ABU DHABI — KATIM, an EDGE Group subsidiary specializing in secure communications, has announced a landmark partnership with Kerno Enterprises to transition the manufacturing of advanced network encryption systems to the United Arab Emirates.
The agreement, formalized during the Make it in the Emirates 2026 forum, marks a significant milestone in the UAE's pursuit of technological sovereignty. By combining KATIM's sovereign design expertise with Kerno's local IT hardware manufacturing capabilities—the first of its kind in the Emirates—the partnership aims to secure critical infrastructure through entirely in-country production cycles.
Advancing Post-Quantum Security
The collaboration focuses on the KATIM Gateway series, a suite of high-bandwidth, post-quantum resistant network encryptors designed to protect data flows between core networks and mission-critical data centers.
The localized production roadmap will be executed in phases:
- Phase I: Manufacturing of the X9001 and X9001-R, which are portable variants of the KATIM Gateway.
- Phase II: Expansion to the X9011, a high-capacity system designed for large-scale enterprise and government data encryption.
Strengthening National Resilience
By localizing the integration of these devices, the UAE aims to eliminate external dependencies for its most sensitive data protection needs. This move aligns with the national agenda to bolster data sovereignty and ensure that critical systems remain operational and secure even in volatile global environments.
"This partnership is yet another step in the UAE's mission for complete technological sovereignty," stated Didier Pagnoux, CEO of KATIM. "By manufacturing Gateway devices locally, EDGE acts as a cornerstone of national resilience, providing data protection in the most sensitive environments."
A Foundation of Trust
The partnership underscores a shift toward "security by design" within the UAE's borders. For Kerno, the collaboration represents a commitment to building a self-reliant industrial ecosystem capable of supporting high-stakes infrastructure.
Christopher Caswell, Co-Founder and CEO of Kerno, emphasized the strategic importance of the deal: "It's not just about performance; it's about trust, security, and the ability to operate without dependency. We are enabling sovereign, secure infrastructure that can be maintained within the UAE, especially where there is no margin for compromise."
This initiative further solidifies the UAE's position as a regional hub for advanced defense and cybersecurity manufacturing, ensuring that the nation's digital backbone is shielded by locally engineered and produced solutions.
