The UAE’s order book during the inaugural day of the Dubai Airshow 2017 included 11 new deals for international and local companies, such as Abu Dhabi Aviation, Lockheed Martin, Thales, Augusta Westland and Global Aerospace Logistics, a report said.

The Defence Ministry agreed a deal worth around Dh6 billion ($1.63 billion) with US aerospace company Lockheed Martin Corp to upgrade F-16 jet fighters, a ministry official was quoted as saying by Wam, the Emirates news agency.

The announcement was made at a news conference by Major General Abdullah Al Sayed Al Hashemi, Assistant Under-Secretary at the Ministry of Defence and chairman of the Organising Military Committee of the Dubai Airshow 2017.

He added that a Dh197 million contract has been signed with Abu Dhabi Aviation to operate and manage a number of AW139 aircrafts for emergency medical service, search and rescue, disaster relief, offshore transport, VIP/corporate transport, passenger transport, law enforcement, fire fighting, maritime security and other government duties. Another Dh10 million contract has been awarded to Abu Dhabi Aviation to provide air transport services for military sites

"The UAE armed forces signed also a Dh25 million with Global Aerospace Logistics to provide technical and specialised support for the Patriot System Maintenance Centre,” he said.

The ministry also announced other deals, including Dh66 million to US-based OTNA INC for Blu-109 ammunition and an Dh35.1 million agreement with Thales Communications and Security SAS to secure defence communications.

Another contract worth Dh43.704 million has been signed with AgustaWestland to modernise aircraft AB139.

"The day's last deal was with the UAE Thales Advanced Solutions worth Dh14.634 million to modernise a number of radar cabins and install radio systems.

"These deals reflect the UAE armed forces' keenness to ensure high combat readiness, he said, noting that the volume of military deals in the event is not determined by the level of military tension in the region but rather by the real requirements of the armed forces.

“The total volume of military deals conducted by the Armed Forces during the show will be announced in full detail by the end of the show,” he added.