Latest news with #PascaleSourisse
Arabian Post
03-07-2025
- Business
- Arabian Post
Thales Accelerates Gulf Defence Industrial Expansion
Arabian Post Staff -Dubai French defence and technology group Thales is deepening its strategic footprint across the Gulf by advancing plans to build a radar production facility in Saudi Arabia and an AI research centre in the UAE. At the Paris Airshow, Pascale Sourisse, senior executive vice‑president of international development at Thales, confirmed discussions on expanding a joint venture with Saudi Arabian Military Industries beyond radar systems to encompass broader air‑defence and communications technologies in the kingdom. This marks a notable evolution in Gulf nations' ambition to embed themselves within global defence and technology supply chains. Saudi Arabia, the largest military spender in the Middle East in 2024 and seventh globally, logged outlays of approximately US $80.3 billion, sustained largely by strategic efforts to diversify its economy under Vision 2030. Thales's radar factory would join several localisation initiatives already in motion, including radars, missile systems and counter‑drone technologies pursued by SAMI and its partners. ADVERTISEMENT In the UAE, Thales Emarat Technologies has committed to a dedicated factory producing its Ground Master air‑surveillance radar series under a cooperation agreement with Tawazun Council, struck in May. Set to be operational by 2027, the facility will handle assembly, testing and qualification for both domestic and export markets. The UAE deal includes broader vendor integration and talent development, with plans to deepen partnerships across the supply chain and nurture Emirati experts in aerospace and defence technologies. In parallel, Thales is pursuing the establishment of a cortAIx artificial intelligence research hub in Abu Dhabi—its first in the Middle East. With existing centres in Singapore, France, Canada and the UK, the UAE facility will co‑develop AI applications within defence systems, in close collaboration with end users such as the UAE Armed Forces. Sourisse noted that the centre aims to generate actionable insights from equipment data, aligning directly with client priorities on the ground. Strategically, Gulf nations are building sovereign industrial frameworks that reduce dependency on foreign armaments and strengthen regional autonomy. Saudi aims to localise half of its military procurement by 2030, supported by SAMI's network of joint ventures with global defence firms, including Boeing, Lockheed Martin, Raytheon and Thales. Likewise, the UAE is enhancing its industrial base via Tawazun Council and EDGE Group partnerships focused on smart weapons, missiles, radar systems and electro‑optic platforms. Thales stands to benefit significantly from these developments. Its factory investments in radar production and AI research secure long-term revenue streams, embed the group in critical national supply chains and grant access to lifecycle support contracts. An Ainvest analysis estimates the UAE radar factory alone could cost up to US $500 million, signalling both scale and investor confidence. Regionally, the spread of these initiatives could serve as a template for neighbouring states. With Gulf states increasingly aligned on defence self‑sufficiency, Thales may replicate its model with other partners beyond the UAE and Saudi, potentially in countries such as Qatar and Egypt. Academic research also underscores this growing industrial sophistication. Work published on AI‑augmented radar engineering highlights the utility of digital twin frameworks and machine‑learning algorithms in enhancing radar adaptability and performance, suggesting that Thales's cortAIx model reflects broader cutting‑edge trends. Commercially, localisation allows Gulf players to streamline supply‑chain logistics, support continuous operations—even during geopolitical tensions or sanctions—and catalyse export opportunities. Regionally, Thales's UAE‑based radar factory and proposed Saudi facility fit within a wider surge in Gulf defence industrialisation, spanning missile systems, drones, counter‑measures, air‑defence networks and electronic‑warfare platforms. End‑user demand for air surveillance, weapon systems, comms equipment and counter‑drone technologies has intensified. Thales's engagements align with this dynamic, suggesting ongoing growth in contract flow for its Gulf‑based defence facilities. Industry experts note that embedding AI within radars and systems will enhance detection accuracy and responsiveness, factors that both Gulf militaries and global buyers find increasingly compelling.
The National
03-07-2025
- Business
- The National
France's Thales eyes radar factory in Saudi Arabia and AI centre in UAE
French defence and technology group Thales is pursuing opportunities in Saudi Arabia for a radar production factory, and in the UAE for an AI research centre, as Gulf nations seek a role in global supply chains. Thales is seeking to expand a joint venture with Saudi Arabian Military Industries (SAMI) that was set up with the aim of localising defence production. "We have an intention to grow this joint venture to work, not only on radars, but more generally speaking on air defence," Pascale Sourisse, senior executive vice-president of international development at Thales, told The National on the sidelines of the Paris Airshow. "This joint venture should host the various activities we will have in Saudi Arabia … But I expect that there will be some work on communications systems." The move comes as Saudi Arabia strives to develop its own military production capabilities to reduce reliance on foreign suppliers. The strategy is intended to diversify its economy from a reliance on oil, create more jobs for Saudis, attract highly-skilled workers, prioritise technical know-how transfers and become part of the global industrial supply chains. Saudi Arabia was the largest military spender in the Middle East in 2024 and the seventh biggest worldwide, according to an April report by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (Sipri). The kingdom recorded a modest military spending increase of 1.5 per cent, reaching an estimated $80.3 billion, but still 20 per cent lower than in 2015 when the country's oil revenue peaked. Ms Sourisse said it is "too early" to provide further details on the timeline and investment for a factory in Saudi Arabia. Thales' proposed plan in the kingdom will include local manufacturing, engineering and maintenance support services, similar to its agreement with the UAE, she said. The company's wholly-owned unit Thales Emarat Technologies will invest in a factory to produce Ground Master series air surveillance radars in the UAE, as part of an agreement with Tawazun Council. The factory, which is expected to be fully operational by 2027, will assemble, test and qualify advanced air surveillance radars for domestic use and to export markets, Thales said in a statement in May during the 'Make it in the Emirates' event in Abu Dhabi. The project is entirely funded by Thales, according to Ms Sourisse, who declined to provide the size of investment. The agreement includes co-operation with UAE companies to become part of Thales' supply chain, she added. AI research centre Now Thales is in discussions with the UAE to open an AI research centre in Abu Dhabi, according to Ms Sourisse. Thales' AI research centres, dubbed cortAIx, are currently set up in Singapore, France, Canada and Britain. This means the Abu Dhabi centre, if it goes ahead, will become the first of its kind in the Middle East. "Considering the number of equipment that we have in the UAE that will embed AI, it makes sense to set up a cortAIx centre in the UAE," Ms Sourisse said. While it is too early to firm up a timeline for establishing the centre, discussions are under way. "We are working on it, it's not yet announced … it's a bit early to say, but that is the direction we're heading. We also need to agree with customers like the UAE Armed Forces on how they want to proceed." The idea is to collaborate with military customers to work with them on use cases for AI applications in defence. "It is not only about setting up an AI competence centre, it's really establishing a partnership with users to work on use cases … they can directly tell us that this kind of information that we can derive from data-processing is the priority for them," Ms Sourisse said. Asked if the conflicts in the Middle East are accelerating Thales' discussions with customers in the region, the veteran executive said: "We are expecting an increase in the level of orders that we get in very many countries, in the region certainly, but not only [there]." "There's tensions in many areas of the world, so countries will continue to increase their investment in defence." The capabilities that are in high demand include air surveillance, air defence, weapon systems, communications systems, drones either used in offensive or defensive ways and counter-drones, she added.
Toronto Star
18-06-2025
- Business
- Toronto Star
WSP welcomes new Board member Pascale Sourisse
MONTREAL, June 18, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — WSP Global Inc. (TSX: WSP) ('WSP' or the 'Corporation'), one of the world's leading professional services firms, is pleased to share that Pascale Sourisse has joined its Board of Directors as a director and member of its Governance, Ethics and Compensation Committee. Ms. Sourisse is an accomplished executive with a successful track record running global high-tech businesses across the defence, aerospace, cybersecurity and digital sectors. Her appointment comes as WSP sets its sights on expanding its presence in strategic high-growth areas, including Digital, Advanced Manufacturing, Mission Critical and Advisory.
The National
26-02-2025
- Business
- The National
How Emirati talent could drive 'homemade' manufacturing
When a product is described as 'homemade', the suggestion is that it is made with care and skill. In the UAE, several recent announcements that more citizens are to take up high-tech manufacturing jobs in the near future shows that the country is making a serious commitment to expanding its 'homemade' industrial and technical base. This week, jet engine maintenance specialist Sanad, an Abu Dhabi business owned by Mubadala Investment Company said its new aircraft engines overhaul deal with Pratt & Whitney would more than double its workforce and create more than 1,000 new jobs in Abu Dhabi, providing high-tech roles for Emiratis. Similarly, Thales Emarat Technologies, a defence and technology firm, this week said it aimed to double its workforce this year to 340 people, with 30 per cent of the new hires to be Emiratis. Pascale Sourisse, senior executive vice-president of international development at Thales, told The National that the company is also working with local universities to source Emirati talent, mainly engineers, for high-tech jobs. These developments come amid a string of high-profile contracts signed with local companies at Idex 2025, the Middle East's biggest defence and security expo that was held recently in the UAE capital. Over five days, the UAE awarded 55 defence contracts worth Dh25.15 billion ($6.8 billion). Close to 70 per cent of these were awarded to local companies. A look behind these impressive numbers reveals not a collection of unrelated developments and deals but a well-established national plan to transform the economy and enable the country's talent base. For example, last May it was announced that the UAE's industrial sector would receive an additional Dh23 billion ($6.3 billion) in funding, backed by major companies. Another example of prioritising 'homemade' industry is the UAE's Operation 300 Billion strategy that seeks to increase the contribution of the domestic industrial sector to the country's gross domestic product to Dh300 billion by 2031. The positive ripple effects as a result of this embrace of domestic manufacturing, development and engineering are many. As well as creating the next generation of highly skilled citizens through Emiratisation, it reduces the country's reliance on foreign suppliers for critical equipment, it drives research and development in cutting-edge technology and reduces vulnerability to geopolitical pressures on international supply chains. Somewhat counter-intuitively, it also helps to build better foreign partnerships. The more that significant companies like France's Thales and America's Pratt & Whitney invest in UAE talent, the more their expertise will inform the development of the domestic industrial sector. This is a practical partnership in which all sides benefit. As UAE companies and specialists develop more and better products, the export market fuelled by such innovations will also bring the country into a closer working relationship with foreign governments and other overseas customers. This week's developments show that the UAE is in the process of building a robust, Emirati-focused manufacturing sector to ensure future prosperity and resilience. That this can be achieved with the right foreign partnerships is testament to the country's agile approach to business. But Emirati technology and products that come with the 'homemade' tag could be a gamechanger for the UAE economy and the wider region.
The National
23-02-2025
- Business
- The National
France's Thales to produce radar antennas in UAE this year for domestic and export sales
French defence and technology group Thales plans to produce radar antennas in the UAE this year for domestic sales and export to global markets, as the UAE seeks more local manufacturing contracts and technical know-how transfers in its deals with international defence suppliers. The company's wholly-owned unit Thales Emarat Technologies aims to double its workforce this year to 340 people, with 30 per cent of the new hires to be Emiratis, Pascale Sourisse, senior executive vice-president of international development at Thales, told The National. That is up from the current Emiratisation rate of 20 per cent. Thales is also working with local universities to source Emirati talent, mainly engineers, for high-tech jobs. The radar factory project, first announced in 2021, is 'targeted towards the needs of the UAE but also to make sure that this radar competence centre will be included in Thales' global network of competence centres and it will produce radar antennas that we plan to definitely also sell to non-UAE customers', Ms Sourisse said. 'We are not limiting the market potential only to the region. Thales markets radars all over the world and this UAE competence centre will be used in the Thales global supply chain … our hope is to start producing elements in the year to come and start having the capacity to contribute to some programmes.' The company plans to capitalise on the UAE's strategic position as an export hub to its customers around the world so that it can maintain 'sustainable and competitive' operations and guarantee continuing work loads that will not be impacted by the length of its programmes in the UAE, Ms Sourisse said. The move comes as the UAE pushes to develop its own military production capabilities to reduce reliance on foreign suppliers. The strategy is intended to diversify its economy from the oil sector, create more jobs for its citizens, attract highly-skilled workers and become part of the global industrial supply chains. 'It's essential to build capabilities in-country and to give the UAE the possibility to really master the systems that they are going to use in the future, so we are constantly interacting with the UAE Armed Forces and authorities to support them in this direction and working a lot on the questions of sovereignty and localising competencies in-country,' Ms Sourisse said. Europe's largest defence technology company specialises in aerospace, satellites, cyber security and digital security. Thales Emarat Technologies works in three main areas of radar technology, digital services such as radio communications and defence. 'We plan to grow all these activities and we are actually quite optimistic and positive on the discussions we've had with the Ministry of Defence and Armed Forces that they are counting on us to grow the competencies and capabilities here in the UAE in all these three spheres,' Ms Sourisse said. "Each time they acquire a solution, they want Thales to commit to not only local production, but also to rely on local teams to service and maintain the installed base." The company sees a 'great opportunity' to strengthen its activities in the UAE with artificial intelligence-embedded defence equipment and training Emiratis for its use, Ms Sourisse said. 'AI will be using data that is coming from our military users and this data is very sensitive and sometimes, it is classified. It therefore makes sense to ensure that the work in AI can be performed by Emirati citizens,' she said. 'We are definitely planning on developing competencies in AI to be embedded in the systems we supply to the UAE and to have competencies in the UAE.' Since AI must be trained based on data from the users and since the UAE is emphasising creation of jobs for citizens, Thales is seeking to hire and train Emirati engineers for such jobs, she said. Thales has more than 600 experts globally working on AI in mission-critical systems and expects that number to grow 'tremendously' in the future, she said. Thales, which says it is among the top five globally for cyber security, identified the intensification of geopolitical conflicts, the implementation of AI and growing digital reliance as the main challenges this year facing sectors such as energy, finance and transport, in its January report on cyber security. 'We are offering mission-critical systems to our customers, so they need to be cyber secure … our systems embed more and more AI. And AI is not only a question for the future, we area already working on it … we are developing AI solutions for critical missions, so security and lives are at stake,' Ms Sourisse said. 'This kind of AI needs to be trustable and transparent.' AI is embedded in more than 100 of Thales' products, such as radars and the reconnaissance pods below an aircraft, she added. Use of AI in defence systems raises two risks including the threat of hacking and therefore must be cyber-secured, and it must also be certified for safety as lives are at stake, she said. Political tension in Europe, arising from Russia-Ukraine war and Washington's push for European countries to spend more on protecting themselves is set to boost growth for defence manufacturers, according to some companies such as Swedish conglomerate Saab. Thales is tracking a similar trend and plans to increase its spending on new products in response to growing market requirements. 'Yes, we are expecting a higher level of demand from a number of customers, certainly in Europe, but our defence markets are growing pretty much everywhere in the world and we plan to see additional investments in developing new solutions,' Ms Sourisse said. Thales is spending 20 per cent of its annual revenue on research and development (R&D), she said. With annual sales revenue of €20 billion ($20.9 billion), this translates into €4 billion of investment into R&D. 'We see that growing in the future, we plan to reach about €5 billion on investment in R&D by 2028 globally,' she said.
