IDEX: Driving Future Defence Technologies

Abu Dhabi Feb 22, 2007:  The International Defence Exhibition (IDEX) was held at the Exhibition Center, Abu Dhabi  from Feb 18th to 22nd February 2007.  

Strikers and Mobile Guns

Various countries including U.S.A,  Russia, Germany, U.K,  Sweden,  Netherland, South Africa,  Belgium,  France,  China, Korea, India, Pakistan, Jordan and UAE  participated and displayed aircrafts, Strikers and Mobile Guns, Bullet Proof Glasses,   Submarine models, Blaser Tactical Mounted Muzzle Guns, other artifacts and defence equipments. 

Lancy  D’Souza with a Steyr Pistol M-A1, Germany

I had an opportunity to visit this exhibition and captured some images that caught my attention, to share with the viewers of Mangalorean.com. 

There were 862 exhibitors from about 50 countries in total, who had participated in IDEX 2007. Turkey had the biggest area of 2000 sq.  mtr of exhibiting space at IDEX 2007. 

BAE Systems experienced one of the most successful shows ever, with the new 600m 2 pavilion constantly busy with interested visitors, including a visit from His Highness General Mohammed bin Zayed al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces.

South Korea made its presence felt in the entire Middle East Region by participating in IDEX and it wishes to  expand its international presence too.  There were 16 companies from South Korea occupying 662 sq mtr of space at the exhibition venue.  South Korea currently has 76 companies manufacturing defence systems.

IDEX gave an opportunity for the key decision-makers from across the world, defence ministers, chiefs of staff and senior officers from army, navy and air force to network with defence equipment manufacturers and systems solutions providers. According to the Gulf News reports, UAE announced Dh1.165 billion worth of contracts on the last day of IDE, taking the total value of deals during the five-day event to Dh3.37 billion.  UAE has plans of producing a new mobile mortar system with joint support from U.K,  Singapore,  Germany and South Korea.

Bullet Proof Glasses for Security Vehicles

Author: Lancy DSouza- Abu Dhabi