UAE to manufacture C295 fuel tanks via Tawazun-Airbus deal

Tawazun Council and Airbus announced, during the Make it in the Emirates 2025, the strengthening of their strategic partnership through the launch of a national industrial capability development programme in the aerospace sector. Tawazun Council and Airbus strengthen partnership to manufacture C295 fuel tanks in UAE.

The initiative aims to manufacture and supply Cargo Compartment Removable Tanks (CCRTs) in collaboration with EPI, a subsidiary of EDGE Group.

In the presence of Dr. Nasser Humaid Al Nuaimi, Secretary-General of Tawazun Council, the agreement was signed by Shareef Hashim Al Hashmi, CEO of Operations at Tawazun Council, and Gabriel Semelas, President of Airbus for Africa and the Middle East, in the presence of representatives from both sides.

The programme aligns with the UAE’s vision to expand its industrial footprint within global aerospace and defence supply chains by developing and producing mobile, multi-role fuel tanks for cargo compartments. These tanks will support aerial refuelling, ground support and extended-range missions with high efficiency.

The initiative falls under the UAE’s Tawazun Economic Programme, one of Tawazun Council’s key strategic tools aimed at boosting local content and promoting technology transfer in the aviation and defence sectors. As part of this effort, the Council is supporting the exclusive serial production of this type of removable fuel tank over the next five years.

The project involves Airbus Defence and Space sourcing from EPI to manufacture and assemble aerostructures and sub-assemblies, and to certify specialised production processes.

Once fully developed, EPI will serve as the sole source supplier for these components, reinforcing the UAE’s growing role as a key industrial partner in the aerospace and defence sectors.

Shareef Hashim Al Hashmi, CEO of Operations at Tawazun Council, said, “This project represents one phase of our broader roadmap with Airbus, paving the way for continuous collaboration and strategic advancement.

Our partnership with Airbus reflects Tawazun Council’s commitment to empowering national industries and strengthening their presence within global supply chains. This project supports the transfer of knowledge and technology to the UAE while enabling the development of high-tech products manufactured by Emirati talent that compete internationally.”

Gabriel Semelas, President of Airbus for Africa and the Middle East, said, “We share Tawazun Council’s commitment to advancing the UAE’s aerospace industry through innovation, local upskilling and job creation.

The establishment of exclusive CCRT production in the UAE marks a key step in expanding EDGE Precision Industries into defence manufacturing. We are proud to support EPI’s growth in complex aerostructure assemblies and global exports-strengthening the UAE’s footprint in the aerospace and defence sectors.”

With nearly two decades of partnership in the UAE, Airbus has played a steady role in supporting the country’s industrial ambitions.

The collaboration has contributed to the growth of local manufacturing capabilities, talent development and the gradual transfer of knowledge and technology.

Meanwhile Gabriel Sémelas, President of Airbus in Africa and the Middle East (MEA), affirmed the company’s commitment to enhancing the industrial ecosystem in the UAE, particularly in the production of complex aerostructures.

In statements to Emirates News Agency (WAM) during the fourth edition of the Make it in the Emirates forum, Sémelas said Airbus is prepared to localise part of the production of the A400M aircraft in the UAE and support the training capabilities related to it.

He noted that Airbus’ participation in the event is especially significant as it marks the company’s first time taking part, presenting an opportunity to showcase the depth of its industrial partnership with the UAE.

He expressed pride in displaying a major component of the A350 aircraft - an internal part of the wing - manufactured locally in the UAE through Airbus’ long-standing partnership with Strata. This collaboration began 17 years ago, and since then, every A350 aircraft leaving the global production line has included components made in the UAE.

Sémelas added that the relationship between Airbus and the UAE extends beyond manufacturing, encompassing commercial aircraft, helicopters, and defence. The company has had a presence in the UAE for over 40 years, and its ties with all local stakeholders are continuously evolving. Local manufacturing began nearly 17 years ago, and today, Airbus is working on new projects including the A400M aircraft, in partnership with Strata, EDGE, EPI and other partners.

On Airbus’ industrial presence in the region, Sémelas said that around 800 Airbus commercial aircraft are currently flying in Middle Eastern airspace. Over the next 20 years, the company anticipates demand for around 3,700 additional aircraft in the region, 42 per cent of which will be wide-body models, underlining the importance of Airbus’ presence to keep pace with this growth.