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- Saab delivers fourth GlobalEye to the UAE
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2019-12-05
BIDEC 2019 Ends on a High Note
The 2019 Bahrain International Defence Exhibition and Conference (BIDEC) held at the Bahrain International Exhibition and Convention Centre from 28th-30th October attracted over 200 international companies.
The three-day event ended on a hugely successful note underscoring the farsighted vision of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, the Supreme Commander of Bahrain, who inaugurated BIDEC 2019 with His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander and First Deputy Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Bahrain.
In his opening speech, HRH the Crown Prince underscored the importance of strengthening global defence coordination, noting that security challenges demand concerted efforts to develop military use of emerging technology. He emphasised that Bahrain will continue to work alongside international partners to strengthen regional and global security.
Head of BIDEC’s organising committee, The Royal Guard Commander HH Major General Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, stressed the importance of the 2019 event for the military industry and technology, describing it as a platform for creative thinking on defence strategies, counter terrorism and extremism solutions.
HH Major General Shaikh Nasser pointed out that the main challenge faced by the world nowadays is securing waterways and combating piracy. In the light of recent events in the Gulf region, BIDEC 2019 has thus played a vital role in boosting security and control in the main waterways of the Middle East.
MEMTEC’s Futuristic Military Tech
BIDEC was accompanied by the Middle East Military Technology Conference (MEMTEC), with its aim to highlight regional modernisation of current capabilities. The Bahrain Centre for Strategic, International, and Energy Studies (DERASAT) was again the Knowledge Partner for the Conference.
MEMTEC explored several current and future areas of military technology: cyber defence strategies; the impact of artificial intelligence on the functions of the armed forces; military technological development of war simulation models; the impact of military technology on regional conflicts; and the future of military industries in the Middle East. MEMTEC thus illustrated how global advancements in the defence sector will reshape Middle East conflict.
Bell’s AH-1Z and UH-1Y
Marinisation minimises corrosion and other environmental degraders while state-of-the-art sensors, weapons, and optics enhance war-winning capability. The Bell Global Military Sales and Strategy team displayed the AH-1Z and UH-1Y 1:10 static display models, with the H-1 fleet possessing both maritime and land centric warfare competencies. The AH-1Z is the only helicopter in production equipped with the AIM-9 sidewinder providing the most advanced air-to-air combat capabilities.
Airbus Exhibits State-of-the-Art Technology
A leading provider of secure communication and collaboration solutions, Airbus displayed their diverse mission-critical with a spotlight on the modern, scalable and flexibly collaborative Tactilon Agnet 500, ideal for group communications. The Mission-Critical push-to-talk application is based on 3GPP standards and features secure individual or group video, voice, data and messaging services adapted for mission-critical and public-safety use.
Airbus also presented Tactilon Dabat and its latest development, the Dabat Hybrid Roaming feature offering both Tetra and LTE radio technologies in one unique ruggedised device. This technology allows end-users to perform their daily duties without being restricted solely to Tetra radio coverage.
Bharat Dynamics’ Maritime Capabilities
The Indian defence major Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) presented BIDEC with a wide range of missile capabilities, especially in the naval and maritime sector. BDL is state-owned and manufactures guided missiles and allied defence equipment.
As a ship-launched, electrically propelled underwater weapon, BDL’s Varunastra or heavyweight torpedo is equipped with the most advanced automatic and remote-controlled guidance system. It uses its own intelligence to track targets with the torpedo powered by an electric propulsion system requiring multiple 250 KWs Silver Oxide Zinc (AgOZn) batteries.
The Varunastra can achieve speeds in excess of 40 km (74 km/h; 46 mph), weighs around 1.25 tonnes and can carry 250 kg (550 lb) of the conventional warhead. Consequently, this torpedo benefits from more than 95 per cent of indigenous content.
Another exhibit, a lightweight torpedo (tal), was an electrically propelled, self-homing underwater weapon launched from ship/helicopter. Other displays included the electrically propelled Shyena, targeting submarines in both shallow and deep waters, with a submarine-fired decoy acting as a preferred target in the presence of its own submarine.
Saudi Arabia’s New HMTV
The Defence Industry of Saudi Arabia Military Industries Corporation (MIC) used the opportunity of BIDEC 2019 to present its new wheeled 4x4 High Mobility Tactical Vehicle (HMTV). The HMTV has a conventional layout for a 4x4 armoured vehicle but a low-profile design.
The front of the vehicle has a large windscreen and there are two doors on each side of the hull. One more door is fitted at the rear of the vehicle. The HMTV has already been tested and is being approved by a military certification institute of EU origin.
Next-gen APC Guardian Xtreme
International Armoured Group (IAG) presented its latest generation of Armoured Personnel Carriers (APC) in the family of Guardian vehicles, the Guardian Xtreme. This is a Mine Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicle available in 4x4 and 6x6 configurations.
The Guardian Xtreme can seat up to 10-12 fully geared infantry personnel, including driver and commander, equipped with military-grade certified blast attenuation seats. Optional accessories can be integrated, such as automatic remote-control weapon station, thermal imaging surveillance camera systems, grenade launchers, blackout lights and much more.
STREIT Leading APC Production
The STREIT Group continues to increase its manufacture of wheeled armoured vehicles in the Middle East and Africa, showcasing its full range of wheeled Armoured Personnel Carriers (APC) at this year’s exhibition. As one of the world’s leading privately-owned armoured vehicles manufacturers, STREIT has become a market leader with 12 modern production facilities and 25 offices worldwide.
Carrying VIPs, STREIT vehicles have withstood countless sniper and improvised explosive device (IED) attacks over the years. At BIDEC 2019, the STREIT Group presented four types of wheeled APCs and one Lexus SUV with armour protection.
Otokar Exhibits New Range
Operating with more than 55 different end users across the world, Otokar is Turkey’s leading land defence systems company, and showcased its COBRA II, URAL and ARMA 6x6 military vehicles at BIDEC.
Saudi Expands UAV Range
BIDEC 2019 saw Saudi Arabia bring its full range of Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAVs), including the Shaheen SH-01, a Vertical Takeoff and a Landing (VTOL) UAV. Now fully designed and manufactured in Saudi Arabia, the Shaheen SH-01 is made from a lightweight, carbon composite structure and can fly to a maximum altitude of 3,000m with a maximum endurance of three hours.
The Shaheen has stabilised EO/IR Day-Night vision with an object scanning and tracking system. A S/C Band (Omni) data link facilitates communications at a range of 50 km.
New Leonardo Defence Solutions
Leonardo also attended the tri-service event reflecting the company’s key supply of two primary and secondary surveillance radars to Bahrain country’s civil aviation organisation and air force, enhancing the safety and efficiency of national airspace management.
Leonardo presented an M60 tank overhaul and upgrade programme assuring significant improvements in crew survivability, mobility and the lethality. The company also showcased its Vulcano family of unguided and guided ammunition, including 76mm and 127mm naval guns, alongside 155mm land artillery systems for extreme ranges.
Leonardo displayed the RAT-31 DL advanced L-band 3D surveillance radar with an instrumental range of almost 500km, easily assembled or disassembled on the battlefield. A model of the Trieste Landing Helicopter Dock multipurpose amphibious unit completed Leonardo’s offer in the naval domain.
BAE Systems’ Innovation Showcase
BAE Systems’ innovation and capability showcase included Commander SL Radar, the latest radar system combining mobility and flexibility to enhance airspace surveillance and policing. Meanwhile, the APKWS Laser-Guided Rocket redefines precision by hitting the target with pinpoint accuracy and minimal collateral damage in air-to-ground missions when you only have one shot.
SAKT Showcases Naval Turret
The UAE’s Siham Al Khaleej Technology (SAKT) exhibited the Hitrole N Mk2 12.7mm naval turret, a modern system fully controlled from a remote station via an advanced control console, enabling gunners to operate from a protected position within the ship's structure. Any operation can be undertaken with maximum safety for the operator, including loading and recocking.
SAKT is a growing Abu Dhabi company within the military naval domain operating in the MENA region and based in Abu Dhabi’s Al Sadr Port, Al Taweelah. This joint venture between Al Fattan Ship Industry and Melara Middle East has produced synergy between its two U.A.E. shareholders.
SAKT is now a supplier certified by UAE Armed Forces GHQ for the design, assembly, manufacturing, installation, integration, testing and commission of various components of military and maritime defence systems.
Very low weight and high level of flexibility make Hitrole N Mk2 12.7mm naval turret particularly suitable for installation as the main armament of any small patrol vessel engaged in border control, maritime traffic interdiction or as secondary armament on larger ships for self-protection in an anti-terrorism role.
Hitrole N Mk2 is very precise in its electrically operation thanks to powerful digital servos. Sighting and tracking actions are performed during both day and night through a high-performance daylight TV and IR camera.
Mack’s Tactical Trucks
Mack Defense presented its full range of military tactical trucks at BIDEC. Mack Defense, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Mack Trucks and part of the Volvo Group, sells heavy-duty trucks to federal and ministerial-level customers globally.
Mack Trucks has a long tradition of supporting military forces globally, providing more than 35,000 trucks for the Allied war effort in World Wars I and II.
Mack Defense offers a full range of premium products and global support through multiple U.S. buying contracts, direct commercial sales and Foreign Military Sales (FMS) programmes.
Swiftships’ Patrol Vessel Showcase
Specialising in small to medium-sized steel, aluminium and fibreglass watercraft, Swiftships offers turnkey solutions to all branches of the U.S. military and commercial/private companies in 52 foreign countries.
The 35-metre Fast Patrol Vessel (FPV) is a modern, robust, and efficient FPV capable of operating in all major international areas. The FPV’s fast speed, high manoeuvrability, and sophisticated command and weapon systems are designed to respond to threats such as terrorism, piracy, smuggling, and illegal immigration.
Swiftships’ 28-metre Patrol Boat is designed for coastal defence, anti-surface operations, maritime security operations (MSO) and maritime interdiction operations (MIO), including surveillance and intelligence gathering, search, and rescue.
Seamax Bulletproof Boat Debuts
A new Bahraini company, Seamax Craft, presented its brand-new boat capabilities. With a wide selection of boats ranging from luxury motorboats to classic sailing boats on show, they emphasised their ability to take tailored custom orders and so enable their customers to acquire a specific boat.
Their highlight was the bulletproof high patrol boat, Seamax 420M. This vessel can accommodate 12 persons on board fitted with three Yamaha engines of 300 horsepower.
Harbor Offshore’s Security Solutions
Harbor Offshore Barriers supports the U.S. Navy in developing, testing and deploying its original Port Security Barrier (the PSB) and Fixed Security Barrier (the FSB).
Harbor Offshore Barriers’ PSB solutions are utilised globally by maritime forces, while regional partner BDS boasts a 12-year presence across the Gulf region, being specialists in High-Security Perimeter solutions both on land and in the marine environment. The FSB can stop a vessel’s progress in milliseconds yet remains fully capable of nullifying a second or even a third swarm attack.
Wider-ranging Tasneef Services
Tasneef Maritime Services is a leading provider of maritime classification, certification and advisory services in the UAE, GCC and internationally. Tasneef’s experienced surveyors and shipping experts offer wide-range services to its various clients in a number of sectors across the Middle East and wider world.
In a short period of time, Tasneef’s reputation and trustworthiness have been established by delivering world-wide class services in every aspect of marine technology. They have driven a prosperous classification business to promote the highest standards in ship safety and the prevention of marine pollution.
Bahrain’s Local-made 4x4 APC
Bahrain Defence Force presented Faisal, its new locally made 4x4 wheeled Armoured Personnel Carrier (APC), following on from the Special Forces vehicle presented at BIDEC’s first edition in 2017, fully designed and manufactured in Bahrain.
The Faisal APC proved one of the highlights of BIDEC 2019 as a vehicle fully developed, designed and manufactured according to the BDF’s needs. One of the most important features of the vehicle is the internal layout, with a large troops’ compartment able to accommodate six infantrymen.
The second edition of BIDEC was a resounding success, marked by the attendance of global defence majors and high-level officials from defence and security fields covering the world.
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