BAE Systems,
ABU DHABI, UAE: BAE Systems will underline its commitment to the Middle East during the 9th International Defence Exhibition and Conference (IDEX) in Abu Dhabi, which runs from 22 to 26 February 2009.
Building on its reputation, the company is keen to further expand its offering in the Middle East outside the core Air focus by leveraging its global capabilities, particularly in its Land & Armaments business where it is the largest land systems company in the world.
The move by BAE Systems to increase awareness of its Land & Armaments business in the region is demonstrated by the wide range of products being exhibited at IDEX.
– Global Combat Systems – full size versions of the M777 155mm lightweight field Howitzer, the Armoured All Terrain Vehicle BvS10 with vehicle mounted Lemur and the CV90 all terrain vehicle, which will be making its international debut at IDEX
– Global Tactical Systems – the RG31 Mk6E mine resistant personnel carrier, also making its international debut in the region, and an enhanced mine protected variant of the successful RG32M. In addition, there will be a number of scale models from the family of medium tactical vehicles
– Security & Survivability – an armoured Toyota HiLux and a Gunner Protection Kit demonstrator, both being shown for the first time at IDEX
Simon Keith, Managing Director – Middle East, Africa & Asia Pacific, commented “the Middle East remains an extremely important market for BAE Systems and we are delighted to be exhibiting at IDEX. This show has gone from strength to strength since it first started in 1993. It gives us an excellent opportunity to showcase our products to such an important group of participants”.
BAE Systems’ global initiatives are Land, Readiness & Sustainment, Security and Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) and all four initiatives will play a big role in the Middle East going forward. In the region, there is already a large installed base of product, including Hawk trainer jets, which needs looking after and Readiness & Sustainment is therefore particularly significant as the company looks to work closely with its customer on support contracts throughout the region.
Martin Bennett, BAE System’s Regional Vice President, Middle East has been working in the Middle East for a number of years and having seen the changes which have taken place in the region over the years, he believes that the opportunities for BAE Systems are now greater than ever. “Historically, BAE Systems’ business has been focused on providing air capability to the region” he commented, “but with the move towards our global initiatives we are able to transfer best practice by leveraging the appropriate capabilities and skills to meet the needs of our customers in the Middle East.”
BAE Systems is the premier global defense and aerospace company delivering a full range of products and services for air, land and naval forces, as well as advanced electronics, information technology solutions and customer support services. With approximately 100,000 employees worldwide, BAE Systems' sales exceeded £15.7 billion (US $31.4 billion) in 2007.
