In order to ensure its national security, the UAE is urged to modify and levitate its defense industry through offset programs. UAE adapted the offset programs as an acquisition strategy to obtain defense technology and systems. Therefore, the UAE needs to consider developing its defense capabilities in accordance with the 2030 vision.
In this paper, the current offset program that is applied in the UAE is studied and evaluated. Certainly, the identified fallouts and limitation should be addressed and discussed. In addition, the offset programs of Czech Republic and Republic of Korea are analyzed as an example of how a country can elevate its defense capabilities. Then the proposed model is illustrated and explained using systems engineering methodology. Offset programs should focus more on enhancing and initiating cooperative capabilities programs to prepare for future development of the system. After that, the proposed model is compared with the present model from different viewpoints.
In this paper, I suggest that Tawazun Economic Council (TEC), which is responsible of supervising the offset program, should alter its responsibilities. TEC should adapt systems engineering process to ensure that offset programs are effectively conducted. Introducing systems engineering process in the UAE and merge it with TEC is a long process that requires efforts and time, however I suggest to start focusing on the first stage which is mainly to formulate the requirements and establish competition in the indigenous defense industry.
