UAE Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah Bin Zayed tours the International Defence Exhibition and Conference 2021 in Abu Dhabi. WAM

The second day of the International Defence Exhibition (IDEX) and the Naval Defence Exhibition (NAVDEX) 2021 has seen the UAE Armed Forces sign 11 new deals, worth Dhs7.293 billion, with local and international companies. The cumulative value of deals signed at IDEX and NAVDEX 2021 is now Dhs12.323 billion.

A military delegation visits the display of Halcon during the opening day of the IDEX in Abu Dhabi. AP

Staff Brigadier-General Mohammed Al Hassani, Official spokesperson of the IDEX and NAVDEX exhibitions, said: "The total amount of deals signed with international parties amounted to Dhs6.983 billion, which is 95 per cent of the total deal value for today, and Dhs310 million of deals were agreed with UAE companies, which is 5 per cent of today’s total deal value."

"Nine contracts were awarded to international companies, while two deals were finalised with companies based in the UAE. 11 deals were signed in total," he added.

Sheikh Hamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan (2nd L) tours the IDEX at ADNEC. AP

The deals were announced during a press conference held on Monday in the presence of Naval Staff Colonel Fahed Nasser Al Thehli and Lieutenant-Colonel Sarah Al Hajri, spokespersons for IDEX and NAVDEX 2021.

Naval Staff Colonel Fahed Nasser Al Thehli, official spokesperson for NAVDEX, commented: "The most prominent deals struck today have been contracts with the Swedish company, SAAB AB, to purchase G6000 early warning aircraft for the Air Defence Command and Air Force, at a value of Dhs3,742,563,872, alongside agreements with the global American defence company, RAYTHEON, purchasing Patriot GEM-T missiles for the Air Force and Air Defence Command, at a value of Dhs2,614,441,400.

Visitors and officials pass by Sahm during the first day of the IDEX. AP

A deal was signed with FERRETI S.P.A DIVISION FERRETTI, purchasing high-speed assault vessels for naval forces, at a value of Dhs136,300,000. Additional contracts were signed with JOINT STOCK COMPANY BELTECH EXPORT, providing technical support for electronic target systems for the Air Defence Command, at a value of Dhs30,000,000. Agreements have been signed with HESCO BASTION for the purchase of defensive barriers for the Land Forces Command, at a value of Dhs27,915,223.

"Further agreements were implemented with the Swiss company, RUVEX-AG, providing technical support and training for BMP3 simulator systems, with a value of Dhs3,110,400. In addition, agreements have been implemented with EURO_ART INTERNATIONAL EMIV, providing spare parts, training, and technical support for the General Maintenance Corps, with a value of Dhs110,190,000. Further deals have been agreed with SAFRAN ELECTRONICS&DEFENCE, providing maintenance and repair at a value of Dhs85,470,000. Further deals have been implemented with ‘DTEC NAVAL INDUSTRIES’, purchasing traffic boats of 50 metres in length for coastal protection, worth of Dhs233,740,000."

Lieutenant-Colonel Sarah Al Hajri, further commented: "Additional agreements were put in place with International Golden Group IGG, purchasing rockets for 122mm rockets at a cost Dhs285,000,000. Further deals were implemented with Ahmed Almazroei Metal Industries, for providing technical support and installation of weapon bases, alongside maintenance of moving targets for training directorate, at a value of Dhs25,000,000."

WAM