UK companies fly the flag at defence show IDEX
The 16th edition of the International Defence Exhibition & Conference (IDEX 2023), and the seventh edition of the Naval Defence & Maritime Security Exhibition (NAVDEX 2023) officially opened today in…
The 16th edition of the International Defence Exhibition & Conference (IDEX 2023), and the seventh edition of the Naval Defence & Maritime Security Exhibition (NAVDEX 2023) officially opened today in Abu Dhabi.
It is the only international defence exhibition and conference in the MENA (Middle East and North Africa) region demonstrating the latest technology across land, sea and air sectors of defence.
And over twenty UK companies are in attendance at the United Kingdom Pavilion organised by ADS Group.
Companies exhibiting air products include Farnborough based QinetiQ. The company recently won a contract with The UAE’s National Search & Rescue Centre (NSRC) to integrate its BRACERTM Tactical Satellite Communications system into its fleet of Search & Rescue (SAR) Helicopters, as well as equipping their medical and rescue personnel.
Following extensive trials and test integration period throughout 2022, BRACERTM will provide NSRC with Global Beyond Line of Site (BLOS) communications and asset tracking to improve overall situational awareness and help coordinate SAR missions in some of their most challenging theatres of operation – often where traditional radio communications cannot always be relied upon due to distance, geography, or weather conditions.
Tim Williams, senior sales manager, QinetiQ said: “NSRC operate in challenging Air, Maritime and Land environments and embrace the need to use best of breed technology to deliver its life saving service. As a responsive, reliable, simple and secure system, BRACERTM increases reactiveness, enhances situational awareness and enables the passage of information where it’s previously been impossible or difficult.”
Ejection seats
Ejection seat company Martin Baker is exhibiting its latest US18E ejection seat that is being qualified for the Lockheed Martin F-16 Block 70/72 aircraft.
Production deliveries have started for the first three customers for it, while 20 more customers are considering seat retrofit into earlier F-16 aircraft Blocks.
The US18E is derived from the US16E Seat installed into the Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II, which has saved seven lives to date. For the first time, the US18E will enable F-16 aircrew to safely eject while wearing Helmet Mounted Displays (HMD).
IDEX/NAVDEX is taking place until February 24.
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