Defense Update covers the UAE’s IDEX 2007 show, which ended last Thursday. IDEX is the premier Middle East arms exhibition, and one that is growing in both size and global prominence given regional spending trends. During the show, the UAE Armed Forces announced that it has signed deals with worth over 1.34 billion Dirhams (currently about $360 million) with local and international companies. The UAE’s defense procurement process is widely respected, and carries influence beyond its borders. Announcements included:
* A Memorandum of Understanding with EADS for 3 aerial tankers; EADS says it’s the A330 MRTT selected by Australia & Britain, and bidding for the USA’s $20-30 billion KC-X Phase 1. The contract was finally signed in February 2008, and deliveries are expected to begin in 2011.
* DHS 390 million for 48 Agrab (Scorpion) 120 mm mobile mortar systems (MMS). The Agrab consists of a Singapore Technologies Kinetics (STK) 120 mm Super Rapid Advanced Mortar System, mounted to the rear of a BAE Systems OMC RG-31 Mk5 4×4 mine-protected vehicle fitted with a new 3-person fully enclosed cab.
* DHS 343 million to GAMCO of Abu Dhabi to support the United Arab Emirates’ various BAE Hawk trainer versions
* DHS 240 million (currently about $65 million) in communications equipment from Harris;
* DHS 228 million to DynCorp International to support their unique F-16 E/F Block 60 “Desert Falcon” fighters
* DHS 127 million for 12 fast patrol boats from Abu Dhabi Ship Building Company
* DHS 18 million for 10,000 pistols from local firm Caracal
* A shortlist for their advanced trainer competition: Aermacchi’s M-346, BAE’s Hawk 128 LIFT, and the Korean Aerospace/ Lockheed T-50 Golden Eagle
