Schneider Electric has announced the launch of EcoStruxure™ Foxboro Software Defined Automation (SDA), describing it as the industry’s first open, software-defined distributed control system (DCS).

The new platform combines the established reliability of Foxboro systems with the flexibility of software-defined automation, aimed at helping hybrid and process industry customers modernise operations more quickly and with lower risk.

For decades, Foxboro DCS has functioned as the core control system for complex industrial operations, enabling real-time coordination of processes. However, Schneider Electric said evolving industrial requirements now demand greater agility, simplified compliance and fewer costly system upgrades. EcoStruxure Foxboro SDA has been developed to address these needs by delivering enhanced scalability, flexibility and cost efficiency while maintaining high levels of reliability.

The importance of open industrial systems was underscored in Schneider Electric’s recent global research report with Omdia, which found that closed systems cost mid-sized industrial companies an estimated 7.5% of annual revenue due to downtime, inefficiencies and compliance-related retrofits.

Hany Fouda, Senior Vice President, Process Automation at Schneider Electric, said the launch represents a pivotal moment for the sector. “EcoStruxure™ Foxboro SDA marks a defining moment for industrial automation. By embracing openness and software-defined architecture, we’re giving our customers the agility to modernise without compromise, protecting their investments while unlocking future-ready capabilities. This evolution is a strategic enabler for digital transformation.”

Developed in response to customer challenges such as ageing systems and rising costs, Foxboro SDA decouples hardware from software, enabling organisations to retain existing infrastructure while adopting a smoother, lower-risk modernisation pathway. Schneider Electric said this approach simplifies workflows, accelerates access to operational insights and supports long-term performance improvements.

Powered by EcoStruxure Automation Expert, the system is designed to enable interoperability, rapid deployment and fit-for-purpose configurations while maintaining high availability. By separating control logic from hardware, it supports vendor independence and scalable architectures. Built in line with IEC 62443-3-3 cybersecurity standards, the platform is designed to support IT and OT convergence, artificial intelligence and machine learning integration, and the transition towards more autonomous Industry 4.0 operations.

The system also enables digital continuity across the plant lifecycle, from design and engineering through to production and maintenance. By keeping data consistent and connected, Foxboro SDA supports automated workflows, improved product quality and integration with advanced analytics tools to enable real-time business decision-making.

Craig Resnick, Vice President at ARC Advisory Group, said the launch represents a significant shift in process automation. “By decoupling control logic from hardware, Schneider Electric is providing manufacturers with the agility to scale, adapt and simplify their operations. This software-defined approach helps reduce maintenance costs, protect legacy automation investments and ensure digital continuity throughout the entire plant lifecycle,” he said.

“With cybersecurity built into its core and a commitment to open, interoperable standards, Foxboro SDA enables manufacturers to modernise at their own pace, accelerate IT and OT convergence and expand adoption of next-generation technologies such as AI, edge computing and autonomous operations.”

Schneider Electric said the platform provides customers with a future-ready upgrade path, embedded cybersecurity and simplified operations, positioning Foxboro SDA not just as a control system, but as a strategic foundation for long-term digital transformation.

The UAE Cyber Security Council today hosted the CyberFirst UAE Summit 2026 in Abu Dhabi, bringing together CISOs, senior cybersecurity executives, government officials and technology leaders to strengthen national cyber resilience amid an increasingly complex global threat landscape.

Positioned as a high-level forum for strategic dialogue, the summit highlighted the growing importance of cybersecurity in supporting the UAE’s AED 100 billion-plus digital economy ambitions. As digital transformation accelerates across sectors, cybersecurity has emerged as a core pillar of national development, protecting critical infrastructure, sensitive data and public trust across a highly interconnected digital ecosystem.

The event was closely aligned with the UAE National Cybersecurity Strategy, which has positioned the country among the world’s most cyber-ready nations. In 2024, the UAE achieved a 100% score in the Global Cybersecurity Index and was recognised as a global “pioneering model” for cyber readiness, reflecting sustained investment in governance, innovation and digital trust.

Despite this progress, speakers at the summit noted that the regional threat landscape continues to intensify, with cyber incidents across the GCC rising by nearly 40% year-on-year.

H.E. Dr Mohamed Al Kuwaiti, Head of Cyber Security for the UAE Government, emphasised the need for collective resilience, stating that cybersecurity is no longer solely a technical function but a national imperative underpinning economic growth, public trust and societal stability. He added that the scale and sophistication of cyber threats demand a unified approach that integrates policy, innovation and leadership.

Dr Al Kuwaiti said the CyberFirst UAE Summit served as a critical platform for collaboration, enabling decision-makers and industry leaders to align on strategy, share intelligence and advance secure-by-design frameworks to ensure the UAE’s digital future remains trusted and competitive.

The one-day summit brought together senior stakeholders from government, finance, utilities and energy, healthcare, manufacturing and critical infrastructure. Discussions focused on national cyber resilience, AI and cloud security, Zero Trust architectures, cyber governance and regulation, threat intelligence, supply chain security and the role of leadership in sustaining digital trust.

A key highlight of the event was the Awards & Recognition Ceremony, which celebrated excellence across the cybersecurity ecosystem. Awards recognised achievements in areas including cloud and AI security, Zero Trust implementation, threat intelligence leadership, innovation and strategic vision, as well as individual leadership across the UAE and MENA region.

The CyberFirst UAE Summit 2026 reinforced the UAE’s ambition to become a global hub for digital trust and cybersecurity excellence, supporting a secure, resilient and future-ready digital environment for the nation and the wider region. The summit was supported by leading industry partners, including Google Cloud Security, Anomali, OPSWAT, Pentera, AmiViz, hwg, Tenable, Securonix, Paramount Assuring Value and Kron Technologies.

stc group, Saudi Arabia’s leading digital enabler, has returned as the principal partner of World Defense Show (WDS) 2026, the Kingdom’s flagship defence and security exhibition.

The event opened in Riyadh and runs until 12 February, bringing together government representatives, industry leaders and innovators from around the world.

During the exhibition, specialized by stc, the group’s arm focused on mission-critical communications, is showcasing its Mission-Critical Communications (MCC) solution. Designed to deliver secure, high-performance connectivity, the solution provides resilient communications in fast-moving and high-risk environments. While essential for defence operations, the technology also supports other critical sectors where uninterrupted and trusted networks are vital for command execution, operational coordination and mission success.

A central feature of the showcase is the MCC Dome, an immersive exhibition experience that presents real-world mission-critical scenarios. The experience is divided into four interactive zones, beginning with a Crisis Response Simulation that demonstrates multi-agency coordination and highlights how mission-critical networks enable reliable communication and faster, more informed decision-making.

The Satellite Integration Zone focuses on hardened infrastructure and redundancy, designed to extend coverage and ensure service continuity across the Kingdom. This is followed by the Device Zone, which displays a range of rugged, field-ready equipment used by mission-critical personnel. The experience concludes with the Future of Mission-Critical Communications Zone, highlighting emerging technologies including AI-enabled incident prediction, drones, robotics and next-generation critical communication solutions.

In addition to the main display, specialized by stc is presenting dedicated use cases illustrating how mission-critical communications are applied across public safety, energy, healthcare, transportation, entertainment and giga-projects. In these environments, the technology supports emergency medical response, energy infrastructure management and public safety at large-scale events, where timing, reliability and coordination are paramount.

Riyadh Mouawd, chief business officer at stc group, said the event provides a strategic platform to demonstrate how secure connectivity supports real-world operations and national resilience. Khaled Aldharrab, chief executive officer at specialized by stc, added that the group’s responsibility is to ensure vital sectors remain connected during large-scale events, emergencies and complex operations.

stc group’s continued partnership with World Defense Show underscores its role in enabling secure, sector-wide transformation through advanced digital infrastructure, supporting operational readiness, digital sovereignty and long-term resilience across the Kingdom and the wider region.

Lockheed Martin has announced the opening of a new software factory in Riyadh, marking a significant step in expanding advanced defence software development capabilities within Saudi Arabia. The facility introduces the company’s software development ecosystem to the Kingdom, enabling the rapid creation of sovereign software applications and their integration into Lockheed Martin platforms and systems.

The Riyadh software factory forms part of Lockheed Martin’s wider transformation of its command-and-control capabilities. The company is shifting towards advanced software architecture supported by continuous integration and delivery pipelines, alongside a distributed software factory model. This approach is designed to create a flexible command-and-control environment capable of supporting scalable tactical, operational and strategic solutions, while allowing third-party applications to be integrated securely and efficiently.

According to Lockheed Martin, the model also supports host-nation software development within an interoperable command-and-control ecosystem, strengthening local capability while maintaining system security. The company said this approach enables faster deployment of mission-relevant digital solutions and improved adaptability to evolving operational requirements.

“This is a strong example of what can be achieved when Lockheed Martin works closely with Saudi industry and academia to develop world-class, integrated command-and-control capabilities in the Kingdom,” said Joseph Rank, chief executive for Lockheed Martin Saudi Arabia and Africa. “For more than 60 years, Lockheed Martin has partnered with Saudi Arabia in support of regional deterrence and stability. The software factory is one of several initiatives focused on building local capacity and accelerating the transfer of advanced technical expertise, while supporting U.S. jobs and strengthening the resilience and global reach of the U.S. defense industrial base.”

The software factory has already been used to demonstrate practical outcomes through collaboration with local industry. In one early application, Saudi interns at Lockheed Martin worked alongside engineers from SAMI Advanced Electronics Company to develop and demonstrate a new capability in under two weeks. The solution integrated commercial aircraft location data into Lockheed Martin’s CommandIQ common operating picture, highlighting the potential for rapid development through joint delivery teams.

“SAMI Advanced Electronics Company is committed to strengthening the Kingdom’s sovereign defense capabilities by deepening local engineering expertise and accelerating the delivery of mission-critical digital solutions,” said Eng. Ziad H. Al-Musallam, chief executive officer of SAMI Advanced Electronics Company. “This collaboration with Lockheed Martin’s Software Factory shows how joint delivery teams can rapidly integrate advanced software into operational command-and-control environments while transferring knowledge to Saudi talent and industry.”

Alongside the software factory, Lockheed Martin is also establishing an in-country Talent Studio aimed at developing digital and enterprise capabilities within the Saudi workforce. The programme will provide structured, hands-on training through early-career engineering and leadership-transition pathways. From 2026, the initiative aims to graduate thousands of digital enterprise engineers and leaders, supporting Saudi Arabia’s long-term industrial and workforce development objectives.