IDEX NEWS IN BRIEF

21 Feb 19. BAE Systems continues prospecting in the Middle East. At IDEX 2019 in the vehicle domain BAE Systems showcased potential upgrade paths for nations in the region with existing equipment such as the Bradley IFV or M109 self-propelled howitzer. The company’s presence in the Middle East came as its 2018 annual results were released on 21 February, highlighting cooperation with countries such as Saudi Arabia, but also highlighting how export restrictions could be problematic for the company.

Specifically, the announcement noted that: ‘Current German government position on export licensing may affect the Group’s ability to provide capability to Saudi Arabia which may have a consequential impact on the Group’s financial performance and relationships.’

This does however focus on air assets, particularly the Typhoon fast jet, rather than land platforms.

Speaking to Shephard in Abu Dhabi ahead of the release of the results Dennis Hancock, director of international combat vehicles at BAE Systems, said that the company had already been heavily involved in talks with Saudi Arabia regarding the country’s ‘Vision 2030’ and that BAE Systems continues to look ‘to do industrialisation here in the region’.

The company is looking towards potential upgrade options for nations that have legacy M109s, which could be updated to the A6 Paladin standard that the US Army is working towards, and the Bradley IFV which is also being upgraded to the A3 standard.

The M109 has a plethora of customers in the Middle East including Egypt, Iran, Kuwait, Lebanon, Saudi Arabia and the UAE. All of which are potential targets for upgrades.

In addition, an A7 upgrade of the M109 is in development with the US Army which Hancock said would likely be the natural way forward after an A6 upgrade for many.

He added that the company was in ‘active discussion’ with some nations in the Middle East regarding these opportunities.

On the Bradley a similar opportunity presents itself with the A3 variant in service with the US Army and the A4 in production. Saudi Arabia possesses 400 of the IFVs.

As the M113 Bradleys age Hancock said that ‘M113s everywhere will need to be replaced’. The US Army is indeed replacing the vehicle with the Armoured Multi-Purpose Vehicle (AMPV) which on 19 February it received a $575m contract to start LRIP for the US. Hancock highlighted the commonality across the AMPV, M109A6/7 and Bradley A3/4 family of vehicles as opportunities for the AMVP to enter export. (Source: Shephard)

21 Feb 19. The five-day International Defense Exhibition & Conference (IDEX 2019), which concluded today, has been a monumental event for Emirates Defense Industries Company (EDIC). The strategic partner of IDEX and NAVDEX 2019, EDIC, along with its group companies, showcased its latest line of defense products and technology solutions. The company also signed multiple strategic partnerships with regional and international companies during the event.

Some of the major highlights for Emirates Defense Industries Company (EDIC) at IDEX 2019 included the launch of AJBAN 447A Multi-Role Armoured Vehicle and the unveiling of the region’s first vehicle Electro-Magnetic Compliance (EMC) chamber by NIMR. Other important launches included a high-precision guidance system for MK84 by EDIC, Sejeel by Barij Dynamics (which is also a high-precision guidance system), and a 40mm high velocity ammunition by Barij Munitions.

EDIC also announced key partnerships between its subsidiaries and organizations from around the world. The Advanced Military Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul Center, LLC., (AMMROC) signed MoUs with BAE Systems Electronic Systems and Falcon Aviation.

Speaking on the last day of IDEX 2019, EDIC Executive Director of Business Development, Fahad Al Mheiri, said, “It was an honour to showcase the achievements of our group companies to dignitaries and stakeholders from all over the world. We are delighted with the response that we received during the event. I would also like to thank the UAE’s leadership for continually supporting our commitment to drive innovation and progress in the UAE’s defense industries sector. As the country’s leading integrated defense manufacturing and services platform, our primary objective is to meet the demands and requirements of the UAE armed forces, and our new products and solutions reflect this commitment. The new partnerships that we have forged during the event will help us further enhance our capabilities, enabling us to offer more value to all our stakeholders. IDEX, being the region’s only international defense exhibition and conference, is of major significance to the global defense sector, and we are proud have been the strategic partner of IDEX for the third time.”

Emirates Defense Industries Company (EDIC) was established in 2014 to become the largest integrated platform for the military industry in the region. EDIC comprises of multiple business units, each specializing in a specific aspect of the defense sector such as MRO services, defense manufacturing, technical services and training. AMMROC, EDIC MRO Land, ADSB, and GAL provide cutting-edge MRO services. NIMR, Barij Munitions, Barij Dynamics and EDIC Caracal provide state-of-the-art defense manufacturing; and EDIC Bayanat, EDIC Technical Services, EDIC Precision Industries, and Thales Advanced Solutions are leaders in Technical Services and Solutions. EDIC Horizon is the region’s premier flight training academy.

20 Feb 19. IDEX and NAVDEX 2019 Conclude with UAE Armed Forces Registering Deals Worth AED20bn.

65% of deals awarded to international companies
35% of deals awarded to national companies
More than 124,370 visitors attended

The 2019 editions of the International Defence Exhibition (IDEX) and Naval Defence Exhibition (NAVDEX), held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE and Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, concluded today with deals worth AED20,053,699,941 inked by the UAE Armed Forces over the five days of the dual events. Over the duration of the exhibitions, 65 per cent of the deals were awarded to international companies, while the remaining 35 per cent were allocated to national companies.

His Excellency Staff Major General Pilot Faris Khalaf Al Mazrouei, Chairman of the Higher Organising Committee of IDEX and NAVDEX 2019, today headlined a press conference to announce the final numbers. The event drew the participation of His Excellency Major-General Staff Pilot Ishaq Saleh Al Balushi, Deputy Chairman of the Higher Organising Committee of IDEX and NAVDEX 2019, General Mohammed Al Hassani, Official Spokesperson of IDEX 2019, Naval Staff Colonel Fahad Nasser Saif Al Thehli, Official Spokesperson of NAVDEX 2019, Humaid Matar Al Dhaheri, Group CEO of the Abu Dhabi National Exhibitions Company (ADNEC), and Saeed Al Mansouri, Director of IDEX.

The spokespersons for IDEX and NAVDEX 2019 announced deals valued at AED402,760,834 were inked on day five of the collocated events. National companies received 7 of the 14 deals, while the remaining 7 were awarded to international companies.

Speaking on the occasion, His Excellency Staff Major General Pilot Faris Khalaf Al Mazrouei, said: “Bringing together international and national decision-makers, experts and specialists, IDEX and NAVDEX 2019 further reinforced the UAE’s leading global status in attracting and hosting major defence and marine conferences and exhibitions.”

He added: “Under the guidance of the UAE’s wise leadership, both exhibitions demonstrated the nation’s best-in-class defence, security and military capabilities that seamlessly integrate the advanced technologies of the Fourth Industrial Revolution and artificial intelligence.”

Speaking on the transformations sweeping the defence and security landscape in light of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, and their impact on developing strategies that respond to future challenges, His Excellency Major-General Staff Pilot Ishaq Saleh Al Balushi said: “The IDEX and NAVDEX platforms have helped review and better understand the latest defence and security technologies. Through inking partnerships and deals with a number of major defence contractors and institutions, the UAE Armed Forces has reiterated its commitment to promoting international peace and security.”

For his part, Humaid Matar Al Dhaheri said: “ADNEC has played a crucial role in developing the meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions (MICE) sector in the UAE and the wider region. This is evident in the hosting and organisation of the distinguished defence and naval exhibitions over several years. In realising the objectives of the Abu Dhabi Economic Vision 2030, ADNEC’s world-class facilities, services and infrastructure supported the success of the latest editions that drew the participation of international, regional and local exhibitors.”

Al Dhaheri added: “Coinciding with the silver jubilee of IDEX, the current edition of both exhibitions witnessed record-breaking national and international exhibitors and visitors. Over the five days, IDEX and NAVDEX attracted more than 124,370 visitors, as well as 1,213 media representatives from 42 countries, or an increase of 16 per cent compared to the 2017 edition.”

To conclude, Al Dhaheri explained that bookings for the 2021 edition have already reached 70 per cent.

Day-five international deals:

An AED14,033,798 contract with the Jordanian company King Abdullah II Design and Development Bureau to purchase combat launchers for the UAE Armed Forces
An AED40,453,686 contract with the German company Rheinmetall Electronics to provide technical support services for tactical engagement simulations
An AED33,975,249 contract with the American company Lockheed Martin to provide technical support services and technicians for the repair and maintenance of rocket launchers (HIMARS)
An AED129,625,000 contract with the Russian company Joint Stock to purchase ammunitions for the UAE Army
An AED7,148,640 contract with the Swiss company INOVEX & Simulation to extend technical support and training for Leclerc tank simulators
An AED16,595,545 contract with the British company CBRNergetics Limited to purchase ammunitions for the UAE Army
An AED25,800,000 contract with the French company Cefa sas for the supply of spare parts, as well as provision of repair and maintenance services and technical consultations and training on ‘Cefa’ units

Total value of contracts with international companies on day five: AED267,631,918

Day-five national deals:

An AED30,000,000 contract the International Golden Group (IGG) to purchase 155mm ammunitions for the Chinese-made AH4 artillery weapon for the UAE Army
An AED16,500,000 contract with Al Fahad to install and provide maintenance works on security systems for the UAE Armed Forces
An AED4,800,000 contract with Al-Fattan company to rent a floating dock for the UAE Navy
An AED4,929,800 contract with the company Emirates Shooting to improve the efficiency of flash targets
An AED3,499,116 contract with the company Trust to purchase control vehicles for the UAE Army
An AED15,400,000 contract with the company Three Dimension for fitness centres
An AED60,000,000 contract with the company Knowledge Point to provide specialised cadres

Total value of contracts with UAE companies on day five: AED135,128,916

20 Feb 19. UAE, Saudi Arabia firms to boost defence cooperation. UAE-based companies are boosting their cooperation with Saudi Arabia in the defence sector as ties between the two countries strengthen.

Al Seer Marine, an Abu Dhabi-based manufacturer of unmanned surface vessels, has announced a strategic partnership agreement with Advanced Electronics Company (AEC), a Saudi-based company.

The primary aim of this collaboration is to build unmanned surface vessels for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA).

Al Seer Marine will be the primary manufacturer for unmanned surface vessels in KSA and AEC will be their exclusive partner in the Kingdom, according to a statement on Wednesday.

“Our strategic partnership offers tremendous growth potential and we are confident that we will enhance our support to the KSA defence forces. This partnership strengthens Saudi-UAE collaboration in key defence sectors,” said Abdulaziz Al Duailej, CEO and President of AEC.

In another announcement, Calidus of Abu Dhabi signed a Memorandum of Understanding with GDC Middle East of Riyadh to establish a joint corporation to explore the market in the Mena region for the Calidus B-250 light attack aircraft and to develop in-house capabilities.

B-250, which is manufactured in the UAE, has multi-role capabilities including close air support, counter-insurgency and intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance for modern warfare. It can also serve as a trainer.

Major General (retired) Abdullah Al Syed Al Hashemi, Calidus senior vice-president, said: “Our agreement with GDC Middle East is another important step in our progress in extending the capability of the regional defence sector. We look forward to sharing our expertise with GDC and working together to build the market for the B-250 across the Middle East and North Africa.”

Mubadala Investment Company and Saudi Arabian Military Industries (Sami) are also collaborating across aerospace, defence manufacturing, maintenance, repair and overhaul, research and development and engineering, the two firms said earlier this week.

Sami, created in 2017 and owned by Public Investment Fund, is playing an important role in the development of defence sector in the Kingdom. The company expects to contribute over 14bn riyals ($3.7bn) to the Kingdom’s annual gross domestic product, with an investment of over 6bn riyals ($1.6bn) towards research and development processes, and creation of 40,000 job opportunities for Saudi youth. (Source: Google/https://gulfnews.com)

20 Feb 19. IDEX, NAVDEX 2019: UAE Armed Forces Awards Deals Worth more than AED19.65 in Four Days.

Deals on day four amount to AED2.7bn.

Speaking at a press conference on day four of the International Defence Exhibition and Conference (IDEX 2019) and the Naval Defence and Maritime Security Exhibition (NAVDEX 2019), General Mohammed Al Hassani, Official Spokesperson of IDEX 2019, and Naval Staff Colonel Fahad Nasser Saif Al Thehli, Official Spokesperson of NAVDEX 2019, announced 29 deals worth AED2,781,671,116. To date, the total value of deals announced at IDEX and NAVDEX 2019 accumulates to more than AED19.65bn.

On day four of IDEX and NAVDEX 2019, national companies received 22 of the 29 deals, while the remaining 7 were awarded to international companies.

International companies:

An AED1,190,327,475 contract with the American company Kaman Precision to purchase FMU-152 for the UAE Air Force
An AED74,980,717 contract with the American company Alliant Techsystems to purchase a sensor system for the UAE Joint Air Command
An AED7,346,000 contract with the Russian company Joint Stock to upgrade BMP-3 tankers for the UAE Army
An AED516,000,000 contract with the French company Nexter Systems to provide technical support, supply spare parts, and technical repair services for Leclerc tanks
An AED45,746,582 contract with the French company Defence Conseil to provide French military personnel for technical advice and training as well as supply repair and maintenance services for the Leclerc tanks, armoured vehicles and field engineering units
An AED150,409,700 contract with the Colombian company Indumil to purchase MK-81 MK-82 type bombs as well as front and rear fuselage for the UAE Air Force
An AED9,155,000 contract with Ultra Electronics to buy encryption devices for the UAE Navy

Total value of contracts with international companies: AED1,993,965,474

National companies:

An AED6,613,750 contract with Al Fahad Security Systems to install security systems for the UAE Armed Forces
An AED4,636,800 contract with Al-Fattan company for the rental of marine equipment for the Critical Infrastructure and Coastal Protection Authority
An AED630,000 contract with Atlas Security for the installation of security systems for the UAE Armed Forces
An AED11,007,469 contract with the International Golden Group (IGG) to purchase navigation systems for NIMR vehicles for the UAE Armed Forces
A contract with the International Golden Group (IGG) split into two tranches – AED77,848,000 and AED17,006,685 for – to purchase light ammunitions for the UAE Armed Forces
An AED3,600,000 contract with Al Sahraa Group for transportation of units and merchandise
An AED45,000,000 contract with Emirates for Universal Tyres to provide technical support for UAE Armed Forces vehicles
An AED2,340,000 contract with Al Aberah Electrical to install security systems
An AED13,300,000 contract with Emirates Defence Technology to buy minesweepers for the UAE Armed Forces
An AED37,065,000 contract with Emirates Telecommunication to buy and install radio stations for signal defence
An AED44,705,000 contract with Gulf Aerospace to buy various ammunitions for the UAE Air Force
An AED17,700,000 contract with Rohde & Schwarz for maintenance services for UAE Armed Forces
An AED15,548,858 contract with Site Technology Limited for maintenance of electronic networks for signal defence
An AED20,000,000 contract with Tridles and Machine to provide technical support for maintenance and repair services as well as supply spare parts for the UAE Armed Forces units
An AED300,000,000 contract with Trust International to provide technical support for the BMP-3 armoured infantry fighting vehicle
An AED5,000,000 contract with Al Ain Fani Weapon to provide technical support for light weapons
An AED14,000,000 contract with the company Three Dimension for equipping and managing fitness centres for the National Service authority
An AED2,394,000 contract with the company Condor Medical Waste Treatment to provide services and treatment of medical waste
An AED80,000,000 contract with Knowledge Point to provide advisory services and prepare studies for the UAE Armed Forces
An AED25,310,080 contract with the company Khalid Faraj Shipping for the UAE Navy
An AED8,000,000 contract with Emirates Aviation to supply spare parts and repair radars for the UAE Air Force
An AED 36,000,000 contract with Emirates General Transport for vehicle rental services

Total value of contracts with UAE companies: AED787,705,642

19 Feb 19. Day Three of IDEX, NAVDEX 2019: UAE Armed Forces Awards Deals Worth more than AED4.8bn. Cumulative deals to date about AED16.869bn. At a press conference on day three of the International Defence Exhibition and Conference (IDEX 2019) and the Naval Defence and Maritime Security Exhibition (NAVDEX 2019), General Mohammed Al Hassani, Official Spokesperson of IDEX 2019, and Naval Staff Colonel Fahad Nasser Saif Al Thehli, Official Spokesperson of NAVDEX 2019, announced 28 deals worth AED4,878,756,832. To date, the total value of deals announced at IDEX and NAVDEX 2019 accumulates to AED16.869bn.

On day three of IDEX and NAVDEX 2019, national companies received 20 of the 28 deals, while the remaining 8 were awarded to international companies.

International companies:

A contract with the Jordanian centre King Abdullah for the purchase of AED64,652,329 worth of M/D missiles and binoculars for the UAE Armed Forces
An AED53,993,100 contract with the American company Environmental Tectonics to purchase and update equipment and training simulators at the UAE Air Force medical centre
An AED152,501,123 contract with the American company DigitalGlobe to provide space imaging services for the UAE Armed Forces
An AED5,500,244 contract with the American company Camber Corporation to provide advisory services for the UAE Chemical Defence Command
An AED60,874,893 contract with the Pakistani company Global Industrial and Defence Solutions to purchase ammunitions
An AED57,900,049 contract with the Russian company Joint Stock Company to purchase 100mm ammunitions for the BMP3 tanker for the UAE Army
An AED93,740,000 contract with the French company Thales to buy a Captas-type sonar for the UAE Navy
An AED25,711,000 contract with the Turkish company FNSS Savunma to supply spare parts and repair services for the M113 armoured personnel carrier

Total value of contracts with international companies: AED514,872,738

National companies:

A contract with Al Fahad Security Systems split into two tranches – AED4,979,000 for the Presidential Guard and AED1,995,000 for the UAE Armed Forces – to install security systems for the UAE Armed Forces
An AED24,000,000 contract with Al Jaber company to provide technical support services and supply spare parts for military vehicles
An AED14,870,730 contract with Al-Fattan company for the rental of marine equipment for the Critical Infrastructure and Coastal Protection Authority
An AED18,000,000 contract with Al Masaood company for maintenance and repair services, spare parts and tow services
An AED30,000,000 contract with Al Rumaithi company for the supply of spare parts, repair, technical consultations and training, as well as equipment for all units of the UAE Armed Forces
An AED4,782,191 contract with the company Atlas for the installation and maintenance of security systems for the UAE Armed Forces
An AED270,000,000 contract with the International Golden Group (IGG) to provide spare parts and maintenance for all units of the UAE Armed Forces
An AED28,525,200 contract with the International Golden Group (IGG) to buy thermal cameras for the UAE Army
An AED90,000,000 contract with Renk UAE to supply spare parts for Leclerc tanks
An AED20,000,000 contract with Central & Motors to buy tires for the UAE Armed Forces vehicles
An AED29,930,000 contract with Caracal to purchase arms and ammunitions (CAR 816 assault rifle – CP-320 caracal pistol 9mm – BARRETT sniper rifle 12.7 with accessories) for UAE Armed Forces
An AED70,000,000 contract with the Darwish bin Ahmed company to provide maintenance, technical and towing support as well as spare parts
An AED56,000,000 contract with Emirates General Transport to provide maintenance, repair and overhaul services
An AED60,000,000 contract with Etihad Ship Building to provide technical support and supply spare parts for boats and vessels for the UAE Navy
An AED26,460,636 contract with Al Hamra Trading to purchase control vehicles to remove munitions for the UAE Army
An AED34,893,500 contract with Star Satellite for the satellite communications system for the UAE Navy
An AED2,428,657,820 contract with Al Jasoor Heavy Vehicle for ARMA 8×8 armoured vehicle for UAE Army
An AED105,891,232 contract with Knowledge Point to provide specialised consultations to build and develop the capabilities of the UAE Armed Forces
An AED85,410,000 contract with the company Khalid Faraj to provide shipping services by chartering vessels for the Directorate of Joint Operations
An AED949,988,785 contract with Etimad to install a security system for the Critical Infrastructure and Coastal Protection AuthorityTotal value of contracts with UAE companies: AED4,363,884,094

18 Feb 19. Leonardo exhibited its wide portfolio of aerospace, security and defence capabilities at the 14th IDEX and 5th NAVDEX exhibitions in Abu Dhabi from 17th to 21st February. Find us at IDEX stand 06-B07 and NAVDEX stand B005. Since the first IDEX event, in 1993, Leonardo’s products have always featured at this unique showcase in the Middle East region,and long before that Leonardo was already supporting the UAE’s armed forces with world class products.

One example being the supply of SF-260 and MB-339 advanced training aircraft for the UAE Air Force. The MB-339 continues to equip the UAE’s Al Fursan national aerobatic team as well as their Italian counterpart, the Frecce Tricolori.

Continuing the tradition as a leading supplier of training aircraft, Leonardo will be promoting its new generation pilot training systems that cover the entire flight training syllabus: from basic training, with the new M-345 – which will replace Italian Air Force MB-339s starting from 2020 –, to advanced and lead-in fighter training, with the M-346, which will be presented in its Fighter Attack version.#For the first time in the region, Leonardo will present its Counter UAS (Unmanned Aerial Systems) capabilities based on an ‘open systems’ architecture, which enables the selection and integration of an appropriate sensor and effector mix for the specific scenario and operator and phase of engagement. Leonardo C-UAS capabilities are already operational with the Armed Forces of Italy and the UK and are available to be quickly and easily deployed in a civilian context, at airports or major events, all over the world.

Defence systems are another sector in which Leonardo excels and it will be showcasing systems,

for both land and naval applications at IDEX and NAVDEX. These will include the HITFACT® MkII lightweight, modular turret, which can be configured with either a 105/52 mm rifled gun or a 120/45 mm smoothbore low-recoil-force gun; also on display will be the Company’s guided ammunition offer, including the 76mm DART, used for engaging fast-moving targets, and the Vulcano family 76mm and 127mm naval guns, and 155mm land artillery systems, which can deliver an effect at extreme range with surgical precision.

Leonardo is a technological leader in the field of airborne sensors and protection technology and will be showcasing its high performance Osprey Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar which features ultra-high levels of reliability and attractive cost-of-ownership. Protective capabilities such as the world-leading BriteCloud Expendable Active Decoy and Miysis Directed Infrared Counter-Measure (DIRCM) will also be on display. These systems are readily exportable to the Middle East region, where Miysis has already been ordered.

For land and naval applications Leonardo has its multi-functional and multi-mission radar family called KRONOS, which can simultaneously and independently perform surveillance and tracking thanks to the AESA technology developed within the company. The KRONOS in its different versions is well known in the area, starting from the UAE where the Abu Dhabi class corvettes integrate the radar system, as well as the Falaj 2 class Patrol Vessels.

At NAVDEX an interactive display of a ship’s bridge will be on show supported by Leonardo’s

innovative ‘naval cockpit’, where visitors can learn about the capabilities of a fully-integrated naval operations and combat system. Additionally Leonardo’s naval equipment will be present on board the Italian Navy’s ITS Carlo Margottini, a European Multimission Frigate (FREMM) which is visiting the NAVDEX exhibition this year. ITS Margottini is an anti-submarine warfare unit and is equipped with systems designed, produced and integrated by Leonardo. In the UAE, more than 20 vessels are equipped with Leonardo naval systems. In the Middle East region the company is also providing refit and upgrade solutions for existing fleets, such as the Royal Bahrain Naval Force’s six ‘Al Manama’ class ships, where new weapon control systems, training services and logistics are being provided.

Leonardo will also be marketing its AW139M, AW149 and AW109M Trekker military helicopters, designed to perform a wide range of law enforcement, search and rescue, security, utility, and troop transport missions and border and coastal surveillance, day or night, in all conditions, will be displayed in model form. Leonardo’s AW159 multi-role anti-submarine warfare and anti-surface warfare helicopter will be presented at NAVDEX. The new generation AW159 delivers exceptional maritime capability while being able to operate from small ships. The NH90 NFH naval helicopter will also be on display aboard the ITS Margottini.

Leonardo’s helicopters are recognised in the UAE for their high performance, advanced technology

and safety. Approximately 90% of the UAE VVIP rotorcraft fleet is made up of Leonardo helicopters and more than 100 Leonardo helicopters are currently operating in the UAE in various roles. Across the Middle East region, more than 280 of Leonardo’s new generation helicopters are in service or on order.

Leonardo’s space technologies, security services for major events and critical infrastructure physical and cyber security protection are capabilities that are well known in the UAE. Leonardo is looking to expand its business in the UAE and has already offered solutions for the UAE’s space programmes, security, communication and automation services for transport as well as integrated and secure communication networks for the police service and armed forces.

Leonardo exhibited its wide portfolio of aerospace, security and defence capabilities at the 14th IDEX and 5th NAVDEX exhibitions in Abu Dhabi from 17th to 21st February. Find us at IDEX stand 06-B07 and NAVDEX stand B005. Since the first IDEX event, in 1993, Leonardo’s products have always featured at this unique showcase in the Middle East region,and long before that Leonardo was already supporting the UAE’s armed forces with world class products.

For the first time in the region, Leonardo will present its Counter UAS (Unmanned Aerial Systems) capabilities based on an ‘open systems’ architecture, which enables the selection and integration of an appropriate sensor and effector mix for the specific scenario and operator and phase of engagement. Leonardo C-UAS capabilities are already operational with the Armed Forces of Italy and the UK and are available to be quickly and easily deployed in a civilian context, at airports or major events, all over the world.

Defence systems are another sector in which Leonardo excels and it will be showcasing systems,

At NAVDEX an interactive display of a ship’s bridge will be on show supported by Leonardo’s

Leonardo’s helicopters are recognised in the UAE for their high performance, advanced technology

19 Feb 19. Empowering industry for a better tomorrow. Tawazun Economic Council (Outdoor CP-300) has announced the launch of the Defense and Security Development Fund with a capital of AED2.5bn (approximately $680m). The Fund is intended towards enablement of the defence and security sector and its contribution to the economic development in the United Arab Emirates. The Defense and Security Development Fund will unveil key financing and investment programmes at the Tawazun Pavilion.

His Excellency Tareq Abdul Raheem Al Hosani, chief executive of Tawazun Economic Council, said the Council established the Fund in order to encourage the private sector to invest in the fields of defence and security, and contribute to the development of national and technological industries, including SMEs – with the aim of building a diversified and sustainable national economy.

The launch of the Fund stems from the vision of His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates, and the directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces.

Al Hosani further stressed that the establishment of the Fund is part of the integrated development strategy of the UAE, and aims to enable income sources, enhance self-reliance, and encourage creativity and innovation. His Excellency Saif Mohammed Al Hajeri, Chairman of the Department of Economic Development, added that the Fund is an invaluable addition that reaffirms the UAE and the capital’s strategy and vision towards enabling and developing non-oil economic sectors, as well as supporting the national economy. Al Hajeri stressed that the launch of a fund dedicated to the development of defence and security industries is aligned with the Accelerators Programme, ‘Ghadan 21’, by the Abu Dhabi Government and with the efforts to develop partnerships between public and private sectors (PPP).

Abdullah Nasser Al Jaabari, Chief Officer and Head of the Defense and Security Development Fund, stated that the Fund will focus on three main areas: strategic technology investments and intellectual property; strengthening innovation and industrial capabilities; and development of SMEs and local companies.

Al Jaabari confirmed that the Fund operates a two-pronged approach model, through investment and financing and specialised financing programmes that will launch in the last quarter of the year. He added that a bundle of facilities, which will include loans at reduced interest rates as well as appealing long-term repayment plans, will be offered. (Source: IHS Jane’s)

IDEX NEWS IN BRIEF

EXHIBITIONS AND CONFERENCES

VETERANS UPDATE

MANAGEMENT ON THE MOVE