Strata led the entire process-from design and development to manufacturing and final testing-meeting Thales' stringent requirements.
Strata Manufacturing, a wholly owned subsidiary of Mubadala Investment Company and a key player in the UAE’s advanced manufacturing sector, has achieved a major engineering breakthrough with the design and production of the Initial UHF Project (IUP) radar antenna panel. Developed at Stratas Al Ain facility, the panel has now been delivered and approved by Thales Emarat Technologies.
The project, part of the Tawazun Economic Programme and backed by Tawazun Council, highlights the UAEs strategic push to enhance local industrial capabilities in defence and high-tech sectors. The newly delivered antenna panel represents Stratas first fully in-house designed and manufactured radar component, showcasing the firm’s growing expertise beyond its established focus on composite materials and carbon fibre used in aerospace and satellite applications.
Thales Emarat Technologies, a UAE-based subsidiary of Thales, partnered with Strata under the offset initiative to localise production and reinforce national sovereignty in advanced technologies. This collaboration is part of Thales’ broader regional strategy, supported by Tawazun Council, to elevate UAE’s industrial base.
On this occasion, Sara Al Memari, Acting Chief Executive Officer of Strata Manufacturing, commented: “Our trust in Strata’s talented teams and the exceptional capabilities of our engineers has enabled us to contribute significantly by designing the IUP radar antenna panel for Thales Emarat Technologies, becoming the first to leave our mark on this advanced global product. This accomplishment reflects the UAE’s ambition to hold a prominent global position, leveraging its growing creative and technical capabilities as we continue our journey in shaping the future.”
Sara also extended her gratitude to the project team at Strata, whose engineers and specialists worked across various disciplines to leave a proud Emirati mark in the field of advanced radar and satellite manufacturing. She added: “It is with immense pride that the radar antenna panel, designed for Thales, bears the Strata Manufacturing emblem.”
Abdelhafid Mordi, CEO of Thales Emarat Technologies and Thales in the UAE, stated: “Thales is proud to be partnered with Strata, a key player in the UAE’s industrialisation and localisation efforts. This milestone reflects the UAE’s growing sovereignty in advanced manufacturing and technology, and we are excited to see how local capabilities continue to contribute to global innovation. Together, we are shaping the future by empowering local talent and reinforcing the UAE’s position as a leader on the world stage.”
The IUP antenna panel is the first project fully designed and manufactured by Strata, with substantial contributions from its national engineering talent. The team combined design expertise, engineering excellence, and a spirit of innovation to complete the metallic structures design, meeting Thales rigorous requirements and processes.
Strata, based in Al Ain, was chosen to lead the design and manufacturing of this innovative radar panel. The company successfully completed the design phases, manufacturing, and secured approvals from Thales. The panel’s construction was finalized in December 2024 and has passed factory acceptance tests. It will be installed at Thales’ designated site.
