A total of 169 UAE companies are exhibiting their advanced research, development and manufacturing capabilities at two ongoing defence events in Abu Dhabi.

The 10th International Defence Exhibition and Conference (Idex) and the inaugural Naval Defence Exhibition (Navdex) opened at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre on February 20, and will conclude on February 24.

“Idex has historically been a major forum for UAE companies to exhibit their advancements and technological prowess,” says Mohamed Al Mashgouni, Idex 2011 show director.

“Each year, the UAE contribution to Idex grows and the evolving nature of our country’s defence and security industry becomes more apparent. This year, with a more than 50 per cent increase in the number of UAE participants compared to ’09, the technologies we see exhibited are becoming a major force in the local and global defence industry,” he added.

UAE exhibitors, who occupy more than 12,000 sq m of space at the show, include Tawazun subsidiaries Caracal and NIMR, as well as Yahsat and Bayanat, both Mubadala subsidiaries.

Caracal International is the first arms manufacturer in the country and is exhibiting its line of innovative defence products.  Notable additions this year include the Caracal H type - a high performance single action pistol aimed primarily at the sporting market and developed by Caracal’s in-house design team, a statement said.

Caracal is also exhibiting its first line of rifles with both hunting and defence applications.

Exhibiting for the first time at Idex as a Tawazun subsidiary is NIMR Automotive, the first UAE defence manufacturer to produce a range of land vehicles specifically designed for active military applications.

NIMR’s vehicles range from 6x6 armoured personnel carriers and armoured patrol vehicles, to heavily and lightly armoured 4x4 command and recon vehicles – all built for high endurance in demanding desert terrain and extreme weather conditions, the statement said.

Its 6x6 short wheel base platform vehicle is the first defence vehicle platform designed and manufactured in the UAE, it added.

Exhibiting for the first time at Idex is Bayanat, the UAE’s leading geospatial service provider. Bayanat processes and distributes up-to-the-minute topographical, hydrographic and aeronautical information across the UAE.

Yahsat is Abu Dhabi’s first satellite company. Once launched this quarter, its first satellite will provide ultra secure Ka-band coverage for the region. This coverage will facilitate governmental and civilian communications in areas including secure networking, mission critical applications, border control, disaster recovery and backup for key data networks.

A number of UAE companies are also exhibiting in the First Time Exhibitors Zone, benefiting from the exclusive location and visibility the zone offers, a statement said.

More than 1,060 exhibitors representing over 50 countries are participating in the show, it added. – TradeArabia News Service