UAE to Locally Produce Raytheon’s COYOTE Interceptors in Strategic Defense Partnership
Agreement with TAWAZUN will enable domestic manufacturing of advanced counter-UAS systems to strengthen national security and deepen U.S.-UAE defense ties
Photo: Raytheon website
Raytheon has signed a strategic cooperation agreement with the United Arab Emirates' defense procurement authority, TAWAZUN, to enable the local production of COYOTE interceptor systems designed to counter drones and unmanned aerial threats.
The deal involves the transfer of knowledge and technologies, alongside collaboration with Emirati defense industries for the manufacturing and assembly of key components within the UAE. According to reports, this move will allow the country to independently produce critical munitions for its defense, while reinforcing its strategic defense relationship with the United States.
The COYOTE system includes several variants — some designed for kinetic interception using explosive warheads, and others for non-kinetic engagement. These interceptors are equipped with advanced capabilities such as electronic warfare, intelligence gathering, target acquisition, and beyond-visual-line-of-sight interception.
COYOTE munitions are already in operational use by the U.S. military, which reportedly procured around 600 units last year. The system was initially developed to address aerial threats targeting American forces in the Middle East, and its deployment is expected to expand through this new regional manufacturing initiative.
