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2025-11-11

Calidus strengthens position as a pioneering model in integrated defence manufacturing

In an interview with Nation Shield, Dr Khalifa Murad Alblooshi, Managing Director and CEO of Calidus Holding Group, shares insights into the company’s founding vision and how Calidus is shaping the future of integrated defence manufacturing through innovation, artificial intelligence, and Emirati talent development.

Below is the conversation:

To begin, could you provide readers with a brief overview of your journey leading up to your appointment as Managing Director and CEO of Calidus Holding Group?

I take pride in being part of a generation of Emiratis who grew up witnessing the remarkable transformation our nation has achieved across various sectors, including defence and advanced technology. My academic and professional journey has always been closely tied to innovation, industrial development, and strategic leadership. My doctoral thesis focused on “The Integrated Defence Ecosystem Approach in the United Arab Emirates (IDEA-UAE).” I have always been passionate about the industrial field, particularly defence manufacturing, and I remain committed to contributing to the progress and prosperity of our beloved UAE through every role I am honoured to hold.

Over the years, I’ve had the opportunity to contribute to projects that connect technology, strategy, and the capabilities of national defence industries. When I was entrusted with leading Calidus, my goal was clear: to steer a company that embodies our leadership’s vision by combining advanced engineering, driving innovation and manufacturing, and empowering national talent.

Calidus was founded less than a decade ago and has already become a strategic pillar of the UAE’s defence industry. What was the founding vision behind the company in 2015?

At its core, the vision was guided by our wise leadership to build a technologically advanced, globally trusted defence sector. Calidus has accelerated its growth to become a company that not only assembles imported systems, but also designs, engineers, and produces advanced solutions with national expertise, right here in the UAE. By integrating land, air, and missile systems under one umbrella, we established a model that positioned Calidus as more than just a manufacturer—it became a strategic enabler that strengthens the position of national defence industries.

The B-250 light attack aircraft is scheduled to enter service. What does this milestone represent for Calidus?

The induction of the B-250 into service marks a pivotal moment in our ability to design, produce, and deliver advanced aviation systems to global standards, not only for Calidus but for the national defence industry as a whole. This milestone is a strategic step that reflects the rapid evolution of our capabilities in military aviation and embodies the vision of our wise leadership to empower national defence industries and reinforce the UAE’s position as a leading global hub in this vital sector.

The aircraft is multi-role and equipped with highly advanced, precision technologies and systems that rank among the most sophisticated in global aviation manufacturing. It is capable of close air support, armed reconnaissance, counter-insurgency operations, and advanced training. Thanks to its operational integration and precision performance, it delivers highly efficient tactical superiority in complex engagement environments. For Calidus, it stands as a testament to the depth of our engineering expertise and our ability to fulfil our commitments.

It is also worth highlighting our broader portfolio of advanced aviation systems, which includes light attack aircraft, an advanced trainer platform, and cloud seeding and weather research aircraft—namely the B-250T trainer, the Badr-250 (B-250) light attack aircraft, and the WX-80 for cloud seeding and weather research.

And today, we are initiating steps to design and manufacture a new generation of advanced fighter aircraft powered by artificial intelligence.

In addition to aviation, Calidus has invested in land systems and missile technologies. Could you shed light on some of the recent developments?

In the field of land systems, our Abu Dhabi facility produces a range of armoured vehicles, led by the modern 8x8 armoured fighting vehicle (LIFV), the “Al-Washag” reconnaissance vehicle, the 4x4 multi-role armoured vehicle, and the “Wahash” armoured fighting vehicle, among other platforms equipped with cutting-edge systems designed within the company.

At Tawazun Industrial Park, our missile and defence systems sector focuses on developing precision-guided munitions and subsystems, including navigation and control algorithms, warheads, and related components. This includes the “AlHeda” missile, a family of ground-to-ground and air-to-ground missiles with extended range and enhanced accuracy used to neutralise fixed and moving targets.

The world is witnessing a major revolution driven by artificial intelligence. How is Calidus integrating this technology into its systems?

Artificial intelligence is not a passing trend; it is a necessity dictated by today’s complex defence environment. At Calidus, we integrate AI technologies from the earliest stages of designing our defence systems across all domains. For example, in vehicles and platforms, AI enables real-time adaptation to terrain conditions. In aerial platforms and aviation systems, it enhances data processing, threat detection, and decision support.

Calidus recently announced the launch of seven new Emirati defence systems. What does this milestone represent for the company?

These seven new systems reflect our strength in achieving cross-domain integration. They include next-generation armoured platforms, advanced precision munitions, and upgrades to our aerial product line. Each system was developed based on operational experience and tested against rigorous standards to ensure reliable performance.

Among the systems unveiled during our participation at IDEX 2025 is the new 8x8 vehicle, designed to withstand the toughest conditions across various operations. This eight-wheeled, all-terrain vehicle has been fully designed and manufactured at Calidus’ facilities by Emirati engineers. This is in addition to the MATV004 and MATV001 armoured vehicles, which feature high-level armoured protection, mobility, and compatibility with various military mission systems. The MATV004 vehicle will also be equipped to carry the AlHeda missile system and other advanced weapon platforms.

Other new products include the «Barq» rocket launcher system, designed for high mobility and intense firepower, integrated with cutting-edge technological advancements, as well as the “Washag” reconnaissance vehicle, a four-wheel-drive system equipped with modern surveillance technology and high agility, the 35mm twin-barrel turret system for close-range air defence, mounted on the Wahash 8x8 vehicle, and the «Lahab» 155mm artillery turret, the first of its kind in the region, designed for high-impact firepower.

The significance of this achievement lies in its entirely Emirati origin. It underscores our commitment to national production, demonstrates the maturity of our research and development capabilities, and reflects the dedication of our engineers and national talent.

How does Calidus contribute to the development of Emirati talent in the defence manufacturing sector?

Human capital development is at the core of our strategy. We collaborate through formal agreements and partnerships with government entities such as the Department of Government Enablement – Abu Dhabi and Khalifa University of Science and Technology - particularly in the field of research, alongside other forms of cooperation aimed at equipping Emirati youth with the skills needed for the future of defence industries.

We invest in training programmes and actively involve engineers in research and development, providing them with direct hands-on experience. Our goal is not only to create jobs, but to prepare a generation of innovators capable of leading the nation’s defence industry for decades to come.

Calidus regularly participates in major international exhibitions and forums. How do these events support your growth strategy?

Calidus takes pride in its participation under the UAE Pavilion, overseen by Tawazun Council, which plays a pivotal role in supporting and empowering national industries and enhancing their presence at major international defence exhibitions.

The Group is also committed to maintaining an active presence at key defence events such as IDEX, NAVDEX, Dubai Airshow, the “Make it in the Emirates”, UMEX, SAMTEX, and other international exhibitions - all of which are strategic platforms to showcase national innovations, forge partnerships, and elevate the UAE’s industrial position globally.

These participations go beyond commercial and promotional dimensions; they serve as a proud national representation through which Calidus expresses its industrial capabilities and ambitions, while contributing to broader cooperation and strengthening the UAE’s export potential.

In your view, what are the key challenges and opportunities facing the defence industry, and how has Calidus planned to address them?

The defence industry is evolving rapidly, driven by modern technologies and the growing role of artificial intelligence. The greatest challenge is staying ahead; keeping pace with this strategic sector is no longer optional —it is an absolute necessity.

However, this challenge also represents, at its core, an opportunity for expansion, advancement, and growth. Through our agility, ongoing investment in research and development, and commitment to cross-domain integration, we aim to anticipate challenges rather than respond to them. There are significant opportunities in artificial intelligence, autonomy, and the development of next-generation missile systems - all of which are being actively integrated into our future plans.

What is your long-term vision for the future of Calidus?

At Calidus, we believe that the future of defence industries is being shaped today through investment in minds, technologies, and partnerships that lay the foundation for a national industrial transformation. Guided by the vision of our wise leadership, we are working to establish Calidus as a pioneering model in integrated defence manufacturing, contributing to national economic growth and sustainable development.

We remain committed to strengthening our human and technological capabilities to reinforce sovereign industrial empowerment in defence. This is achieved by localising advanced technologies and developing a fully integrated local supply chain ecosystem, ensuring the sustainability of industrial progress and enhancing the UAE’s global competitiveness.

With confidence, we look ahead to 2040, aiming for Calidus to be among the world’s leading manufacturers of advanced defence systems, driven by innovation, cutting-edge manufacturing, national talent development, and the expansion of strategic partnerships. This reflects our firm belief that the national defence industry is a pillar of sovereignty and a catalyst for progress.

Finally, what message would you like to convey to the global defence community and to the UAE in particular?

The defence industry is undergoing rapid transformation, demanding reliable, future-ready solutions. In this context, Calidus continues to play its role as a leading provider of advanced defence systems, built on innovation, operational readiness, talent empowerment, and strategic partnerships that strengthen its global presence.

Our message to the global defence community is that at Calidus, we believe in partnership, innovation, and reliability. To the UAE’s defence industry community, we dedicate every achievement we deliver. Your commitment inspires us to innovate with purpose, design systems that meet the demands of modern operational environments and ensure we remain at the forefront.

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