EDGE and Kerno Partner to Boost Local Production of Network Encryption Systems in UAE

The collaboration aligns with the UAE’s broader vision to reinforce data sovereignty and build resilient, secure infrastructure within the country. By integrating manufacturing and system development locally, the partnership is expected to reduce reliance on external supply chains while strengthening national cybersecurity capabilities.

The agreement was formalized during the Make it in the Emirates 2026 event, where Didier Pagnoux, Chief Executive Officer of KATIM, and Christopher Caswell, Co-Founder and CEO of Kerno, signed the partnership deal.

At the core of this initiative is the KATIM Gateway, a high-performance, post-quantum-resistant network encryptor designed to safeguard sensitive data transmissions across core networks, data centres, and mission-critical operations. The technology is engineered to handle high-bandwidth data flows while maintaining robust security standards.

The first phase of local production will focus on the X9001 and X9001-R models portable encryption devices suited for flexible deployment environments. Future plans include scaling up production to incorporate the X9011, a more advanced solution tailored for large-scale data encryption needs.

Speaking on the development, Didier Pagnoux emphasized that the partnership marks another milestone in the UAE’s journey toward technological self-reliance. He noted that local manufacturing of encryption systems strengthens national resilience and ensures continuous protection of sensitive data, even in complex and high-risk environments.

Christopher Caswell highlighted the strategic importance of building domestic capabilities in critical infrastructure. He stated that the collaboration is not only about delivering high-performance systems but also about ensuring trust, operational control, and long-term sustainability in secure data management.

The partnership reflects a growing emphasis on sovereign technology development in the UAE, particularly in sectors where data security and operational independence are essential. By combining KATIM’s expertise in encryption technologies with Kerno’s manufacturing capabilities, the initiative is set to play a key role in advancing the country’s secure digital ecosystem.