Ali Omar
In conjunction with the activities of the “IDEX and NAVDEX 2025” exhibitions in the Emirati capital, Abu Dhabi, Security and Defense Arabia conducted an exclusive interview with Mr. Kirk Schultz, International Business Development Senior Regional Director for the Middle East, Türkiye and Africa at Boeing Defense, Space and Security. He talked about the partnerships that Boeing has with local companies in the Emirates, explaining how Boeing faces challenges in the aviation and defense industries, especially cyber breaches and the role of Artificial Intelligence in this, in addition to Boeing’s contribution to training military and aviation teams to operate and maintain the defense systems it provides. Below is the interview text:
- Can you explain the partnerships or collaborations that Boeing is undertaking with local companies in the UAE to develop advanced defense systems and aircraft?
Boeing’s partnerships in the UAE go beyond defense. We are committed to supporting the UAE with building a sustainable aerospace and defense ecosystem that benefits both the country and the industry. Our longstanding collaboration with the UAE Armed Forces and Tawazun has been instrumental in this effort, and we are equally focused on deepening relationships with local industry partners to drive long-term growth rather than engaging in one-off, transactional projects.
Through the Tawazun Economic Program, we have strategically worked to develop advanced capabilities in the UAE. For example, our collaboration with Edge Precision Industry has helped establish the region’s first aerospace metal processing facility, supporting advanced assembly not just for Boeing, but also for other major aerospace OEMs. Similarly, our partnership with Strata began with manufacturing ribs for our commercial wide-body aircraft, and with Tawazun’s support, expanded to producing the 787 vertical fin in Al Ain.
Beyond manufacturing, we are also nurturing innovation and entrepreneurship in the UAE. The Al Sadeem project, developed with Tawazun, is a prime example of how we are mentoring and supporting small startups, attracting investment, and helping them establish a presence in the UAE. Additionally, in November, we launched the Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) Center of Excellence with Insitu, backed by Tawazun, to enhance local maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) support and services, a testament to how flexible, creative partnerships can deliver both economic and operational value.
Boeing also invests in talent development through summer internships for Emirati students and partnerships with UAE universities and non-profits to promote aerospace, STEM education, and sustainability. Since 2007, we have invested $3 million in community outreach programs in the UAE, demonstrating our long-term commitment to the region’s development.
Ultimately, Boeing’s collaborations in the UAE are designed not only to strengthen defense capabilities but also to advance commercial aerospace, innovation, and industrial growth, ensuring a long-term, mutually beneficial partnership that aligns with the UAE’s national ambitions.
- How does Boeing address the increasing challenges in the aviation and defense industries, particularly regarding safety and modern technologies?
We are focused on fostering a safety culture based on transparency, accountability and every person feeling safe and empowered to speak up when they have a safety or quality concern. With safety and quality at the forefront, we are prioritizing stability and predictability every step of the way to ensure we can reliably deliver and meet customer commitments. We continue to make investments to lay the foundation of capabilities that will be critical for our next generation of products. Our team is engaged in meaningful technology development and product creation across a portfolio of opportunities.
- With the increasing risk of cyber breaches, what innovative solutions is Boeing implementing to ensure strong cyber security for its aircraft and defense systems? Does artificial intelligence play a role in that?
Boeing continuously enhances its cybersecurity strategies and tactics to augment the breadth and depth of our security program. We have a network of robust and redundant systems built to withstand cyberattacks. We have strong investment and executive commitment focused on developing advanced security capabilities and executing key projects to proactively address evolving threats. We remain focused on investing in our defense in depth capabilities, including event detection and situational awareness, advancing our capabilities including disruptive technologies, like cloud and next generation mobile computing systems, threat management programs and leveraging advanced analytics.
- How does Boeing view the future regarding technologies like artificial intelligence and unmanned aircraft systems (drones) in the defense sector?
Boeing is integrating autonomy, artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) capabilities into current and future defense platforms where they provide mission and decision advantage to our customers. We are developing and delivering capabilities to autonomously pilot aircraft, manage mission systems, and create decisive decision tools for warfighters. Our advanced AI / ML and autonomy integration offerings bring distinct mission advantage safely to our customers. Systems are tested to ensure they are predictable, consistent, reliable and repeatable without unexpected points of failure. In addition, users receive education, training and clear information about the value, capabilities, limitations and potential effects of these systems.
In addition to developing autonomous behaviors across the full range of military operations, Boeing has AI efforts ranging from predictive maintenance and intelligent combat mission planning to data filtering to flow critical data to decision-makers.
We put a priority on our military’s safety and providing them with the AI capabilities they need in order to outpace modern day adversaries and evolving threats with exceptionally short decision timelines. Our AI solutions meet all applicable legal and regulatory standards, notably those for safety, privacy, security and performance.
Development Systems: Boeing also embraces the use of AI / ML and large language models (LLM) to aid in the development and design of our systems to ensure our platforms offer class leading capabilities. These are rapidly evolving tools that support the continuous improvement and ongoing transformation of our development processes. They also incorporate human oversight and control, ensuring humans can safely override or modify system behavior.
AI-accelerated warfighter decision making pairs exceptionally well with other capabilities, such as manned-unmanned teaming (MUM-T), where Boeing has proven success:
- Boeing has conducted tests and mission simulations on manned-unmanned teaming capability with our products, including the F-15EX, F/A-18 Super Hornet, MQ-25 and MQ-28.
- Last year, Boeing virtually demonstrated an F/A-18 pilot commanding an unmanned MQ-25 to release a refueling drogue and refuel the Super Hornet, using existing communications links on both platforms.
- We operationalized manned-unmanned teaming on the AH-64 Apache helicopter a decade ago and have also demonstrated a crew interface to manage Launched Effects from an Apache.
- How does Boeing contribute to training military and aviation teams on operating and maintaining the advanced systems it provides? And does Boeing offer innovative solutions to ease maintenance and technical support for aircraft and defense systems?
We offer impeccable, high-quality training solutions and services for all persons throughout their training lifecycle, supporting operators and training providers around the globe. We have the most comprehensive digital portfolio in the industry. Our solutions provide the software and services to improve performance and reliability across all phases of flight for all types of aircraft, across commercial and military, business, and general aviation. Our integrated suite of software and predictive analytics enable customers to integrate their operational silos to gain 360-degree visibility, modernize their operations, and improve real-time decision-making. From advanced Flight Deck and Navigation solutions to Flight Operations and Maintenance, we help customers navigate and operate more efficiently, reduce fuel consumption, optimize flight and crew planning and scheduling, and minimize the impact of disruptions on their operations.