-generation technologies. The collaboration focuses on high-stakes domains, including stealth materials, AI (AI), and autonomous systems. It represents a concerted effort to bridge the gap between fundamental academic research and tangible industrial application, leveraging Dassault’s decades of manufacturing heritage alongside the UAE’s rapidly expanding R&D infrastructure.
The significance of this alliance extends beyond the immediate signatories. It aligns seamlessly with the UAE’s broader national strategies, specifically “Operation 300bn” and “We the UAE 2031.” By fostering a sovereign value chain for critical defense technologies, the partnership aims to reduce reliance on imports and cultivate a highly skilled local workforce. We recognize this as a strategic maneuver to position the UAE not just as a consumer of advanced technology, but as a co-creator and global hub for aerospace innovation.
Technological Frontiers: Stealth, AI, and Autonomy
The core of this Strategic Cooperation Agreement lies in its ambitious technical scope. We understand that the collaboration is structured to tackle some of the most complex challenges in modern aerospace engineering. Primary among these is the development of stealth materials. The partners intend to research and produce advanced materials designed to significantly reduce the radar cross-section (RCS) of Commercial-Aircraft. Mastering low-observability technology is a hallmark of advanced sovereign defense capabilities, suggesting a high level of trust and technical maturity between the French and Emirati stakeholders.
Beyond materials science, the agreement places a heavy emphasis on the integration of Artificial Intelligence and autonomous systems. As the global defense industry shifts toward unmanned teaming and “loyal wingman” concepts, the ability to integrate AI-based functions into aircraft systems becomes paramount. The partnership aims to develop autonomous sub-systems that can operate alongside manned platforms, enhancing operational effectiveness while reducing risk to human pilots. This aligns with global trends where software and autonomy are becoming as critical as the airframe itself.
Furthermore, the scope includes the advancement of Radio Frequency (RF) measurement systems and secure communications. In an era where electronic warfare and cyber threats are constant concerns, developing robust systems to safeguard data and ensure reliable sensing is essential. By combining TII’s research capabilities in these fields with Dassault’s integration expertise, the alliance seeks to create resilient communication architectures that can withstand the rigors of modern combat environments.
“This agreement underscores TII’s ability to turn cutting-edge research into real-world solutions, cementing the UAE’s position as a global R&D leader.”, Dr. Najwa Aaraj, CEO, Technology Innovation Institute (TII).
Strategic Alignment and National Vision
We must analyze this agreement within the context of the UAE’s national industrial goals. The partnership is a direct contributor to “Operation 300bn,” a comprehensive strategy aimed at increasing the industrial sector’s contribution to the national GDP to AED 300 billion by 2031. By focusing on “future industries” such as space and advanced technology, this deal supports the diversification of the economy away from oil dependence. It emphasizes the “Make it in the Emirates” initiative, which prioritizes homegrown innovations and the localization of intellectual property creation.
The role of ASPIRE in this equation is particularly noteworthy. Acting as the program management pillar, ASPIRE serves as the vital bridge between the laboratories of TII and the factory floors of Dassault Aviation. Their mandate is to ensure that research projects are not merely academic exercises but are aligned with real-world market and defense needs. This structured approach to R&D management is designed to accelerate the transition of technology from concept to capability, ensuring that investments yield operational advantages.
Additionally, the collaboration places a strong emphasis on human capital. A key objective is the development of a pool of highly skilled Emirati talent in advanced aerospace engineering. By working alongside experts from Dassault Aviation, local engineers and researchers will gain exposure to world-class industrial processes and design philosophies. We view this knowledge transfer as essential for sustaining the UAE’s long-term ambitions to maintain a sovereign defense industry and a knowledge-based economy.
Redefining the Partner Ecosystem
The profiles of the entities involved illustrate the complementary nature of this alliance. Dassault Aviation brings the industrial “pull”, the ability to turn concepts into flyable, certified products. As the manufacturer of the Rafale and Mirage fighters, their involvement validates the technical viability of the projects. On the other side, TII acts as the R&D engine. With dedicated centers like the Advanced Materials Research Center and the Propulsion & Space Research Center, TII has already demonstrated its capacity by achievements such as Test-Flights-firing the UAE’s first liquid rocket engine.
This agreement also signals a maturation in the defense relationship between France and the UAE. For over five decades, the relationship was primarily defined by the purchase of equipment. Today, we observe a shift toward co-development and shared intellectual property. This evolution suggests that the UAE is viewed not just as a market, but as a partner capable of contributing to the technological advancement of aerospace platforms. It mirrors similar trends seen globally, where emerging powers seek to indigenize defense production to ensure strategic autonomy.
Looking ahead, the success of this cooperation could serve as a blueprint for future international Partnerships. If Dassault, TII, and ASPIRE can successfully co-develop stealth materials or autonomous systems that enter the supply chain, it will validate the UAE’s heavy investment in the Advanced Technology Research Council. It creates a precedent for other global aerospace giants to establish deep-rooted R&D hubs in the region, further accelerating the ecosystem’s growth.
Concluding Perspectives
The Strategic Cooperation Agreement signed at the Dubai Airshow 2025 between Dassault Aviation, TII, and ASPIRE represents a pivotal step in the region’s aerospace trajectory. By focusing on high-value technologies like stealth, AI, and secure communications, the partners are addressing the most pressing requirements of modern defense. We see this not merely as a commercial contract, but as a strategic alignment that supports the UAE’s vision of economic diversification and industrial sovereignty.
As these projects move from the drawing board to the laboratory and eventually to production, they will likely reshape the local industrial landscape. The fusion of French aerospace heritage with Emirati innovation ambitions promises to yield advancements that benefit both nations. We will continue to monitor the tangible outcomes of this alliance, particularly regarding the development of sovereign intellectual property and the successful integration of these technologies into next-generation platforms.
FAQ
Question: Who are the primary signatories of this agreement?
Answer: The agreement was signed by Dassault Aviation (France), the Technology Innovation Institute (TII), and ASPIRE. Both TII and ASPIRE are subsidiaries of Abu Dhabi’s Advanced Technology Research Council (ATRC).
Question: What are the key technological focus areas of the collaboration?
Answer: The partnership focuses on co-developing stealth materials (low-observability), artificial intelligence (AI) and autonomous systems, RF measurement systems, and secure communication technologies.
Question: How does this agreement support the UAE’s national strategy?
Answer: It aligns with “Operation 300bn” and “We the UAE 2031” by fostering a sovereign value chain, localizing manufacturing (“Make it in the Emirates”), and developing highly skilled local talent in the aerospace sector.
Sources: Dassault Aviation
Photo Credit: Dassault Aviation
Defense & Military
CBP AMO Orders 10 Airbus H125 Helicopters for Fleet Expansion
CBP Air and Marine Operations contracts for 10 Airbus H125 helicopters, expanding a 30-year fleet of over 100 rotary-wing aircraft.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection Air and Marine Operations (CBP AMO) has finalized a contract to acquire 10 additional Airbus H125 helicopters, expanding a fleet modernization effort that relies heavily on the single-engine platform for border security and law enforcement missions.
In a press release issued on July 7, 2026, Airbus confirmed the agreement, which reinforces a three-decade relationship between the federal agency and the aerospace manufacturer. The new helicopters will be assembled at the Airbus Helicopters production facility in Columbus, Mississippi.
Expanding the airborne law enforcement fleet
The latest acquisition builds upon a previous order placed in August 2020, when CBP AMO contracted for 16 H125 helicopters to upgrade its aging rotary-wing assets. The agency currently operates a total fleet of more than 240 aircraft, which includes over 100 helicopters from the Airbus H120 and H125 families delivered over the past 30 years.
The H125, formerly known as the Eurocopter AS350, is utilized by CBP AMO for a variety of demanding flight profiles, including border surveillance, suspect pursuit, and general public safety operations across the United States.
Bart Reijnen, Head of the North America Region for Airbus Helicopters, stated that the expansion “underscores the long-standing collaboration” between the manufacturer and the federal agency. He added that the selection highlights the trust placed in the H125 to execute critical public safety missions under demanding conditions, with Airbus committing to provide comprehensive services to maintain mission readiness.
Virtual reality integration for pilot training
As CBP AMO increases its H125 inventory, the agency is simultaneously overhauling how it trains the personnel who fly them. In November 2025, CBP became the first federal law enforcement agency and the first branch of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to integrate virtual reality into its aerial training program.
According to reporting by FLYING Magazine, the agency awarded a contract to adopt an FAA-qualified Airbus H125 virtual reality flight simulator developed by Loft Dynamics. The simulator is being installed at the CBP AMO training center in Oklahoma City, where it will be used to train the agency’s roster of more than 600 pilots.
AirPro News analysis
We view CBP AMO’s continued investment in the H125 platform as a clear indicator of the agency’s preference for fleet commonality. Operating a standardized fleet of over 100 H125-family helicopters significantly reduces maintenance overhead, streamlines supply chains, and simplifies pilot transition training. Furthermore, Airbus’s strategy of assembling these aircraft in Columbus, Mississippi, likely plays a crucial role in navigating federal procurement requirements, ensuring that the European manufacturer remains highly competitive for U.S. government contracts. The parallel investment in Loft Dynamics’ VR simulators suggests the agency is preparing for a sustained, long-term operational lifespan for the H125 fleet.
Sources: Airbus
Photo Credit: Airbus
Defense & Military
Bombardier Defense Signs 10-Year Support Deal With Sweden
Bombardier Defense and FMV finalized a 10-year support agreement for Sweden’s two Global 6500 TP 106 military transport aircraft.
Bombardier Defense and the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV) finalized a 10-year Services Support Agreement on July 22, 2026, securing long-term maintenance and operational readiness for Sweden’s newly acquired fleet of two Global 6500 transport aircraft.
Announced during the Farnborough International Airshow in a company press release, the agreement enrolls the Swedish Armed Forces (SWEAF) in Bombardier’s Smart Services Defense program. The comprehensive support package covers parts, labor, and engineering expertise for the aircraft, which are designated as the TP 106 in Swedish military service and replace the nation’s aging Gulfstream IV and Gulfstream G550 head-of-state transport fleet.
Fleet modernization and delivery timeline
The targeted acquisition deal for the two aircraft was valued at SEK 1.1 billion ($113 million) and formalized in May 2025, according to reporting by Aviation International News. The rapid procurement was enabled by utilizing existing airframes previously operated in Bombardier’s demonstration fleet, which were subsequently modified to meet Swedish Military-Aircraft requirements.
The formal handover of the aircraft took place on June 1, 2026, at the Uppland Wing F 16, as reported by Nordic Defence Sector. The aircraft will be operated by the 75th Swedish Civil Aviation Squadron at Skaraborg’s F7 Air Fleet, based at Stockholm Arlanda Airports (ARN), primarily conducting VIP and head-of-state transport missions.
Smart Services Defense and operational commonality
The 10-year agreement provides comprehensive cost coverage and logistical support for the new fleet. Bombardier stated the program includes landing gear and auxiliary power unit maintenance, ground support equipment, technical assistance, and access to mobile response teams.
Paul Sislian, Bombardier’s Executive Vice President of Aircraft Sales and Aftermarket Services, noted the program provides seamless original equipment OEMs support for the Swedish military.
“Through our Smart Services Defense program, the Swedish Armed Forces will benefit from seamless OEM support, enhanced readiness and predictable lifestyle costs, giving them the confidence to stay focused on the mission while we support their aircraft every step of the way,” Sislian said.
The selection of the Global 6500 platform offers strategic maintenance and operational commonality with Sweden’s incoming airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) fleet. The Swedish Armed Forces are procuring the Saab GlobalEye, designated the S 106, which is also built upon the Bombardier Global aircraft family architecture.
AirPro News analysis
The 10-year support agreement underscores a growing trend among defense ministries to rely on commercial OEMs for turnkey lifecycle support rather than developing bespoke military maintenance pipelines for commercial derivative aircraft. By aligning the TP 106 VIP transport fleet with the underlying platform of the S 106 GlobalEye, the Swedish Armed Forces are establishing a unified logistical footprint. We view this procurement Strategy as a highly efficient approach to fleet modernization, reducing training burdens for maintenance personnel and ensuring higher dispatch reliability through Bombardier’s established global civilian support network.
Sources: Bombardier
Photo Credit: Bombardier
Defense & Military
EU Funds SHARP Project for Next-Gen Military Helicopter Engine
The EU allocated €25M to the SHARP consortium, 25 partners from 12 countries developing Europe’s next military helicopter engine by 2040.
The European Commission has allocated approximately €25 million through the European Defence Fund to back a multinational consortium developing the propulsion architecture for Europe’s next generation of military helicopters.
Announced on June 11, 2026, at the ILA Berlin airshow, the Sovereign High-performance Architecture for Rotorcraft Propulsion (SHARP) project brings together 25 partners from 12 European countries. According to a joint press release from Safran Helicopter Engines, MTU Aero Engines, and Avio Aero, the initiative will establish the technological foundation for the European Next Generation Helicopter Engine (ENGHE), which is targeted to enter service in 2040.
Addressing an aging military rotorcraft fleet
The SHARP initiative aligns with broader European defense goals to replace a rapidly aging fleet of military aircraft under the Next Generation Rotorcraft Capability (NGRC) and European Next Generation Rotorcraft Technologies (ENGRT) programs. The current European inventory includes approximately 1,800 transport helicopters and 600 combat helicopters, which currently average 20 years of age. By the 2040s, many of these aircraft will have been in service for over 50 years.
“In light of a continuously aging European fleet of military helicopters the need is obvious: From 2040 onwards, a large proportion of these rotorcraft will have to be replaced,” said Dr. Ottmar Pfänder, Chief Program Officer at MTU Aero Engines. “We joined forces across the continent to underline the importance of this technology program. It will further reinforce European sovereignty and strengthen the European supply chain.”
The funding will be used to develop scalable technological building blocks that can be adapted to various weight classes and mission profiles required by future European armed forces.
Collaborative framework and European sovereignty
The SHARP project builds upon the foundation of the EUropean Military Rotorcraft Engine Alliance (EURA), a 50/50 joint venture established in July 2024 between Safran Helicopter Engines and MTU Aero Engines specifically to develop the ENGHE. The consortium has now expanded to include Avio Aero, broadening the industrial base tasked with designing the new powerplant.
Safran Helicopter Engines CEO Cédric Goubet stated that the funding demonstrates Europe’s commitment to self-reliance and technological sovereignty for future military platforms, thanking the European Union and participating nations for their confidence in the consortium’s capabilities.
“SHARP marks an important milestone in the journey toward Europe’s next-generation rotorcraft engine and reinforces the value of collaboration in developing sovereign, high-performance propulsion technologies,” said Riccardo Procacci, CEO of Avio Aero. “We are proud to partner with EURA on this initiative, contributing within a fully European framework while leveraging Avio Aero’s well-established expertise and know-how.”
EURA CEO Wolfgang Gärtner confirmed that the joint venture is prepared to coordinate the multinational team to provide modern technologies to European forces.
AirPro News analysis
The €25 million European Defence Fund grant represents a critical early step in aligning Europe’s fragmented defense aerospace sector behind a single rotorcraft propulsion program. By formalizing the SHARP consortium now, the European Union is actively working to prevent the development of competing, incompatible national engine programs that have historically complicated European defense procurement and increased long-term maintenance costs. We view the inclusion of Avio Aero alongside the EURA joint venture as a strong indicator that the ENGHE program is successfully consolidating the continent’s primary propulsion manufacturers ahead of the 2040 target.
Sources: Safran Group
Photo Credit: Safran Group
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