Military and Strategic Journal
Issued by the Directorate of Morale Guidance at the General Command of the Armed Forces
United Arab Emirates
Founded in August 1971

2019-01-01

EDEX 2018: The Defence World Descends on Egypt

Egypt launched its first international defence expo “EDEX 2018” (December 3-5) under the patronage of His Excellency, President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, President of the Arab Republic of Egypt and the Supreme Commander of the Egyptian Armed Forces. 
 
President Abdel Fatah el-Sisi inaugurated the exhibition and the Egyptian pavilion. He listened to a detailed explanation about the other pavilions as well. 
 
The inauguration was attended by Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly and Mohamed Zaki, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces and the Minister of Defence and Military Production, as well as many other officials. 
 
Furthermore, defence ministries from the United Arab Emirates, Oman, Sudan, France, Greece, Cyprus, South Sudan, Cameroon, Somalia and South Korea attended the exhibition. 
 
The exhibition hosted 373 international companies from 41 countries, including 42 U.S. companies, 37 French companies, 28 Chinese companies and 13 Russian companies. 
 
Additionally, seven main arms departments from the U.S., China, Russia, France, Germany, Italy and UAE participated in the exhibition and several military authorities gave educational lectures on the side-lines of the exhibition. 
 
In the Egyptian pavilion, Egyptian military products, including arms and equipment jointly manufactured by the Armed Forces, the National Organisation for Military Production (NOMP), and the Arab Organisation for Industrialisation (AOI) were featured.
 
EDEX 2018 presented an opportunity for local and international manufacturers and suppliers to showcase the latest technological trends and updates in the defence and military production industry in the MENA region. The event was fully supported by the Ministries of Defence and Military Production. 
 
The three-day event was attended by over 10,000 senior military and industry visitors, with 15 local and international companies sponsoring it. 
 
Part of Strategy to Combat Terrorism
EDEX 2018 turned out to be a significant exhibition regionally and globally. It represents a remarkable destination for regional and international manufacturers and suppliers to share their technological expertise by displaying their latest advancements in the global defence sector. The exhibition highlighted the Egyptian Armed Forces’ latest efforts in developing Egypt’s position as a manufacturer and a supplier of defence technology and security equipment. Moreover, these efforts are a part of Egypt’s strategy to combat terrorism and guarantee the safety and security of the country.
 
Additionally, a special Security and Counter-Terrorism Zone was set up to showcase anti-terrorism solutions. Due to its significant geographical location, Egypt is an extremely suitable host to exhibit the latest advancements in army, navy, and air forces. The exhibition also highlighted the contribution of Egyptian companies to the supply chain of global military production, placing Egypt as a primary country in the MENA region in the armament and defence industry.
 
Numerous Contracts Signed During the Expo
The Egyptian Armed Forces signed several arms contracts with international companies during EDEX, according to the military spokesperson Tamer El-Rafaie
 
A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed to establish a joint company between French naval defence company, Naval Group, and Egyptian Marine Industries and Services Organisation (MIASO) to provide maintenance and technical support for all French naval units operating in the Egyptian army.
 
The Egyptian Naval Forces (ENF) signed another MoU with a French company specialised in joint manufacturing.
Other French companies, Thales Group and ACTIA, signed with Egypt a two-part deal to supply equipment for Egyptian satellite ground stations.
 
Commander of Egyptian air forces Mohamed Abbas signed an agreement with French Dassault Aviation to provide technical support and spare parts for Rafale jet fighters recently purchased by Egypt, to ensure their technical validation.
 
Abbas also signed an agreement to purchase drones from China’s National Aero-Technology Import and Export Corporation (CATIC). Another agreement was signed with Italy’s Leonardo to supply advanced radars for the Egyptian air defence forces.
 
Among the agreements, was the one signed with the Portuguese EID, part of the UK-based independent technology group Cohort, to supply an internal communication system, and another deal with the Bulgarian company, Samel-90, to supply and develop electronic jamming stations in Egypt.
 
“These deals were the results of the successful first International Defence and Military Industries Exhibition, EDEX 2018, which aims to enhance the defence capabilities of the Egyptian military’s various branches,” El-Rafaie said.
 
Impressive Participation by Russia
At the EDEX arms show, the Russian delegation demonstrated the products of 11 large domestic producers of military hardware and equipment for all military branches. Russia showcased a full-size replica of the Ka-52 reconnaissance and attack helicopter. The display stand of Russia’s state arms seller Rosoboronexport featured the mock-ups of Yak-130 combat trainers, Su-35 fighter jets, MiG-29M/M2 multirole frontline fighters, Mi-17, Mi-28NE, Mi-35, Mi-26 and Ansat helicopters.
 
Russia also demonstrated S-400 Triumf long-range air defence missile systems, Tor-M2E and Buk-M2E surface-to-air missile complexes, the Pantsyr-S1 air defence missile/gun system, and Igla-S and Verba man-portable missile complexes.
 
The Russian pavilion also demonstrated the T-90MS main battle tank, the BMP-3 infantry fighting vehicle, the Terminator tank support combat vehicle, the BTR-82A armoured personnel carrier, Khrizantema-S and Kornet-E anti-tank systems, in addition to small arms and close-in weapons. 
 
M1A1 Abrams made by Egypt-U.S. JV 
Since the beginning of the M1A1 Co-production Program, a joint venture between the governments of the U.S. and Egypt to produce parts and assemble tank kits for the M1 Abrams Main Battle Tank (MBT), the Egyptian Defence Company Tank Plant has produced around 1,200 M1A1 Abrams main battle tanks in Egypt.
 
The manufacturing of M1A1s in Egypt is a key part of ongoing U.S. support for Egypt’s crucial role in ensuring security and stability in the region. Through this programme, the Tank Plant provides jobs for over 2,500 Egyptians and supports the Egyptian Armed Forces.
Part of the United States’ $1.3 billion annual commitment to support Egypt’s security, the resumption of co-production manufacturing of M1A1 Abrams tanks is the most recent step taken by the U.S. government in partnership with Egypt.
 
Thales, a Trusted Partner of Egypt 
At EDEX 2018, Thales Group emphasised its expertise in equipping armed forces with the means to help them prepare for, achieve and maintain tactical superiority and strategic independence over any form of threat. From designing smart sensors and advanced defence systems to developing collaborative combat and connecting and equipping soldiers on the digital battlefield, Thales systems deliver information superiority and give the Egyptian Armed Forces mastery of action whenever they face decisive moments.
 
Arab International Optronics, a joint venture of Thales with the National Service Products Organisation, promoted the local production of optical and optronic equipment. Thales has a long-standing partnership with NANSC, Egypt’s Air Navigation Service Provider, to deliver state-of-the-art Thales products, ranging from air traffic surveillance radars, modern navigation aids, and air traffic control simulators for the Egyptian Aviation Academy as well as the Air Traffic Management (ATM) system and the tower system for Cairo International Airport.
 
In transportation, Thales Group has provided fully integrated solutions for Cairo’s metro since the implementation of Line 1 in the late 1980s and to date remains an integral partner in the ground transportation sector in Egypt.
 
Nexter Highlights Innovation in Defence and Security 
Artillery, the area of excellence of Nexter, was highlighted at their stand. The group is today one of the world leaders in this sector, controlling the weapon and ammunition couple, as well as a large part of fire support command and control system. A presentation of the Caesar family (6x6 and 8x8), with 155mm ammunition and three Findart stations was made in the Nexter static display area. Combining power, accuracy and fire rate as well as excellent mobility, the CAESAR system has become a tool of fire superiority in modern theatres of operation, particularly in the French army. 
 
In the field of armoured vehicles, Nexter exhibited the entire Scorpion range including the Multi-role Armoured Vehicle (VBMR) Griffon and Armoured Reconnaissance and Combat Vehicle (EBRC) Jaguar that will equip the Belgian land component and the French land forces. With the renovated Leclerc and the Lightweight Multi-role Armoured Vehicle Serval, these four armoured systems meet all the needs of land forces, from peacekeeping operations to high intensity conflicts. To complete Nexter’s offer in this area, the Titus armoured intervention vehicle was presented in its APC and homeland security versions. Perfectly adapted to interventions in the most difficult environments, its shielding and extreme mobility make it a major asset for intervention teams. 
 
Nexter also offered its ARX25 turret, whose formidable weapon efficiency makes it possible to apply precise shots safely under armour, whatever the conditions, day or night. 
 
In the field of equipment also Nexter exhibited its expertise. As an architect in the field of robotics, the Nerva multi-mission robot was displayed. Several combatant protection solutions were presented. In addition, a demonstration of the FINDMP digital system for decision-making process, was conducted throughout the show. 
 
The booth was specially equipped with an immersive projection room, a first for this show, in which visitors were immersed in a 360° virtual reality and were able to participate in dynamic demonstrations of the Caesar, VBCI and Titus family.
 
Hensoldt Displays Unique Radar Technologies
Hensoldt’s team from Germany, UK, France and the Middle East presented their unique radar technologies including the TRS-4D, Spexer 2000 as well as Xpeller Gear. In addition, they demonstrated their Gimbal Argos II, IFF-Family as well as the spectrum monitoring and signal intelligence solutions.
 
Hensoldt’s team met the Egyptian Minister of Military Production General Mohamed El Assar, several high-ranking generals from the Egyptian Armed Forces, and the Bahrain Royal Air Force Commander Sheikh Hamad Bin Abdullah Al Khalifa.
 
Cougar 4x4 Armoured Vehicles
Armoured vehicle manufacturer Streit highlighted two products from its portfolio: the Falcon and the Cougar 4x4 armoured vehicles.
Streit Group offers a wide range of extra additional features, which can be integrated on the Falcon during the manufacturing phase guaranteeing total compatibility. The Falcon APC can be fitted with different types of armament including rocket launcher systems, remote-controlled weapon stations, smoke-grenade launchers as well as internal equipment as night-vision, high speed camera, fully integrated intercoms systems and more.
 
The Cougar 4x4 is a light armoured vehicle personnel carrier based on a Toyota chassis adapted to be used as all-terrain military vehicle. The Cougar is an excellent fighting platform with turret capabilities and options for weapon stations. It is ideally suited to returning fire in a convoy escort assault scenario. Cougar is an ideal APC that handles well on rough terrains and facilitates users with ultimate manoeuvrability on and off-road.
 
Lacroix Provides Full Range of Countermeasures
Lacroix showcased in the French Pavilion its latest combined detection-reaction solution dedicated to vehicle self-protection.
The Galix Automatic Obscuration System (AOS) coupled with laser warning detectors instantaneously mask vehicles against all visible and IR wave lengths of guided missiles.
 
This solution was recently presented at the Forum Innovation Défense in Paris and is also being offered to the Egyptian Armed Forces as it is perfectly suited to their vehicle retrofitting requirements and new equipment programmes: combat tanks, armoured vehicles, APC, LUV, etc.
Lacroix is a committed partner to the Egyptian Armed Forces, equipping its Rafale, Mirage and F16 fighter jets. These platforms are protected by Lacroix’s most advanced technology in the field of spectral infrared countermeasures. Lacroix will also ensure protection of the Egyptian Navy’s latest vessels - the FREMM frigates and the Gowind corvettes of the French Naval Group. These vessels are also equipped with the Sylena MK2 decoy launchers, providing full anti-torpedo and anti-missile protection against the most advanced threats.
 
TAG Terrier LT-79 Armoured Vehicle for Law Enforcement
The Terrier LT-79 is a new vehicle developed by the TAG Research and Development Team and it presents a well-balanced combination of protection, off-road mobility and payload. Most importantly, it offers unparalleled tactical mobility and survivability to armoured vehicle end-users worldwide, in any climate or setting. The standard Terrier LT-79 can hold up to eight officers (2+6 in individual MIL-STD seats) or alternatively, seating for 10 (2+8) with optional bench seating, depending on the size of operators and amount of gear.  
 
The vehicle is agile and extremely versatile and is designed to protect individuals in dangerous operational environments. The vehicle is bound to become a vital means of transportation for SWAT teams, law enforcement and military personnel that need a highly armoured vehicle while staying economical and budget friendly.
 
The Terrier LT-79 is built using a reinforced and militarised Toyota VDJ79 truck chassis and COTS components. Using upgraded axles, clutch and a reinforced frame as well as large super single wheels, the vehicle combines excellent mobility and high payload in all operating environments.
 
“The Terrier LT-79 is a modern era hybrid that combines the requirements needed for combat and fire support situations as well as mission-specific roles such as transport and logistics. The new Terrier LT-79 was designed on the Toyota chassis because parts are widely available enhancing serviceability in many parts of the world. 
 
It is also an affordable option to end users that need superior protection and fleet longevity while staying within their budget parameters,” said Robert Pazderka, President and Founder of TAG. All TAG facilities are ISO 9001 certified.
 
The next edition of Egypt international defence expo will be in 2020.

Reference Text/Photowww. egyptdefenceexpo.com
 
 

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