Thales has been a strategic partner for the UAE space industry for many years.
In 2007, the Al Yah Satellite Communications Company “Yahsat” awarded a contract to the consortium composed of Thales Alenia Space and Astrium, in order to build a dual-satellite communications system. Y1A & Y1B satellites were successfully launched in 2011 and 2012 respectively and the systems have been operational since.
Thales has also been working closely with the UAE Armed Forces on advanced satellite technologies.