The end of the Cold War, the disastrous results of the Gulf War and Global Terrorism made it clear to most of the states of the region that a total review of the armed forces was necessary.
Global Terrorism concerns are determining the countries procurement and military training. To reach the necessary level of modernisation the MENA States are forced to relay on the available market forces. The top five arms exporters, US, France, Britain, Russia and China have consolidated their old position in the region. However, several facts have emerged during the last years that indicate that even in this pro-Western traditional market, diversification of suppliers has been sought. Market forces in the region and in the world as a whole has resulted in a changing constellation in which European exporters such as the Netherlands, Germany, Italy, Spain and Turkey have gained a place in the arms market in the Gulf and Northern Africa.
Middle Eastern countries continue to procure arms and build up their Defence systems despite budgetary problems in view of the high potential for conflict in the region. To overcome financial constraints, most Middle Eastern countries have developed procurement systems based on the careful placement of overlapping, multi-national contracts and on diplomacy. Defence companies are also aware of the financial problems of their clients in the region, and have begun offering leasing deals, flexible financing schemes and other programs designed to offset budgetary limitations.
The United Arab Emirates is vastly increasing its military power by Infusing billions of dollars into Defence programs. UAE officials are working on a joint-service logistics concept to tie all its military resources together and be capable of rapid response. UAE is purchasing jet fighters, tanks, ships and air-defence systems and is beefing up its nuclear, biological and chemical defence capabilities, communications and early warning systems, while satisfying its insatiable need for trucks and armored vehicles.
The threat of weapons of mass destruction has become a heightened concern for the GCC countries, and the UAE’s investments alone reflect that.
Global Terrorism concerns are determining the countries procurement and military training. To reach the necessary level of modernisation the MENA States are forced to relay on the available market forces. The top five arms exporters, US, France, Britain, Russia and China have consolidated their old position in the region. However, several facts have emerged during the last years that indicate that even in this pro-Western traditional market, diversification of suppliers has been sought. Market forces in the region and in the world as a whole has resulted in a changing constellation in which European exporters such as the Netherlands, Germany, Italy, Spain and Turkey have gained a place in the arms market in the Gulf and Northern Africa.
Middle Eastern countries continue to procure arms and build up their Defence systems despite budgetary problems in view of the high potential for conflict in the region. To overcome financial constraints, most Middle Eastern countries have developed procurement systems based on the careful placement of overlapping, multi-national contracts and on diplomacy. Defence companies are also aware of the financial problems of their clients in the region, and have begun offering leasing deals, flexible financing schemes and other programs designed to offset budgetary limitations.
The United Arab Emirates is vastly increasing its military power by Infusing billions of dollars into Defence programs. UAE officials are working on a joint-service logistics concept to tie all its military resources together and be capable of rapid response. UAE is purchasing jet fighters, tanks, ships and air-defence systems and is beefing up its nuclear, biological and chemical defence capabilities, communications and early warning systems, while satisfying its insatiable need for trucks and armored vehicles.
The threat of weapons of mass destruction has become a heightened concern for the GCC countries, and the UAE’s investments alone reflect that.