Saturday, February 26, 2011

New defence vehicles, satellite technology and advanced geospatial mapping among highlights of the UAE’s IDEX defence offering




Abu Dhabi, 22 February 2011: The 10th International Defence Exhibition and Conference (IDEX) and inaugural Naval Defence Exhibition (NAVDEX) are proving a prime forum for the UAE’s growing defence industry to highlight new technology. The 169 UAE companies exhibiting are central examples of advanced research, development and manufacturing capabilities from across the emirates.

UAE companies occupy more than 12,000sqm of space at IDEX 2011 with 169 exhibitors including Tawazun Holding, Mubadala Development Company, and the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority.

A number of UAE companies are also exhibiting in the First Time Exhibitors Zone, benefiting from the exclusive location and visibility the zone offers.

“IDEX has historically been a major forum for UAE companies to exhibit their advancements and technological prowess,” says Mohamed Al Mashgouni, IDEX 2011 Show Director.  “Each year, the UAE contribution to IDEX grows and the evolving nature of our country’s defence and security industry becomes more apparent. This year, with a more than 50 percent increase in the number of UAE participants compared to ’09, the technologies we see exhibited are becoming a major force in the local and global defence industry.”
Notable UAE companies exhibiting new technology at this week’s exhibition include Tawazun subsidiaries Caracal and NIMR, as well as Yahsat and Bayanat, both Mubadala subsidiaries.

Caracal International is the first arms manufacturer in the country and is exhibiting its line of innovative defence products.  Notable additions this year include the Caracal H type - a high performance single action pistol aimed primarily at the sporting market and developed by Caracal’s in-house design team. Caracal is also exhibiting its first line of rifles with both hunting and defence applications.

Exhibiting for the first time at IDEX as a Tawazun subsidiary is NIMR Automotive, the first UAE defence manufacturer to produce a range of land vehicles specifically designed for active military applications. NIMR’s vehicles range from 6x6 armoured personnel carriers and armoured patrol vehicles, to heavily and lightly armoured 4x4 command and recon vehicles – all built for high endurance in demanding desert terrain and extreme weather conditions. Their 6x6 short wheel base platform vehicle, launched yesterday by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President & Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, is the first defence vehicle platform designed and manufactured in the UAE.

Exhibiting for the first time at IDEX is Bayanat, the UAE’s premier and leading geospatial service provider. As a trusted partner and strategic provider of the UAE armed forces, Bayanat processes and distributes up-to-the-minute topographical, hydrographic and aeronautical information across the UAE. Beyond the government, these services are now available to public sector agencies and institutions.

Yahsat is Abu Dhabi’s first satellite company. Once launched this quarter, their first satellite will provide ultra secure Ka band coverage for the region. This coverage will facilitate governmental and civilian communications in areas including secure networking, mission critical applications, border control, disaster recovery and backup for key data networks.
Celebrating its 10th edition in 2011, IDEX is considered to be the ideal platform within the region for the defence industry to showcase emerging technology, equipment, trends and strategy. In total, more than 1,060 exhibitors representing over 50 countries are participating in the show.

Held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, IDEX will continue through February 24th at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC).

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