UAE (Washington Insider Magazine) – The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has taken a significant step towards defense self-sufficiency, signing $6.3 billion worth of arms deals at the International Defence Exhibition (IDEX) and the Naval Defence and Maritime Security Exhibition (NAVDEX) 2023. The majority—$5.9 billion—was allocated to local defense firms, reinforcing the UAE’s strategy to reduce reliance on Western suppliers.
Growing Focus on Domestic Defense Industry
The UAE’s shift towards home-grown defense production is evident in its commitment to firms like EDGE, a defense conglomerate established in 2019. This move follows a trend seen in the previous IDEX 2021, where the country spent $5.7 billion on local military firms.
Over the past decade, the UAE has reduced arms imports by over 40%, dropping from the third-largest global arms importer to the ninth, according to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI).
Diversifying Military Capabilities
The UAE, historically a top recipient of U.S. arms exports, has steadily shifted away from Western suppliers. Between 2012 and 2016, it was the second-largest buyer of U.S. weapons. However, between 2017 and 2021, it dropped to eighth place.
This transformation aligns with Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al-Nahyan’s vision of military self-sufficiency, as the UAE has engaged in military operations in Yemen, Somalia, Egypt, and Libya over the past decade.
UAE’s Role in the Global Arms Market
The UAE has now emerged as the 18th largest arms exporter globally and the third-largest in the Middle East, following Israel and Turkey. In 2019, EDGE became the first Arab company to enter SIPRI’s top 25 global arms manufacturers.
While the UAE continues to invest in local defense, it remains dependent on foreign partners for components and expertise. In December 2021, the country spent $18 billion on 80 Rafale fighter jets from France, highlighting the ongoing need for external suppliers.
Major International Deals at IDEX 2023
Despite prioritizing local defense firms, EDGE signed significant agreements with foreign partners:
✅A $1 billion+ deal with Angola to construct 71-meter corvette warships.
A licensing agreement to develop small arms for India.
Conclusion: Strengthening Military Independence
The UAE’s strategic investment in its defense sector marks a major shift in its geopolitical positioning, reducing reliance on Western nations while strengthening local military capabilities. As it continues to expand its arms production and exports, the UAE aims to become a dominant force in the global defense industry.