The UAE announced today its armed forces have struck a series of defence contracts worth over Dh 3 billion.
"A contract was signed with Abu Dhabi Shipbuilding Company for supply of 12 combat vessels at a value of Dh 771.1 million and upgrading another 12 combat vessels at total cost of Dh 164.3 million. The total contract was valued at Dh 935.4 million," said Major General Obaid Al Ketbi, Chairman of the Military Committees and the Official Spokesman for IDEX 2009.
According to him, a Dh 892.8 million deal was sealed with Euro-Art International for purchase of 3 Cobra radars. French Thales, he revealed, had won contracts for signal systems at Dh 156.8 million and for developing a SOTAS communications system for Leclerc tanks at a cost of Dh 172.8 million. Total of the two contracts amounted to Dh 329.6 million.
The UAE IGG has been awarded a Dh 64.3 million contract for the laser targeted designator sets. A contract valued Dh 66 million was given for the mortar 120mm project, bringing to Dh 130.3 million the total value of contracts given to the company. The local Saqr for Trade and Technical Services won two contracts worth Dh 59 million for provision of light weapons (DSR -50) and (M7 - 5.56).
A Dh 192.2 million deal was signed with the US Harris RF Corporation for communications sets. ’’The UAE is on the process to sign a deal with Agusta Company of Italy for delivery of two helicopters (AW139 AGUSTA WESTLAND) for VIPs at a value of Dh 95.8 million, he told the reporters at IDEX daily briefing.
"Negotiations are on with US Boeing Company to strike a Dh 373.4 million deal for provision of spare parts and land equipment for Chinook planes. The contract also includes training courses for pilots, technicians and air servicemen," he added. Al Ketbi affirmed that the current global financial crunch has not impacted the participation at IDEX. On the contrary, there is a wide international presence. "The total amount of contracts announced today were valued at Dh 3,008,500,000," he concluded.
