Abu Dhabi: Pakistan will for the first time display three naval vessels including a submarine during the International Defence Exhibition and Conference, IDEX to be held here in Abu Dhabi from February 17 to 20.

Addressing a press conference at the Pakistan Embassy, Jameel Ahmad Khan, Pakistan Ambassador to the UAE said the display of the naval vessels, for the first time in 12 years of their country’s participation at IDEX and NAVDEX, will be highlighted with their submarine PNS Khalid.

“With the regional security situation becoming complex and uncertain at times, Pakistan’s defence industry is compelled to develop a response that is proportionate to challenges that lies ahead,” he said.

“Our defence industry offers affordable military defence solutions. The significance and prominence of our presence in IDEX is Pakistan offering all its defence products at very affordable prices that can easily be afforded by regional countries which include the Middle East and North Africa (Mena region), Khan said.

“Defence production is attaining more significance due to fast changing security environment around the globe. In the First World War and the Second World War, they were conventional wars, now the enemy is not visible, this has been compounded by borderless enemies. Borderless enemies like Al Qaida and others,” Khan explained.

The Pakistani envoy stressed the importance of maritime defence vessels in the face of the increasing number of piracy attacks on the high seas in the region.

“Displaying our naval vessels, the submarine (PNS Khalid) and two other vessels — PNS Jurrat and PNS Shah Jahan — have all been modified and upgraded indigenously in Pakistan,” he said.

Among the major Pakistan companies at IDEX will be Defence Export Promotion Organisation (DEPO), Global Industrial and Defence Solutions (GIDS), Heavy Industries Taxila (HIT), Karachi Shipyard & Engineering Works Ltd (KS &EW), National Radio & Telecommunications Corporation (NRTC), Pakistan Ordinance Factories (POF) among others.

“We have over 24 main and auxiliary units taking part in this year’s IDEX. Our presence will also cement the long-standing relations and military co-operation with the UAE,” the Pakistani envoy said.

“Events like this provide a unique opportunity for our defence-related industries both in public and private sectors. To display their products and to interact directly with the defence industry of the developed world,” he said.

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