Published by RTX via its official X account on April 21, 2025, American defense technology giant Raytheon, an RTX business, announced the signing of a significant term sheet with the United Arab Emirates’ Tawazun Council to establish local production of the Coyote Counter-Unmanned Aircraft System (C-UAS) interceptor in the UAE. This landmark agreement was unveiled during a formal event held in Abu Dhabi, symbolizing a deepening of strategic industrial cooperation between the United States and the UAE. The initiative aims to boost regional defense capabilities, strengthen supply chain resilience, and further cement the UAE’s role as a critical partner in the global defense landscape.
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The U.S. Army has selected the Coyote Drone for a near-term counter-UAS solution. (Picture source: RTX)
The production of the Coyote interceptor in the UAE (United Arab Emirates) represents a leap forward in counter-drone warfare. The combat-proven Coyote® effector is a rail-launched, low-cost missile variant equipped with a boost rocket motor and a turbine engine, providing exceptional speed and agility for counter-UAS and launched effects (LE) missions. Designed to be small and expendable, the Coyote exists in both kinetic and non-kinetic configurations, capable of neutralizing drones ranging from small quadcopters to larger unmanned systems at extended ranges and higher altitudes than similar class effectors.
Its advanced capabilities allow for rapid engagements and the ability to counter multiple targets, including drone swarms, with minimized reaction times. When paired with Raytheon’s Ku-band Radio Frequency Sensor (KuRFS), the Coyote becomes part of a powerful detect-and-defeat solution that forms a critical element of the U.S. Army’s deployed Low, slow, small, unmanned aircraft Integrated Defeat System (LIDS). This integration ensures comprehensive coverage against emerging aerial threats, supporting layered defense strategies in both U.S. and allied operations.
The UAE's Tawazun Council plays a pivotal role in the country’s defense ecosystem, serving as the principal authority for acquisitions, research, and industrial development. Operating under the umbrella of the Ministry of Defense, the Council manages the Tawazun Economic Program, a national initiative aimed at enhancing self-reliance through technology transfer, innovation, and industrial growth. Through partnerships like the one with Raytheon, Tawazun is advancing the UAE’s ambition to establish a robust and competitive defense manufacturing base.
The co-production of the Coyote interceptor underscores the depth of U.S.-UAE defense relations, which have evolved through decades of cooperation, joint training, and high-profile arms agreements. In 2019, both nations renewed their Defense Cooperation Agreement to facilitate greater strategic coordination. Further strengthening these ties, the U.S. government in 2024 formally designated the UAE as a “major defense partner,” affirming its role in upholding regional stability and fostering advanced defense technology collaborations.
This agreement not only enhances the UAE's ability to respond to evolving aerial threats but also marks a milestone in its journey to becoming a regional hub for defense innovation. By hosting Coyote production, the UAE will reduce its reliance on foreign suppliers and accelerate delivery timelines for critical defense systems, while creating opportunities for local industry growth and job creation.
As drone warfare becomes increasingly sophisticated and widespread, the ability to effectively detect, track, and eliminate unmanned threats is essential. Raytheon’s Coyote interceptor, now being localized in the UAE, stands as a cornerstone of this evolving battlefield requirement. This development promises to fortify the UAE’s national defense while exemplifying the power of strategic defense partnerships between like-minded nations.
