UAE Armed Forces orders top Dh12b

Abu Dhabi: The UAE Armed Forces on Tuesday linked defence purchase deals cumulatively valued at Dh12.3 billion at the ongoing 9th International Defence Exhibition and Conference (IDEX-2009) in Abu Dhabi.

Among the purchases were four C-17 aircraft from US company Boeing and 12 C-130J aircraft from Lockheed Martin. The two deals together were valued at Dh11 billion, Maj Gen Obaid Al Ketbi, chairman of the Idex 2009 Military Committee and official spokesman for the event, told reporters at a press briefing.

"The purchase of transport aircraft C-17 and C-130J aircraft is to meet the requirements of the UAE Armed Forces with regards to strategic and tactical air transport and to actively participate in rescue and humanitarian missions worldwide," said Al Ketbi.

"Al Waha Capital has been assigned to purchase and manage the aircraft," he said.

Al Ketbi added: "This is the final deal for us to buy the aircraft. Everything is finalised."

Other defence contracts awarded by the UAE Armed Forces yesterday included a Dh459.4-million contract to German company Rheimentall Defence Electronics for a Combat Training Centre, a Dh432.7-million order for local firm Advanced Integrated Systems and a Dh316-million contract to another local company, Spectre Training and Evaluation.

Earlier, on Monday, the UAE Armed Forces had signed several arms deals that were together valued at over Dh3 billion. These included a contract with Abu Dhabi Ship Building Company for the supply of 12 combat vessels for Dh771.1 million and to upgrade another 12 combat vessels at a cost of Dh164.3 million. The full contract was valued at Dh935.4 million.

Idex 2009 showcases land, sea and air vehicles and systems, radar, electronic warfare and electro-optic systems, weapons and ordnance, defence, homeland and internal security systems, simulation and training solutions, logistics, medical and survival systems and personal equipment.

As many as 897 companies from 50 countries are participating at this year's IDEX, which has been held biannually in the UAE since 1993. The event will conclude tomorrow.