Gen. Mohamed unveils 'Enigma'

General Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, has affirmed that International Defence Exhibition (Idex) and its associated events and conferences provide a fitting platform to bring the spotlight on our national defence industries, which have been gaining increasing recognition and trust worldwide.

This international reputation, General Mohamed said, would not have been built without the tremendous efforts made by the UAE under the leadership of President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, to develop and modernise its defence industry, create proper conditions to enable it to thrive and possess highly competitive strength in order to compete with major international companies and build well-trained and qualified national professionals capable of dealing with advanced technology industries.

Applauding the sharp competition and excellence that the national defence industries have, General Mohamed urged them to maximise their efforts when it comes to international best standards and quality so as to consolidate their foothold on the world's advanced defence industries landscape.

General Mohamed made his statement following a tour of Idex, which opened yesterday at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre.

A key international platform for showcasing the latest technologies in defence manufacturing, Idex this year will see participation of 1,200 exhibitors from 55 countries, including more than 170 UAE companies.

During his tour, General Mohamed viewed the latest defence technology and services and heard from UAE exhibitors about their participation.

Starting his tour with the Emirates Defence Technology’s stand, General Mohamed unveiled its new 8x8m Armoured Modular Fighting Vehicle ‘Enigma’.

Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs, and other senior officials attended the inauguration.

EDT officials briefed General Mohamed on the technical specifications of Enigma.

The Enigma 8x8, which will be displayed on the Emirates Defence Technology’s stand for the duration of Idex, provides high levels of protection, heavy weapons systems, amphibious capabilities, an unrivalled spacious interior that can accommodate 11 personnel, all without compromising the 28-tonne vehicle’s mobility.

The production of the Enigma will be at the EDT’s facility in Abu Dhabi, where it has already undertaken stringent tests ahead of its official introduction at Idex. It will further support the UAE in developing an indigenous defence industry and enhance the EDT’s global reputation as a modern and progressive defence company.

Enigma is designed to be compatible with a variety of weapon systems, which makes the Armoured Modular Fighting Vehicle (AMFV) suitable to armed forces around the world.

Gen. Mohamed meets Saudi Defence Minister
 

 
General Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces met on the sidelines of International Defence Exhibition (Idex 2015) with Prince Mohamed bin Salman bin Abdul Aziz, Saudi Defence Minister, Chief of the Royal Court and Special Advisor to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques.
 
General Mohamed welcomed Prince Mohamed bin Salman and wished the Saudi companies taking part in Idex a success participation at the event.
 
General Mohamed discussed with Prince Mohamed bin Salman ways to enhance fraternal relations between the UAE and Saudi Arabia. They also reviewed cooperation in military and defence fields, in the light of the two countries' keenness to realise their common strategic interests in maintaining stability in the region and in confronting all challenges facing it.
 
The meeting also touched on the important role played by Idex in showcasing the latest in defence and military manufacturing technology, as well as research and development on defence affairs.

 
Gen. Mohamed meets French, Italian defence ministers

 
General Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, received separately the French Defence Minister, Jean-Yves Le Drian, and the Italian Defence Minister, Roberta Pinotti, on the sidelines of the International Defence Exhibition (Idex 2015), which opened yesterday at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre.
 
General Mohamed welcomed the two ministers and their countries' participation at Idex and reviewed with them the distinguished relations binding the UAE with their respective countries and ways to bolster defence and military cooperation in the best interest of the countries.
 
They also exchanged views on avenues of joint cooperation and coordination regarding regional security and exchange of expertise in defence industries. A variety of issues of mutual interest was also tackled.
 
During the meetings, General Mohamed engaged in talks with the ministers about Idex’s significance to countries and defence companies in areas of research and development on military sciences and industries through sharing of information and expertise on sophisticated defence technologies.
 
Latest developments, challenges and risks the region is facing also figured high at the meeting where General Mohammed and the French and Italian defence ministers recognised the need for concerted and integrated efforts to maintain security and stability in the region.

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