VIDEO: UAE signs over Dhs5b defence deals at IDEX and NAVDEX 2021
- 21 Feb 2021
The first day of the International Defence Exhibition (IDEX) and the Naval Defence Exhibition (NAVDEX) 2021 has seen the UAE Armed Forces sign 19 deals, worth Dhs 5.03 billion, with local and international companies.
The deals came on the first day of the two exhibitions, which will run until Feb.25.
Staff Brigadier-General Mohammed Al Hassani, Official Spokesperson of the IDEX and NAVDEX exhibitions, said: "The total amount of deals signed with international parties amounted to Dhs 1.091 billion, which is 22 per cent of the total value of deals. Meanwhile, the value of deals signed with UAE companies reached Dhs 3.939 billion, or 78 per cent of the total value of deals.
"Seven contracts were awarded to foreign companies, and 12 contracts were awarded to companies based in the UAE," he added.
The deals were announced during a press conference held on Sunday in the presence of Naval Staff Colonel Fahed Nasser Al Thehli and Lieutenant-Colonel Staff Maya Rashid Almazrouei, spokespersons for IDEX and NAVDEX 2021.
His Highness Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, on Sunday visited several national and international pavilions at the 15th edition of the International Defence Exhibition and Conference (IDEX 2021) held at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC).
During his tour, he viewed the latest innovations of participating companies and countries, as well as their advanced equipment, control systems, and defence and military radar technologies.
On the occasion, Sheikh Mohamed stated that IDEX is a leading global platform for defence industries, and provides a unique opportunity to discover the advanced systems showcased by international companies in the defence, military and security industries that currently employ artificial intelligence (AI) technologies.
"The timely organisation of the event and the level of global participation underscore the UAE’s ability and efficiency in organising global events at all times," he added, noting that the exhibition plays a key role in promoting partnerships and establishing relations between countries, and the defence industry is a key component of the process of sustainable development in the UAE and many other countries.
During the tour, Sheikh Mohamed was introduced to the representatives of participating countries and senior officials from the event’s exhibitors, and was briefed about their key products and innovations in the field of smart defence technologies and related developments.
He then spoke to them about the importance of their participation at IDEX 2021 and the event’s role in supporting initiatives and partnerships established under its framework.
Sheikh Mohamed wished the event’s exhibitors and participants further success.
Naval Staff Colonel Fahed Nasser Al Thehli, Official Spokesperson for NAVDEX, commented: "Contracts have been agreed between the UAE Armed Forces and the Emirati company Calidus Aerospace, purchasing the Calidus B-250 aircraft, at a value of Dhs1,697,834,053.
Agreements have also been finalised with NIMR Automotive to purchase NIMR vehicles at a value of Dhs230,416,000.
"The UAE Armed Forces have further finalised deals with the Abu Dhabi based company, the International Golden Group, purchasing ammunition and weapons for the armed forces at a value of Dhs 689,156,040.
Deals were also agreed with Al Masaood, providing spare parts and maintenance for a Leclerc tank and spare parts for Oshkosh Defence vehicles, at a value of Dhs250,000,000.
"GAL, part of the EDGE Group, agreed a deal with the UAE Armed Forces to provide technical support for the air navigation systems of the UAE’s Joint Aviation Command, with a value of Dhs 410,000,000. Contracts were also finalised with Bin Hilal Enterprises, supplying spare parts, repair, and technical support for the General Maintenance Corp, with a value of Dhs45,000,000.
"Deals were signed with Al Fattan Marine Services to buy coastal patrol boats, helping enable vital installations and coastal protection, at a value of Dhs 35,494,740. Further agreements were signed with Etihad Ship Building, providing technical support alongside spare parts for boats and naval vessels at a value of Dhs60,000,000.
"The UAE Armed Forces have also signed deals with AMMROC, another subsidiary of EDGE Group, to review the efficiency and ensure the combat readiness of aircraft of the UAE’s Joint Aviation Command, with the total value of Dhs175,788,667. Wolf Sbane WholeSale of Military Equipment Trading also signed deals to install chemical, radiation detection, and early warning devices for the Chemical Defence Command. In addition, a contract was signed with Maximus Air, to charter air freight services for the Armed Forces, at a value of Dhs293,840,000."
Lieutenant-Colonel Staff Maya Rashid Almazrouei commented further: "The UAE Armed Forces announced a deal with the German company, RheinMettal Defence Electronics, to develop technology for ground forces’ engagement, with a value of Dhs57,427,500, while a contract was also agreed with Insitu to purchase integrator drones systems, with a value of Dhs 405,008,910.
"A deal was signed with the Serbian company, Yugoimport, to provide shells and artillery for land engagement, with a value of Dhs 74,698,742. Contracts have been agreed with Tecnobit to provide artillery simulators for land units, and a contract has been confirmed with the French company Thales SIX to develop the GATR-T Communication System for the UAE Air Defence Forces, with a deal confirmed for Dhs 350,610,000.
"The UAE Armed Forces confirmed deals with Denel SOC, trading as Denel Dynamics, to provide an unmanned drone system, Seeker 400 UAE, to the Presidential Guard Command with a value of Dhs 50,000,000. Contracts were also signed with the French company, Ouvry SAS, to purchase preventative missions for chemical defence, at a value of Dhs 101,376,664.
WAM
