Raytheon Emirates and the UAE Partner to Advance Air Defense with Local Coyote Production
ABU DHABI – The global security landscape is rapidly evolving, with the widespread emergence of unmanned aerial systems (UAS) making robust counter-drone capabilities more essential than ever. In a significant move reflecting its deep partnership with the United Arab Emirates, Raytheon Emirates, an RTX business, has planned a new production and assembly facility for the Coyote counter-UAS interceptor at Tawazun Industrial Park in Abu Dhabi.
This new, contemporary facility will be the tangible outcome of a strategic collaboration between Raytheon Emirates and the Tawazun Council. Its purpose is to not only strengthen the UAE's defense industrial base but also to enhance global defense supply chains. The Coyote interceptor, a combat-proven system, is critical in modern air defense for effectively detecting and neutralizing a wide spectrum of drone threats. By bringing its production to the UAE, the partnership ensures faster delivery and greater flexibility to meet urgent regional operational needs in a dynamic threat environment.
Localized production strengthens strategic objectives
The decision to establish the 21,500 square foot facility in Abu Dhabi stems from a shared vision for enhanced security and industrial growth. This initiative directly supports the UAE’s strategic objectives, particularly the localization of advanced defense manufacturing. The project will contribute to developing a highly skilled local workforce, providing Emirati engineers and technicians with invaluable opportunities in cutting-edge defense production processes. This transfer of knowledge and technology is a cornerstone of the partnership, advancing human capital development and contributing to the UAE’s economic diversification.
Localizing the production of key elements of the Coyote interceptor within the UAE offers clear operational advantages. The facility will significantly reduce lead times for critical components, allowing for more rapid access to advanced counter-drone technology. This domestic capability also enhances the resilience of supply chains, lessening reliance on external factors and ensuring sustained operational readiness.
Concrete steps toward a secure future
The project is already moving forward. Raytheon Emirates has partnered with local entities, including EDGE’s EPI, which has already commenced the manufacturing of prototype components as an initial step toward industrial readiness. This collaboration exemplifies the practical application of the UAE’s industrial strategy, directly supporting the enhancement of local content and empowering Emirati companies to play a leading role in global supply chains.
$5B for long-term counter-drone defense
Raytheon was awarded in September 2025 a $5.04 billion contract for the Coyote counter-UAS systems and KuRFS radars from the Pentagon, with orders running through 2033. The Coyote system has already been deployed in operational environments and is part of a broader U.S. military effort to develop scalable, integrated defenses against drones.