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2021-03-01

IDEX, NAVDEX 2021,UAE hosted world, proved recovery from COVID-19

The hugely successful completion of the 15th edition of the International Defence Exhibition (IDEX) and the Naval Defence Exhibition (NAVDEX) held in Abu Dhabi has proved to the world the UAE’s ability in leading the global COVID-19 recovery.

IDEX, which brought together industry experts from across the globe, is one of the largest forums of its kind in the world, and a key chance to secure some of the most valuable investment deals for the arms industry.

Under the patronage of President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and on behalf of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs, inaugurated the 15th edition of IDEX and NAVDEX 2021, on 21st February.

His Highness witnessed the opening ceremony in the presence of Ramzan Kadyrov, President of the Republic of Chechnya, Rustam Minkhanov, President of the Republic of Tatarstan, Oleg Urosky, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Strategic Industries in Ukraine, and Lieutenant General Muhammad Hamdan Dagalo Musa, First Deputy Chairman of the Sovereign Council in the Republic of Sudan and a number of senior officials.

The key point to note is that it was the first global defence event to take place in the post-pandemic recovery stage, with 62,445 attendees at the venue across five days.

As many as 900 exhibitors, 59 countries, and 35 international pavilions participated in IDEX and NAVDEX 2021, alongside five countries participating in the exhibitions for the first time: Israel, North Macedonia, Luxembourg, Portugal, and Azerbaijan.

Also proving the grand success of the events, AED 20.957 billion (US$ 5.7 billion) worth of deals were signed by the UAE Armed Forces.

The opening ceremony began with the national anthem, followed by a visual presentation that narrated the story of development and leadership led by the UAE and the exceptional achievements it has made, especially during 2020.

The ceremony witnessed a flying performance in the skies of Abu Dhabi to form the national flag, which was carried out by the Emirates Knights, as well as musical performances by military bands.

The opening ceremony was attended by Mohammed Bin Ahmed Al Bowardi, Minister of State for Defence Affairs, Lt. Gen. Hamad Mohammed Thani Al Rumaithi, Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces, and a number of senior commanders of the Armed Forces.

On the same day, Sheikh Hamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Member of the Executive Council, inaugurated the sixth edition of NAVDEX 2021.

The showcased naval units participating in NAVDEX 2021 totalled 17 from 10 countries, which included minesweepers, missile boats, patrol boats, landing crafts, rescue boats, destroyers and frigates, as well as the latest coastal security systems and marine telecommunication solutions.

The inauguration was attended by Lt. General Eng. Issa Saif Bin Ablan Al Mazrouei, Deputy Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces, Major General Sheikh Saeed Bin Hamdan Bin Mohammed Al Nahyan, Commander of the UAE Naval Forces, and several officials.

Visit by Abu Dhabi Crown Prince

His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, visited several national and international pavilions at IDEX. He viewed the latest innovations of participating companies and countries, as well as their advanced equipment, control systems, and defence and military radar technologies.

Bowardi Welcomes Foreign Teams

On the sidelines of IDEX, Mohammed Bin Ahmed Al Bowardi, Minister of State for Defence Affairs, received Lieutenant General Abdullah Bin Hussein Al Nuaimi, Minister of Defence Affairs of Bahrain; Denis Mantrov, Russian Minister of Industry and Trade, and Hagop Arshkian, the Armenian Minister of High Technology Industry, in the presence of Matar Salem Al Dhaheri, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Defence and a number of senior officers and officials in the Ministry, and the accompanying delegations.

Major Deals

The first day of IDEX and NAVDEX saw the UAE Armed Forces sign 19 deals, worth AED 5.03 billion, with local and international companies.

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 AED 1.091 billion, which is 22 per cent of the total value of deals. Meanwhile, the value of deals signed with UAE companies reached AED 3.939 billion, or 78 per cent of the total value of deals.”

The prominent deals that were concluded on day 1 included a contract with “Calidus Aerospace - Sole Proprietorship” to purchase 12 B-250 Badr aircraft at a value of AED 1.697 billion.

The armed forces contracted with the “International Golden Group” company. The purchase of ammunition and weapons worth AED 689 million, in addition to the purchase of cars and machinery from the Nimr Automotive Company, was worth more than AED 230 million.

The local deals included a contract with Al-Masoud Company to supply spare parts and maintenance work for a Leclerc tank and Oshkosh spare parts for general maintenance at a value of AED 250 million, and a Global Aerospace Logistics Company to provide technical support services for the air navigation system for the joint aviation command, at a value of AED 410 millions, and a contract with Bin Hilal to supply spare parts, repair and technical support, worth AED 45 million.

The foreign deals that were signed with the armed forces included, “RHEINMETALL ELECTRONICS” to provide technical support for simulated tactical engagement in favour of the Land Forces Command at a value of AED 57.4 million, and a contract with “INSITU” to buy drone systems.

An agreement had been signed with “DENEL SOC LTD” to purchase the unmanned aircraft system “SEEKER 400” for the Presidential Guard Command at a value of AED 50 million, and finally a contract was signed with “OUVRY SAS” to purchase individual preventive missions for chemical defence at a value of AED 101.3 million.

On Day 2, the UAE Armed Forces signed 11 deals, worth AED 7.29 billion, with local and international companies. The total amount of deals signed with international parties amounted to AED 6.98 billion, which is 95 per cent of the total value of deals.

The value of deals signed with UAE companies on the second day reached AED 310 million.

The third day saw the UAE Armed Forces sign 12 new deals, worth AED 5.589 billion. The total amount of deals signed with international parties amounted to AED 1.164 billion, which is 21% of the total deal value for the third day, and AED 4.425 billion of deals were agreed with UAE companies, which is 79% of third day’s total deal value.

Naval Staff Colonel Fahed Nasser Al Thehli, Official Spokesperson for NAVDEX, commented: “Significant deals with UAE companies include the contract which was put in place with ‘Yas Holding LCC’, purchasing Korean CHUNMOO launchers and missiles, at a value of AED 2,955,292,542. Further deals have included agreements with ‘Abu Dhabi Ship Building Company, providing technical support services for naval vessels and ships, at a value of AED 650,000,000.”

Lieutenant-Colonel Staff Maya Rashid Almazrouei commented: “Prominent international deals have included contracts have been put in place with ‘HARRIS INTERNATIONAL INC’, implementing automated command and control projects, at a value of AED 651,519,997, alongside a renewed agreement with ‘ELETTRONICA S.P.A, providing technical support for reconnaissance for the Air Defence Command, for a value of AED 289,394,300.”

Also signed were agreements with THE BOEING COMPANY’, providing maintenance on C-17 simulators for the Air Defence Command, at a value of AED 112,966,788 and ‘THALES LAS FRANCE SAS’, to purchase spare parts for radar systems for the Air Defence Command, at a total value of AED 66,432,037.

The fourth day of IDEX and NAVDEX saw the UAE Armed Forces sign 24 new deals, worth AED2.140 billion, with local and international companies. The cumulative value of deals signed at IDEX and NAVDEX is now AED20.053 billion.

Staff Brigadier-General Mohammed Al Hassani said, “The total amount of deals with UAE companies amounted to AED1.42 billion, which accounts for 66 per cent of the total deal value, while the total amount of deals with international companies amounted to AED720 million, or 34 per cent of the total deal value.”

Fahed Nasser Al Thehli remarked, “Deals have been put in place with ‘Nexter Systems’, providing spare parts for Leclerc tanks for the General Maintence Corps, at a value of AED 92,947,500. Agreements have been finalised with ‘NORCONSULT TELEMATICS LTD’, providing advisory services for a value of AED 35,525,256.

Lieutenant-Colonel Sarah Al Hajri, spokesperson for IDEX and NAVDEX 2021

remarked, “Deals were agreed with ‘MP3 International Trading Agencies LLC’, purchasing ammunition for the Land Forces, at a value of AED 41,000,000. We have cemented contracts with ‘Barij Munitions’, purchasing MK-82 and MK-81 bombs for the Air Force, at a value of AED 94,868,000.”

Five deals with international companies and 15 with local companies were inked on the final day of the exhibitions, at a value of AED 904.2 million (USD 246.2 million).

Nahyan bin Zayed Inaugurates ‘Saadiyat’

Sheikh Nahyan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan Foundation for Charitable and Humanitarian Works, inaugurated the “Saadiyat”, the Emirati multi-mission ship at NAVDEX.

The vessel, manufactured by the UAE National Corporation for the Manufacture of Military Ships, performs several missions, including providing logistical support to marine groups and formations, 71m long and 14m wide.

AEC Showcases Electronic Warfare

Saudi Arabian Military Industries (SAMI) company, Advanced Electronics Company (AEC) showcased its latest military technologies at IDEX 2021 across services, solutions and systems in the fields of Electronic Warfare, C4ISR (Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Combat Systems, Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance), and Cyber Security including Radio Over IP System (RoIP), Software Defined Radio (SDR), Unmanned Surface Vessels (USVs) and Electronic Intelligent Solutions (ELINT).

IAI Introduces MegaPOP

Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) is expanding its family of electro-optical/IR payloads with the introduction of MegaPOP. The advanced electro-optical payload was developed by TAMAM, IAI’s electro-optical and navigation system house.

The new payload is designed for land applications such as marine or land border control, surveillance of sensitive facilities, or any other operational mission that requires especially lengthy surveillance performance, as well as high-definition vision capabilities with a system that uses several sensors, simultaneously.

Lockheed Outlines Defence Capabilities

Lockheed Martin, the U.S.-based global technology leader, showcased its latest defence solutions at IDEX.

Attendees at IDEX 2021 experienced the company’s next-generation aircraft, rotary systems, air and missile defence technologies, as well as command and control systems, and advanced simulation and training solutions, all in compliance with strict COVID-19 protocols to ensure the safety of visitors and exhibitors.

Reutech Offers Interoperability System

Reutech Communications, a division of Reutech (Pty) Ltd, and a global leader in secure tactical communications for the integrated battlefield, offered the complete spectrum of tactical battlespace requirements with a family of fully interoperable software-defined military secure CNRs at IDEX.

“The range with its associated equipment and management software offers highly-advanced, secure voice and data network links with ECCM for airborne, ground-based and maritime applications. This enables a seamless interchange of information for the modern data centric battlefield,” said Manoj Hiralal, CEO of Reutech.

Combat Vehicle Simulation

Guardiaris’ Multipurpose Military Vehicle Trainer (MMVT) is elevating combat vehicle simulation to a new level. This fully modular solution ensures comprehensive training of gunners, drivers, commanders, and entire crews under realistic conditions. The focus is on an extremely short ‘plan-train-asses’ loop with versatile training options.

Built to customers’ specific demands, MMVT’s cabin interiors are designed as exact replicas of a vehicle crew’s working environment, from military grade seats and communication equipment, to other crucial components. Controls, switches and gauges are either physically replicated or displayed on touchscreens, resulting in unmatched realism.

EXPAL Exhibits Dual-EIMOS

EXPAL’s new Dual-EIMOS is an 81mm on-board mortar on a highly mobile 4x4 light tactical vehicle with deep fording capability, automatic fire control and integrated with TALOS command and control system.

The company has carried out an evolution of the system to add up key benefits for missions. These include its robustness and survivability, with the capacity for deep fording of up to 1.5m without preparation on the VAMTAC ST5 platform.

L3Harris Launches Power Amplifier

L3Harris Technologies introduced a next generation, software-defined power amplifier at the show. The L3Harris RF-410 NGPA maximises mission flexibility and enhances tactical agility by eliminating the need for multiple power amplifiers. It is lightweight and provides radio-agnostic capabilities and multiband support. The radio offers seamless access to networked voice and data, over the frequency range of 30-2600 MHz. Waveform coverage includes wideband and legacy narrowband communications.

SUPERAV Tactical Vehicle

Iveco Defence Vehicles has been gaining deep experience in the development of military vehicles throughout the years.

UPERAV Land has been developed starting from SUPERAV 8x8 design, protagonist of the USMC ACV 1.1 programme, which BAE Systems was awarded, in partnership with Iveco Defence Vehicles.

Equipped with a new generation Iveco 6-cylinder multifuel engine with 700 HP and 3000 Nm torque, coupled with Allison 4800 SP transmission and with proprietary H-type driveline, SUPERAV Land -provides unique performance in terms of speed, performing best-in-class mobility on all terrains.

JADARA Spotlights Expertise

JADARA Equipment & Defence Systems Co PSC is a Jordanian military-industrial company, and one of the leading companies in the field of development, production and sale of short and medium range anti-tank systems, as well as Opto-Electronic, Night Vision, and Thermal sighting systems for various military applications.

The first serial product which brought worldwide recognition and fame for the Company was the grenade launcher system Nashshab, put into service by the Jordanian army first and then succeeded in the foreign market. On May 30, 2013, King Abdullah II inaugurated the production facility of the antitank grenade launcher Nashshab. Based on the Nashshab, JADARA developed the promising remotely controlled ground QUAD-1 and the mobile QUAD-2, both equipped with four grenade launchers, and advanced salvo firing capabilities.

Protected Mobility

A major supplier of protected land mobility vehicles to the French Army and regional military forces, Arquus exhibited its leading solutions at the show. The company displayed all its solutions with the addition of its latest product Scarabee, a light, versatile, highly mobile and powerful vehicle.

The manufacturer of world-renowned vehicles, such as the VAB, the VBL, the Bastion and the Sherpa, many of which are already serving in the Gulf region, presented the Scarabee in the region for the first time at IDEX.

The Scarabee is the first military hybrid-drive compact armoured reconnaissance car providing high mobility and stealth features.

Navantia Promotes Tech Transfer

What makes state-owned Spanish Navantia stand out is its flexibility in transfer of technology and localisation, as well as in its endeavour to push the boundaries of innovation through the application of Smart technologies which is embodied in its Shipyard 4.0 concept. The Shipyard 4.0 is digital transformation enabling smart tools and processes across the value chain.

As for technology transfer and localisation, Navantia has been able to lead with its partners across many countries, notably in Saudi Arabia, the UK and Australia. In Saudi Arabia, Navantia through a joint venture with Saudi Military Industries (SAMI) developed, integrated and commercialised the first Saudi Combat System – HAZEM – a derivative of its CATIZ Combat System.

Instant Response to Threats

Saab has designed IDAS (Integrated Defensive Aids Suite) to be a multi-spectral, fully integrated aircraft self-protection system. IDAS requires a single Electronic Warfare Controller (EWC) for all four main functions, RWR (Radar Warning Receiver), MAW (Missile Approach Warning), LWS (Laser Warning System) and countermeasure dispensing system. The EWC provides the interfaces to the platform avionics and displays. This is especially beneficial for helicopter installations where space and mass are critical.

Strategic Intelligence

As a systems partner and integrator for secure communications architectures and monitoring networks, Rohde & Schwarz provides tactical and strategic intelligence as well as digital communications sovereignty. The privately-owned company showcased an innovative portfolio of interoperable, high-performance solutions for deployment on land, in the air and at sea.

The Rohde & Schwarz booth showcased the NAVICS integrated naval communications system, secure software defined radios of the SOVERON product family brand, cellular network analysis and intelligence solutions used by agencies and authorities worldwide, aerospace and defence test solutions, and endpoint security and network encryption systems.

LACROIX Unveils GALIX Upgrade

At IDEX, LACROIX displayed the new GALIX AOS system upgrade, which now includes acoustic detection. Known for its benchmark performance, GALIX is one of the most advanced self-protection solutions, chosen by the French Army to equip SCORPION vehicles, and employed internationally to protect all types of land vehicles. The company showcased the evolution of its GALIX AOS self-protection suite, coupled with the PILAR V by METRAVIB DEFENCE, on the new AJBAN MK2 vehicle model.

Olivier Priouzeau, Regional Manager, Head of Abu Dhabi Office, LACROIX, told Nation Shield: “At IDEX we showcased a new smart software solution of GALIX that now includes acoustic detection. We are proud to cooperate with NIMR from EGDE, and METRAVIB DEFENCE. This new system that we are providing to the UAE offers self-protection from acoustic detection to reaction. Currently, close to 3,000 vehicles are equipped with GALIX in the UAE.”

AK-19 and Kord

Rosoboronexport (part of Rostec State Corporation) held a public presentation “New Russian-Made Small Arms” at its stand.

The company’s specialists unveiled the technical characteristics, unique design solutions and employment features of the KORD balanced action assault rifles, the latest Kalashnikov AK-19 assault rifle and the Lebedev compact pistol (PLC), which will be exhibited abroad for the first time.

The 6P68 Kord assault rifle from world-famous Russian arms manufacturer ZiD (JSC Degtyarev Plant) shows the wonders of accuracy in the hands of special forces soldiers. Experts especially note its unique characteristics in automatic firing mode owing to an innovative balanced action system.

Aircraft Self-Protection Systems

Combat aircraft must be protected with the most capable countermeasures available and be able to escort less well-defended aircraft through contested airspace.

Elettronica has over three decades’ experience working closely with the UAE. The company has been involved with an array of major projects in the UAE and this long partnership has ensured that the country’s platforms are robustly protected.

The company showcased its solutions, capabilities and products applicable to the air domain at IDEX.

EDGE – Two Capabilities in One

Elettronica has employed this expertise and technology in the company’s EDGE escort jammer. The EDGE is a jamming pod which can protect an individual jet or a package of aircraft. The user gets two capabilities in one; they can use EDGE passively to collect radar signals for analysis or use it actively to transmit high-powered conventional and discreet jamming waveforms against a diverse array of radars transmitting across a wide swathe of frequencies.

Multiple threats can be jammed simultaneously using the pod’s advanced transmit/receive modules. Moreover, EDGE is cost effective.

Event Concludes on High Note

The fact that IDEX ended with the UAE Armed Forces signing deals worth US$5.7 billion reveals the event’s significance. Capital inflow at this level shows how the Emirati defence sector is already a mainstay of the national economic diversification strategy.

The most significant thing about IDEX is that it was an in-person event. This would have been the norm before the pandemic. Nowadays, they are a novelty that only the most prepared and strategic organisers are capable of pulling off.

At IDEX, strict measures were applied across the 35,000 square metres of exhibition space.

Commenting on the conclusion of the events, Major General Staff Pilot Faris Khalaf Al Mazrouei, Chairman of the Higher Organising Committee, said: “The 15th edition has been nothing short of exceptional. These events continue to strengthen their global position, providing exhibitors and participants from around the world with an integrated global platform, in spite of the challenges imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic.”

Staff Pilot Ishaq Saleh Al Balushi, Head of the Executive Directorate of Industries and Development of Defence Capabilities at the Ministry of Defence, and Vice Chairman of the Higher Organising Committee for IDEX and NAVDEX, commented: “The UAE has once again demonstrated its global leadership in hosting and organising international and strategic events. These events indicate renewed confidence and optimism as the UAE charts a new course for post-pandemic recovery.”

Humaid Matar Al Dhaheri, Managing Director and Group CEO of the Abu Dhabi National Exhibitions Company, commented: “The edition was described as one of the most successful global events organised in the post pandemic phase by participants, exhibitors, and visitors alike. In organising these two exhibitions, we have met and exceeded the aspirations of all attending this edition. Over 96 per cent of visitors and exhibitors were satisfied with the exhibition, which is considered one of the highest rates in the global exhibition and conference sector.”

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