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 IDEX
2007 which is closing today (Feb. 22, 2007) has attracted 862
exhibitors, who have filled a record total of more than 32,000
square metres of both indoor and outdoor space. 50 countries
are officially represented and there are 33 national pavilions.
The exhibition has a high technology theme this year and is
expected to host more than 90 official government and military
delegations.
This year Turkey was the largest national pavilion, in terms
of overall booked space. Turkey has chosen IDEX 2007 to reinforce
its strong and make its established position in the Middle East
defense market. Other national pavilions increased in 2007 were
the US, Taiwan, South Korea and Italy. IDEX 2007 has a new venue
at the nearby Free Port of Mina Zayed. A fleet of 15 ships from
seven countries are berthed at the Naval Berthing area of the
Exhibition.
This year many of these ships have been scheduled to visit
Abu Dhabi as part of their ongoing deployment in the Arabian
Gulf. Among them are two American mine countermeasures ships
(MCM) along with mine hunting helicopter operated by the US
Navy. Pakistan sent four four ships, including a missile boat,
fast patrol boat, coastal tanker and submarine. Australia sent
an ANZAC class frigate. Also represented were frigates from
France and Germany a Italian corvette and a Sauro class submarine.
Four UAE ships will also participate in the naval berthing display.
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Except for the static displays and the national pavilions,
live demonstrations are always a popular focal point of IDEX.
This year the mobility venue has attracted 29 displays from
10 countries of armored trucks, personnel carriers, mobile missile
launchers, heavy armor and more. Marine and Amphibious Demonstration
will once again take place in front of the Grandstand, fronting
the exhibition.
Yesterday's highlight was the live fire demonstration in front
of 150 military weapon experts featured small arms and counter
terrorism weapons. where 150 top military weapons experts witnessed
the Live Firing Demonstration held at IDEX 2007. Represented
weapons included firearms from Russia, France, Switzerland,
Finland, South Africa and the UAE, including pistols, rifles
to machine guns.
During the show, the UAE Armed Forces announced that it has
signed deals with worth over 1,340 million Dirhams (Dhs.) -
about US$360 million -with local and international companies
participating at IDEX 2007. According to Major General Obaid
Al Ketbi, Chief of Logistics at the UAE Armed Forces, a Memorandum
of Understanding was signed with EADS, to purchase three air
tankers. General Al Ketbi also told reporters that the army
was in talks with American communications supplier Harris to
purchase telecommunication equipment worth Dhs 240 million ($65
million). Other orders were made with local companies. the services
is procuring 12 fast patrol boats worth Dhs.127 million ($34.5
million) with the Abu Dhabi Ship Building Company (ADSB). International
Golden Group, won a contract from the Armed Forces worth Dhs
390 million ($106 million) to supply 120mm mortars, The general
also announced an Dhs18 million ($5 million) order of 10,000
pistols procured from the local arms producer Caracal.
Other deals announced by El-Ketbi on Thursday (Feb 22, 2007)
include Dhs. 228 million ($62 million) contract with DynCorp
International for supporting UAE's new F-16 Block 60 fighter
planes, and Dhs. 343 million ($93.5 million) awarded to Abu
Dhabi-based Gulf Aircraft Maintenance Co. (GAMCO) for the maintenance
of BAE Systems Hawk MK 102, MK63 & MK61Advanced Jet Trainer
aircraft.
It was announced that the UAE has shortlisted BAE Systems'
proposed Hawk128 Advanced Jet Trainer, Aermacchi's M-346 and
Korean Aerospace's T-50 for a future advanced trainer for its
air force.
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