Abu Dhabi (Agencies): Raytheon has inaugurated a new assembly facility for its Coyote interceptor in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), marking a significant step in strengthening the country’s defense manufacturing capabilities. The facility, located at Tawazun Industrial Park, was officially announced on May 16.
Spanning 21,500 square feet (2,000 square meters), the factory is designed for the final integration, assembly, and testing of the Coyote counter-unmanned aerial system (C-UAS), a highly effective interceptor used to neutralize aerial threats. The move aligns with the UAE’s broader strategy to enhance its defense supply chain and develop local expertise in advanced manufacturing.
The Tawazun Council, which oversees the UAE’s defense industry and procurement, emphasized that the new facility will improve efficiency and resilience in the sector. The council also confirmed that Raytheon is collaborating with Emirati entities, including EPI, a subsidiary of the UAE’s Edge defense group, which has already begun producing prototype components for the Coyote.
The newly inaugurated facility will focus on producing the Coyote Block 2, a missile equipped with a small turbojet engine, rather than the original version of the Coyote, which functioned as a tube-launched loitering munition with an electrically powered propeller.
The launch of the factory follows an agreement signed between Raytheon and Tawazun Council last month to manufacture the Coyote interceptor in the UAE. Officials see this as a major milestone in the country’s efforts to localize defense production and establish itself as a regional hub for advanced military technology.
Industry experts believe the facility will not only bolster the UAE’s defense capabilities but also create opportunities for local engineers and technicians to gain hands-on experience in cutting-edge military manufacturing. The UAE has been actively investing in defense technology, and this latest development further solidifies its position in the global defense industry.