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2023-03-22
IDEX, NAVDEX Prove Roaring Success with Record AED23.34b Deals
IDEX and NAVDEX 2023, the biggest defence exhibitions of their kind in the world, turned out to be a tremendous success. IDEX witnessed deals worth AED23.34 billion, more than 12 per cent increase compared to the previous edition. The number of visitors crossed 132,500. The number of exhibiting companies also increased to reach 1,353 from 65 countries, and 41 country pavilions.
There were 216 national exhibitors, marking a 50 per cent increase compared to the previous edition.
Held under the patronage of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the 16th edition of the International Defence Exhibition (IDEX 2023) and the 7th edition of the Maritime Defence Exhibition (NAVDEX 2023) were organised by ADNEC Group in cooperation with the Ministry of Defence.
The success of this year’s edition, which ran from February 20 to 24 at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC), cemented the global position of IDEX & NAVDEX as the largest defence event in the world, marking another success story in the journey of the exhibition, which began nearly 30 years ago.
World’s Attention
Major General Dr. Mubarak Saeed bin Gafan Al Jabri, Vice Chairman of the Higher Organising Committee of IDEX and NAVDEX, said: “During the event, the UAE was the focus of the world’s attention and a destination for experts and specialists in the defence industry. The latest edition witnessed an increase in the number of participants, exhibitors, and visitors, as well as the number of partnerships and the volume of deals announced at this global event, in addition to record participation by leaders and decision-makers, as the number of participating official delegations exceeded 367 delegations from all around the world.”
He added: “The two exhibitions contributed to the transfer and localisation of advanced knowledge in the country, and strengthening capabilities of national human resources. This was also evident through the panels and workshops that were held during the two exhibitions and the International Defence Conference, which attracted more than 1,800 participants from all over the world. Aside from this, the Worthiness & Safety Conference, which was held for the first time on the sidelines of the two exhibitions, witnessed wide-scale participation by decision-makers and industry experts.”
Humaid Matar Al Dhaheri, Managing Director and CEO of ADNEC Group, stated: “The high level of participation in this edition coincided with the 30th anniversary of IDEX, which was launched in 1993, reinforcing IDEX and NAVDEX as the largest events in the defence industry on the global level.”
He added: “The latest edition reflected the significant growth of the national defence sector, where the number of national companies increased to 216 exhibiting companies, with a growth rate of 50 per cent compared to the previous edition. Aside from this, the UAE pavilion was the largest among the exhibiting pavilions with a total area of more than 23,700 square metres, marking a growth rate of 16 per cent compared to the previous edition.”
Over five days, IDEX and NAVDEX witnessed the announcement of many deals and strategic partnership agreements between major national and international companies, which demonstrated its role in supporting national industries, transferring and localising knowledge, and contributing to the promotion of local products in new markets.
Al Dhaheri continued: “The Startups Platform, in which 83 companies from 25 countries participated, witnessed a high turnout by experts, who were interested in finding out about the most prominent innovations in the defence industry.”
IDC Sessions
This year, the International Defence Conference (IDC) attracted more than 1,800 participants, with a growth rate of more than 25 per cent compared to the previous session.
The Conference included four panel sessions, which covered the social and economic impacts and risks of widespread adoption of new technologies, talent development and human capital management, the impact of emerging technologies on modern defence operations, and the latest technology trends.
The Conference saw the participation of more than 17 speakers, including leaders, ministers, and senior officials in the defence sector from across the world.
This year’s edition witnessed features and initiatives that were held for the first time, which contributed to strengthening the position of the world’s most prominent event in the defence industry.
In addition, nine new countries participated in the exhibition for the first time, which included Uzbekistan, Ireland, Nigeria, Montenegro, Kuwait, Lithuania, Bangladesh, and Monaco.
An additional hall that included a dedicated startup area was also launched, with an area of more than 1,500 square metres to host more than 83 startups from 25 countries around the world, providing them with the opportunity to showcase their most prominent technologies and products.
Vessels on Display
NAVDEX witnessed the participation of a number of naval vessels from eight countries, which include Pakistan, Bahrain, Britain, Italy, China, Kuwait, India, and the United Arab Emirates. These vessels were on display at ADNEC Port and Zayed Port, which featured a range of marine vessels participating in the exhibition.
The Grandstand area at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre and the Water Canal area of ADNEC Marina saw many live demos of the latest equipment and defence vehicles, some of which were on display for the first time, demonstrating the capabilities of vehicles and marine vessels used across various domains.
For the first time in the event’s history, the two exhibitions included an Exhibition Overview, which provided visitors with insights into new and improved features of the exhibitions and introduced them to the most inspiring speakers and the latest updates on exhibitors.
The Innovation Journey presented a selection of innovative products on display, making it easier for visitors to identify the best products among thousands of innovations displayed at the two exhibitions.
IDEX & NAVDEX Talks
IDEX and NAVDEX Talks, which were held over three days for the first time at the IDEX and NAVDEX 2023 exhibitions, concluded on a successful note.
The last day included six sessions that brought together thought leaders, policymakers and world-renowned experts.
One of the last sessions of IDEX and NAVDEX talks was attended by Mohammed bin Ahmed Al Bowardi, Minister of State for Defence Affairs, in addition to a number of VIPs and high-level officials.
At the first session, titled “Security and the emergence of new dimensions: Web3.0, Metaverse, Deepfakes, Misinformation, and beyond”, Professor Martin Spraggon, Keynote Speaker and Author, said that Web 3.0 applications and the Metaverse are disrupting the world significantly, thus prompting the attention to be prepared for whatever is to come.
The second session, titled, “The human experience of an increasingly digital battlespace”, witnessed a discussion by Dr. John Hardy, Assistant Dean for Graduate Studies at Rabdan Academy, who highlighted key elements of human experience on the battlefield.
During the third session, titled “Building partnerships for sustainable innovative solutions”, Matt Martin, Director of Technology and Solution Strategy at CAE in the U.S.; Bentzion Levinson, Founder and CEO of Heven Drones; and Ioseba (Joe) Tena, Commercial Director of Forcys, spoke about the importance of partnerships and technologies in military action.
During the fourth session, titled, “Formulating a National Security Strategy using Quantum Science and Technology”, Dr. Patrick Bell, Assistant Professor at the National Defence College, said that nations must confront challenges that are increasingly emerging and that cannot be planned for effectively with a classic strategy.
At the fifth session, titled, “IoMT for strengthening military forces in the era of all-to-all”, Jay Edwards, PwC Middle East Defence Partner at PwC, noted the opportunities to automate and improve processes across a number of sectors.
Here are some of the prominent companies that took part:
EDGE Group
EDGE, one of the world’s fastest growing and leading advanced technology and defence groups, concluded its successful participation, launching 14 new products, including 11 breakthrough autonomous and unmanned products and solutions. Major deals signed at the event included a landmark EUR 1 billion export deal with the Angolan Navy to build and export a fleet of best-in-class 71 metre corvettes, and major contracts worth over AED9 billion with the UAE Armed Forces for EDGE’s Thunder and Desert Sting 25 Precision-Guided Munitions.
Nexter’s Solutions
As a strategic partner of the United Arab Emirates for 30 years, Nexter is developing its strong integration in the country, particularly regarding the modernisation of the Leclerc tanks of the UAE armed forces. For the first time, Jaguar and Titus vehicles were exhibited on the stand of Resource Industries, a key player in the UAE defence industry.
The Jaguar combines the latest generation of optronic capabilities with multiple and scalable firepower, using the latest 40mm telescoped ammunition and anti-tank missiles perfectly suited for high-intensity combat. The Titus multirole armoured vehicle is available in multiple variants with a high level of protection and mobility. It is the subject of discussions between Nexter and the UAE military ecosystem.
Collins Aerospace
As part of Raytheon Technologies, the company demonstrated how its products and solutions efficiently and rapidly address the priorities of defence partners in the UAE and the region. The company also displayed a number of systems to enable multi-domain operations, including unmanned aircraft systems, secure communications and navigation, command and control, integrated avionics, propeller systems to upgrade the C-130H fleet in the region and more.
Diehl Defence
Diehl Defence is a leading supplier of air defence systems, high-tech guided missiles, innovative ammunition solutions as well as special reconnaissance and protection systems and displayed its products at the event.
Part of its exhibited product portfolio was the combat proven ground-based air defence (GBAD) system IRIS-T SLM. The system consists of the components missile launcher, multifunctional radar and TOC (tactical operations centre). The modular system, which is currently in operation in an area of conflict, offers 360° protection of areas as well as high value targets, such as cities, power plants, offshore platforms and other critical infrastructure, covering short up to medium ranges.
Diehl Defence also exhibited the HPEM SkyWolf C-UAS effector. High-Power Electromagnetic (HPEM) systems from Diehl Defence are designed to counter threats from the air, by interfering with the control electronics inside unmanned aerial systems through short electromagnetic pulses.
GA-ASI
GA-ASI showcased its latest solutions, including the MQ-9B SeaGuardian.
MQ-9B SeaGuardian is the most advanced platform of its kind. Many things make it uniquely valuable: it can fly longer than anything else in this category, cover more distance, carry more payloads, handle more missions, etc. But what’s also of note is that it’s not a wholly new airplane.
MQ-9B uses proven designs and systems from the earlier-model systems, including the MQ-9A Reaper, but it’s bigger. It has many refinements and is generally more capable in every way.
SeaGuardian often carries a powerful 360-degree maritime search radar as well. It completely changes what’s possible in the maritime domain.
Lacroix’s SKAPS
Lacroix took advantage of IDEX to promote its SKAPS (Soft Kill Advanced Protection Suite) and its ability to be integrated on all types of vehicles.
In the UAE, the company has been working for many years with its partner NIMR (part of EDGE Group).
Lacroix showcased its products and solutions in the French Pavilion headed by COGES-GICAT. The company exhibited its latest SKAPS suite on the export market for the very first time. It was unveiled at Eurosatory 2022 and is dedicated to vehicle self-protection.
Lacroix teams also focused on the latest innovations in realistic training domains and airborne countermeasures.
Yugoimport–SDPR
As the integrator of the Serbian Defence Industry, Jugoimport-SDPR took part in IDEX 2023.
The participation was aimed at presenting the capabilities of the Serbian Defence Industry, and Jugoimport-SDPR’s development and production programme. Infantry fighting vehicle Lazanski 8x8 with 57 mm RCWS is the most sophisticated, heavy armoured vehicle, developed by Yugoimport–SDPR.
Milkor UAE
Milkor UAE showcased its complete range of capabilities, along with some new locally developed systems.
Dominating the company’s stand was the Milkor UCAV, a medium-altitude, long endurance (MALE) unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) with an endurance of up to 30 hours and a payload capacity of 210 kg. At IDEX it was fitted with UAE-manufactured Desert Sting-25 guided munitions.
Embraer Defense & Security
Embraer Defense & Security promoted its portfolio of products and innovative solutions.
“The Middle East is a very important region for us, and IDEX is one of the finest events to promote our products’ portfolio,” said Bosco da Costa Junior, President & CEO, Embraer Defense & Security. Embraer’s Defense & Security products and solutions, which are present in more than 60 countries, include the multi-mission transport aircraft C-390 Millennium and the A-29 Super Tucano light attack and training aircraft, in addition to broader solutions for air, land, sea, space and cyber domains.
Since it entered into service with the Brazilian Air Force (FAB) in 2019, the C-390 has proven its capability, reliability, and performance across a variety of missions. FAB’s fleet of five aircraft, all refuelling versions, designated KC-390, have already accrued more than 7,500 flying hours, and recent numbers have shown a mission completion rate of 99 per cent, demonstrating outstanding productivity in its category.
Otokar
Otokar, the global land systems manufacturer of Turkey, showcased six prominent vehicles from its wide armoured vehicles range.
Among the vehicles showcased by the company were: AKREP II Armoured Reconnaissance, Surveillance and Weapons Platform Vehicle, with Cockerill CSE 90LP 90mm turret system; Arma 8x8 Armoured Infantry Fighting Vehicle with 30 mm Mizrak turret system; Tulpar Tracked Armoured Infantry Fighting Vehicle with 30 mm Mizrak turret system; Cobra II Armoured Personnel Carrier; Cobra II MRAP Mine-resistant Ambush Protected Vehicle; and Arma 6x6 Armoured Personnel Carrier.
CAE MME
As a simulation, training and mission support solutions provider, CAE MME is an Abu Dhabi local company leveraging vast global CAE capabilities and expertise to provide customers in the Middle East with innovative solutions. Through its student-centric adaptive learning using synthetic environments and tools that optimise human performance, CAE brings together digital technologies, big data secure architecture, machine learning and artificial intelligence to transform operational environments.
Tawazun
Tawazun Council announced the launch of the “Tawazun Partners’ Oasis” Platform for national and international defence and security company’s registration. The announcement was made on the sidelines of IDEX 2023.
The platform allows international and local companies to register and update their information in a centralised database by creating a data management profile for each company.
The platform will provide Tawazun Council with insight into most recent innovations and technological solutions in the defence sector, as well as gathering data about existing local technologies, capabilities, to connect with supplier at early stage for any future need.
Success Story
Nothing summarises the stupendous success of the event better than the words of Major General Staff Pilot Faris Khalaf Al Mazrouei, Chairman of the Higher Organising Committee of IDEX and NAVDEX 2023: “The exhibitions’ massive turnout reflects the prestigious position of the UAE on the regional and international levels.
We are proud of the rapid development of the national defence industry, which contributes to consolidating the position of Abu Dhabi as a destination that attracts decision-makers from all over the world, and a hub for innovation and creativity.
This historic achievement would not have been possible without the great support of our wise leadership, to enhance the position and competitiveness of the two exhibitions over the past three decades. IDEX and NAVDEX is an ongoing success story for the UAE and the national defence industry, and a role model for the world of which we are very proud of”.
We are proud of the rapid development of the national defence industry, which contributes to consolidating the position of Abu Dhabi as a destination that attracts decision-makers from all over the world, and a hub for innovation and creativity.
This historic achievement would not have been possible without the great support of our wise leadership, to enhance the position and competitiveness of the two exhibitions over the past three decades. IDEX and NAVDEX is an ongoing success story for the UAE and the national defence industry, and a role model for the world of which we are very proud of”.
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