Abu Dhabi: With the number of sea piracy incidents on the rise this year’s Naval Defence Exhibition (Navdex), has adopted the theme Maritime Security.
With over 80 companies from 15 countries taking part in Navdex, which was unveiled as part of Idex last year, this year’s show gains in stature in the naval defence and security market.
Speaking to Gulf News after Sunday’s press conference to announce details of Idex and Navdex, Colonel Naser Al Yafee, official spokesperson of Navdex said there was almost a 50 per cent growth in attendance and participation.
Commenting on the focus on Maritime Security, Col. Al Yafee said, “In fact there will be a lot of speakers exclusively at Navdex who will focus on naval security. Included in the list are Chief of UAE Navy, Fleet Commander of the UK Navy among others speakers who will lay emphasis on various aspects of security on the seas.”
“In the last Idex we had a total area of 3, 400 sq. metres while this year we have 5,600 sq. metres, that is almost a 50 per cent increase. Last year we had only 300 metres for the jetty while this year we have 500 metres plus the floating jetty which can take about 13 small ships as well,” he said.
Navdex will showcase naval defence systems, maritime security equipment and all elements of military operations from many worldwide, defence-related companies.
“Nine vessels, one from the US, two from UK, one each from Italy, France and Pakistan and three from the UAE are taking part. They will be a ‘Ship of the Day’ daily and besides that we will be having a lot of naval activities. Last year we just had one show per day but this year there will be multiple shows and scenarios,” Col. Al Yafee said.
The ships on display include range of mine hunters, missile corvettes and multi-supply ships.
“Busier than ever, naval vessels around the globe are fundamental to preserving the safety of legitimate trade and committed to combating illegal activity in all its forms, making Navdex an even more significant forum in the maritime defence market,” the Navy official told the press conference.
