Abu Dhabi: The UAE Armed Forces signed contracts worth Dh14.5 billion during the 10th edition of the International Defence Exhibition and Conference (Idex) this year, which concluded yesterday.
The total number of investments has fallen short of the ninth edition of the exhibition during which investments totalled Dh18.4 billion.
Yesterday alone, the Armed Forces signed contracts worth Dh2.8 billion. The largest of the nine new contracts was a Dh786 million contract with the local company International Golden Group (IGG) for the purchase of the 120mm mortar system designated RG 31m.
The second largest contract worth Dh736 million was awarded to the local company NIMR Automotive, a Tawazun subsidiary, for the purchase of 1,000 NIMR vehicles.
Strong footfall
Major General Obaid Al Katbi, head of the Idex 2011 organising committee and spokesman for Idex, told reporters that the choice had fallen on many of the local companies this Idex because of the strong alliance and joint ventures between Emirati and international companies.
The armed forces also announced a Dh356.7 million contract with the locally based Al Fattan Ship Industry, for the purchase of 18 boats.
A Dh107 million contract with Abu Dhabi Ship Building was also announced to provide technical support for naval boats.
One deal that is currently being discussed is with AMMROC (Advanced Military Maintenance Repair and Overhaul Centre), a Mubadala subsidiary, to provide maintenance for aircraft, said Major General Al Ketbi.
"These deals are the ones that have been reached based on the needs of the Armed Forces," he said. But that doesn't mean that other deals are not under discussion, he added. Major General Al Katbi said that Idex and Navdex 2011 have attracted over 60,000 visitors and the feedback from exhibitors, which were over 1,000 this year, has been very positive.
Fast fact: List of deals signed
- A Dh469.4 million contract with Atlas Electronics of Germany to maintain and develop mine sweeping units.
- A Dh271 million contract with Federal State Unitary Enterprise for the upgrading of 135 BMP3 vehicles.
- A Dh71.8 million deal with Aeromaritime Systems of Germany to purchase and set communication systems for boats.
- A Dh22.5 million contract with Penhard Defence Company of France for the purchase of spare parts for Penhard vehicles.
