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2025-02-03
Technology, Talent, Trust Shape Saab’s UAE Vision
Partnerships at the Core of Saab’s IDEX Participation, says Heléne Bittmann
Saab’s Managing Director in the UAE, Heléne Bittmann, has highlighted the company’s unwavering commitment to the region in an exclusive interview with Nation Shield. Ahead of IDEX 2025, Bittmann discusses Saab’s innovations, including cutting-edge radar and software technologies, the portable DeployNet 5G solution, and Giraffe radars.
Saab remains focused on fostering strategic partnerships, empowering local expertise, and shaping the future of defence. Excerpts from the interview:
What are your key expectations and goals for Saab’s participation in upcoming IDEX?
IDEX is always a special event for Saab, and 2025 is no different. For over 30 years, we’ve been proud to partner with the UAE, and IDEX gives us the perfect platform to demonstrate how we’re continuing to innovate and contribute to the nation’s defence and security. This year, we’re especially looking forward to connecting directly with our customers, stakeholders, and industry leaders. It’s also about reaffirming our commitment to the UAE by focusing on what really drives progress here. Investing in local talent, developing advanced technologies, and contributing to a strong and self-sustaining defence sector are at the core of our goals.
But IDEX is more than just a showcase of technology for us, it’s about strengthening the partnerships that have been at the heart of our success in the UAE. Saab has become a trusted partner in the region, and our aim at IDEX is to further solidify that trust by listening, collaborating, and aligning with the UAE’s strategic ambitions.
What are Saab’s most exciting innovations to be revealed at IDEX?
We’re particularly excited to showcase new in-country developed radar and software products. These solutions reflect our dedication to delivering technologies that address market opportunities while enhancing operational resilience and decision-making.
These innovations reflect the strength of Saab’s partnership with the UAE, addressing specific regional needs and global trends in advanced defence technologies.
How does 5G solution, DeployNet, enhance the UAE’s defence capabilities?
DeployNet is designed to provide secure and reliable communication wherever it’s needed. It’s a portable, scalable 5G/LTE network that ensures seamless voice and data connectivity, even in remote or fast-changing environments.
The strength of DeployNet lies in its ability to keep teams connected and informed during critical operations. Whether it’s enabling real-time data sharing or secure communication between units, it helps maintain coordination and ensures that defence forces can act decisively in complex situations.
What sets DeployNet apart is its flexibility. It can be deployed quickly to adapt to a variety of mission requirements, making it an essential tool for ensuring operational readiness. By supporting faster decision-making and seamless coordination, DeployNet has become a key asset in modern defence strategies, providing the UAE with the communication capabilities they need to succeed in any scenario.
What role does local talent development play in your company’s strategy for the UAE?
Local talent development is central to everything we do in the UAE. We believe that investing in people is the foundation of our long-term success, and we’re proud to support the growth of a highly skilled workforce that contributes to the nation’s defence and security ecosystem. At Saab, we work closely with government entities, and local institutions to provide training programs, hands-on experience, and development opportunities for UAE nationals. Our R&D and production facility at Tawazun Industrial Park (TIP) is a key part of this effort, creating opportunities for talented professionals to work on cutting-edge technologies and gain expertise in advanced defence solutions.
By nurturing local talent, we’re not just building careers, we’re empowering individuals to play a leading role in shaping the future of the UAE’s defence sector. This focus aligns with our broader commitment to the UAE. It’s about ensuring that the skills, knowledge, and innovations developed here have a lasting impact both regionally and globally.
How does Saab’s R&D facility at Tawazun Industrial Park support both local and global markets?
Our R&D facility at TIP plays a very important role in meeting the needs of both local and global markets. For the UAE, it’s a key part of our long-term commitment to developing advanced technologies that address the country’s specific defence requirements. The facility helps strengthen local supply chains, supports production, and creates opportunities for innovation right here in the UAE.
At the same time, the work we do at TIP extends far beyond the region. Many of the solutions developed at the facility, like DeployNet, and others are designed to address challenges faced by defence forces globally. These technologies showcase how innovation in the UAE can have a meaningful impact on international markets, offering solutions that enhance security and operational readiness worldwide.
The facility also positions us to stay aligned with the latest advancements in defence technology, allowing us to deliver solutions that are both forward-thinking and adaptable while building capabilities that benefit both the UAE and international markets.
How are Saab’s innovations in sensors and AI shaping the future of defence?
Our technologies are designed to provide real-time situational awareness, and transform how defence forces operate, making them faster, smarter, and better equipped to handle modern challenges. Our technologies – like GlobalEye, is designed to provide a clear, real-time picture of what’s happening across land, air, and sea, helping teams make informed decisions when it matters most.
Take our Giraffe radar systems, for example. They’re built to detect and track a wide range of threats with incredible precision, offering early warning and critical situational awareness. Moreover, Saab’s Giraffe 1X Drone Tracker capability offers state-of-the-art UAV (unmanned aerial vehicle) detection performance, building on the innovative thinking behind the design of the Giraffe radars. It detects and tracks small/mini-UAVs, even distinguish them from birds with a false alarm rate reduced to an absolute minimum.
Whether it’s securing borders, protecting assets, or managing complex missions, our integrated solutions operate seamlessly to deliver real value. Overall, we remain future ready, and are always exploring new ways to integrate AI and software solutions into our existing products.
What are Saab’s priorities for 2025 in the region?
Saab’s priorities for 2025 are focused on growth, collaboration, and innovation. A key area is expanding our footprint in the UAE and the region, both by growing our customer base and deepening strategic partnerships. For over 30 years, we’ve been committed to supporting regional defence capabilities, and 2025 is about building on that foundation.
Looking ahead, we’re also focused on strengthening our regional presence, ensuring our solutions meet the evolving needs of defence forces. It’s about continuing to innovate, collaborate, and contribute to the region’s security and success.
In the UAE, a big part of our focus is introducing locally developed solutions, which reflect the incredible potential of our operations in-country. TIP continues to play a critical role for us, not just as a hub for R&D and production, but as a symbol of our long-term investment in the UAE’s capabilities.
Emiratisation also remains a top priority. We’re dedicated to creating meaningful opportunities for Emiratis, equipping them with the skills and expertise to lead in the defence and security sector.
Saab’s Managing Director in the UAE, Heléne Bittmann, has highlighted the company’s unwavering commitment to the region in an exclusive interview with Nation Shield. Ahead of IDEX 2025, Bittmann discusses Saab’s innovations, including cutting-edge radar and software technologies, the portable DeployNet 5G solution, and Giraffe radars.
Saab remains focused on fostering strategic partnerships, empowering local expertise, and shaping the future of defence. Excerpts from the interview:
What are your key expectations and goals for Saab’s participation in upcoming IDEX?
IDEX is always a special event for Saab, and 2025 is no different. For over 30 years, we’ve been proud to partner with the UAE, and IDEX gives us the perfect platform to demonstrate how we’re continuing to innovate and contribute to the nation’s defence and security. This year, we’re especially looking forward to connecting directly with our customers, stakeholders, and industry leaders. It’s also about reaffirming our commitment to the UAE by focusing on what really drives progress here. Investing in local talent, developing advanced technologies, and contributing to a strong and self-sustaining defence sector are at the core of our goals.
But IDEX is more than just a showcase of technology for us, it’s about strengthening the partnerships that have been at the heart of our success in the UAE. Saab has become a trusted partner in the region, and our aim at IDEX is to further solidify that trust by listening, collaborating, and aligning with the UAE’s strategic ambitions.
What are Saab’s most exciting innovations to be revealed at IDEX?
We’re particularly excited to showcase new in-country developed radar and software products. These solutions reflect our dedication to delivering technologies that address market opportunities while enhancing operational resilience and decision-making.
These innovations reflect the strength of Saab’s partnership with the UAE, addressing specific regional needs and global trends in advanced defence technologies.
How does 5G solution, DeployNet, enhance the UAE’s defence capabilities?
DeployNet is designed to provide secure and reliable communication wherever it’s needed. It’s a portable, scalable 5G/LTE network that ensures seamless voice and data connectivity, even in remote or fast-changing environments.
The strength of DeployNet lies in its ability to keep teams connected and informed during critical operations. Whether it’s enabling real-time data sharing or secure communication between units, it helps maintain coordination and ensures that defence forces can act decisively in complex situations.
What sets DeployNet apart is its flexibility. It can be deployed quickly to adapt to a variety of mission requirements, making it an essential tool for ensuring operational readiness. By supporting faster decision-making and seamless coordination, DeployNet has become a key asset in modern defence strategies, providing the UAE with the communication capabilities they need to succeed in any scenario.
What role does local talent development play in your company’s strategy for the UAE?
Local talent development is central to everything we do in the UAE. We believe that investing in people is the foundation of our long-term success, and we’re proud to support the growth of a highly skilled workforce that contributes to the nation’s defence and security ecosystem. At Saab, we work closely with government entities, and local institutions to provide training programs, hands-on experience, and development opportunities for UAE nationals. Our R&D and production facility at Tawazun Industrial Park (TIP) is a key part of this effort, creating opportunities for talented professionals to work on cutting-edge technologies and gain expertise in advanced defence solutions.
By nurturing local talent, we’re not just building careers, we’re empowering individuals to play a leading role in shaping the future of the UAE’s defence sector. This focus aligns with our broader commitment to the UAE. It’s about ensuring that the skills, knowledge, and innovations developed here have a lasting impact both regionally and globally.
How does Saab’s R&D facility at Tawazun Industrial Park support both local and global markets?
Our R&D facility at TIP plays a very important role in meeting the needs of both local and global markets. For the UAE, it’s a key part of our long-term commitment to developing advanced technologies that address the country’s specific defence requirements. The facility helps strengthen local supply chains, supports production, and creates opportunities for innovation right here in the UAE.
At the same time, the work we do at TIP extends far beyond the region. Many of the solutions developed at the facility, like DeployNet, and others are designed to address challenges faced by defence forces globally. These technologies showcase how innovation in the UAE can have a meaningful impact on international markets, offering solutions that enhance security and operational readiness worldwide.
The facility also positions us to stay aligned with the latest advancements in defence technology, allowing us to deliver solutions that are both forward-thinking and adaptable while building capabilities that benefit both the UAE and international markets.
How are Saab’s innovations in sensors and AI shaping the future of defence?
Our technologies are designed to provide real-time situational awareness, and transform how defence forces operate, making them faster, smarter, and better equipped to handle modern challenges. Our technologies – like GlobalEye, is designed to provide a clear, real-time picture of what’s happening across land, air, and sea, helping teams make informed decisions when it matters most.
Take our Giraffe radar systems, for example. They’re built to detect and track a wide range of threats with incredible precision, offering early warning and critical situational awareness. Moreover, Saab’s Giraffe 1X Drone Tracker capability offers state-of-the-art UAV (unmanned aerial vehicle) detection performance, building on the innovative thinking behind the design of the Giraffe radars. It detects and tracks small/mini-UAVs, even distinguish them from birds with a false alarm rate reduced to an absolute minimum.
Whether it’s securing borders, protecting assets, or managing complex missions, our integrated solutions operate seamlessly to deliver real value. Overall, we remain future ready, and are always exploring new ways to integrate AI and software solutions into our existing products.
What are Saab’s priorities for 2025 in the region?
Saab’s priorities for 2025 are focused on growth, collaboration, and innovation. A key area is expanding our footprint in the UAE and the region, both by growing our customer base and deepening strategic partnerships. For over 30 years, we’ve been committed to supporting regional defence capabilities, and 2025 is about building on that foundation.
Looking ahead, we’re also focused on strengthening our regional presence, ensuring our solutions meet the evolving needs of defence forces. It’s about continuing to innovate, collaborate, and contribute to the region’s security and success.
In the UAE, a big part of our focus is introducing locally developed solutions, which reflect the incredible potential of our operations in-country. TIP continues to play a critical role for us, not just as a hub for R&D and production, but as a symbol of our long-term investment in the UAE’s capabilities.
Emiratisation also remains a top priority. We’re dedicated to creating meaningful opportunities for Emiratis, equipping them with the skills and expertise to lead in the defence and security sector.
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