The UAE signed five military contracts worth 5.8 billion dirhams ($1.58 billion) on the second day of the International Defence Exhibition and Conference (Idex), with three deals going to domestic companies. The UAE Armed Forces signed three contracts worth 5.57 billion dirhams with local firms, while international groups signed two deals worth 213 million dirhams, reported by The Natonal.
Among domestic companies, Calidus Aerospace won the largest deal to purchase the Heda missile system worth 3.76 billion dirhams. Abu Dhabi-based International Golden Group won a contract to purchase ammunition worth 492 million dirhams, while DTEC Industries won a contract worth 1.38 billion dirhams for its boats.
The UAE signed 18 contracts in the first two days of the event
Meanwhile, a Dh32 million contract was signed with MBDA France to supply spare parts for naval equipment and devices, maintenance, repair and technical support, and a Dh181 million deal with Italy’s Augusta Westland Aviation Services to provide technical, engineering and logistical support services and aircraft spare parts.
The UAE signed 18 contracts worth a total of Dh9.7 billion in the first two days of the event. “The Tawazun Council continues to play a key role in developing the UAE’s defence sector in line with its economic vision, making it an international hub for the defence industry,” Majed Al Jaber, spokesman for the Tawazun Council, said on Tuesday. The emirate is focusing on increasing its defence manufacturing capabilities and diversifying its economy away from oil. The UAE’s “Operation 300 Billion” strategy aims to increase the industrial sector’s contribution to the country’s GDP to AED 300 billion by 2031 from AED 133 billion in 2021.
Idex is the Middle East’s largest defense trade show
At Idex, UAE-based conglomerate Edge also announced a partnership with General Motors to explore potential defense opportunities in the Middle East, Africa, Malaysia and Indonesia. Under a previous agreement, GM Defence, a subsidiary of General Motors, will work with Nimr Automotive, a division of Edge, on new opportunities. Meanwhile, Sanad, a leader in aerospace and leasing solutions wholly owned by Abu Dhabi’s sovereign investor Mubadala Investment Company, announced on Tuesday a collaboration with US aerospace manufacturer Pratt & Whitney for aircraft engine maintenance, repair and overhaul.
Idex is the Middle East’s largest defence exhibition, attracting industry leaders keen to showcase their latest military technology, from drones to armoured vehicles. More than 150,000 visitors are expected to attend the week-long event, which features over 1,565 exhibitors from around the world. It includes 41 country pavilions and covers over 180,000 square metres of exhibition space.