a magazine dedicated to aerospace & defence industry MIDDLE EAST SUPPLEMENT
www.arabiandefence.com | March - April 2021 | Issue 5 Defence, Aerospace, Homeland Security News
The multi-role, multi- domain UAV: Schiebel`s CAMCOPTER® S-100
Trailblazing Niche Paths GRSE’s Exports to Reach New Pinnacle
Invincible Tactical Advantage 2 MULTI-ROLEMULTI-ROLE MULTI-DOMAINMULTI-DOMAIN CAMCOPTER ® S-100 UNMANNED AIR SYSTEM
AT IDEX 2021, PLEASE VISIT US AT BOOTH #07D30. 3 IDEX Provides a Fillip to Defence Industry in MENA Region
s Abu Dhabi gets ready to launch the latest edition of International ADefence Exhibition and Conference Editorial Advisory Board (IDEX), which is the biggest defence event Dr. C.G. Krishnadas Nair in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) Air Chief Marshal S. Krishnaswamy (Rtd) region, the companies across the globe eye PVSM, AVSM, VM & Bar up to seize an opportunity for getting their Air Marshal P. Rajkumar (Rtd) business back in line in the COVID era. PVSM, AVSM, VM IDEX attracts a huge number of international Air Marshal Ajit Bhavanani (Rtd) decision makers in the defence industry, PVSM, AVSM, VM armed forces and senior military personnel Rear Admiral K. Mohanan (Rtd), AVSM around the world. Strong representation from Mr. Pushpindar Singh Chopra GCC and the wider international community Dr . K. Ram Chand make IDEX the prime platform to showcase Mr. J.K.Sharma their products and technologies. Mr. Arunakar Mishra India aims big at the expo to highlight the country’s weapon systems and platforms and explore new spheres in defence exports. The exhibitors, including leading DPSUs Berlin, Germany and private players, will participate in the event in a big way to brand India as a Detlef Becker potential exporter of defence products for tri-services. The delegation aims to project E : [email protected] India as a potential player in the defence industry in Asia and forge a new business T : +49 3375 5857590 alliance in the Middle East region. M : + 491 701626053 With the vision of Atma Nirbhar Bharat (self-reliance) in defence manufacture and promoting the arms and spare exports in the sector, Indian delegation aims to bolster Paris, France Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of making India a defence manufacturing hub. Marie-Thérèse Bonfigli Moreover, the expo happens in the background of the Indian cabinet having approved E : [email protected] delegation of powers under Make-1 of Defence Acquisition Procedure 2020. This M : +33 (0)6 89 20 95 68 will greatly ease design and prototype development by Indian industry for defence equipment. Moscow, Russia In the wake of the recent Israel-UAE normalization deal, Israeli companies will George Smirnov participate and exhibit at IDEX for the first time in history and the Israel Defence E : [email protected] Exhibition (ISDEF) will be the exclusive promoter of IDEX for the Israeli pavilion. M : +7 (906)711-03- As Media Partners, Aeromag and Sailors & Warriors wish success to all the exhibitors 51 / (495)644-17-33 and business visitors of the show.
Sunny Jerome Managing Editor Sunny Jerome Managing Editor Preethi M. Associate Editor
David Barnabhas Design
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6 7 Envisaging Structured Thrusts on Indigenisation
8 The Department of Defence Production envisions expanding the defence manufacturing base of the country with equal participation of both Public and Private sector including MSMEs and startups. To achieve this goal, broadly three focus areas have been identified: Investment promotion, export promotion and innovation, says Raj Kumar, secretary, Department of Defence Production, Ministry of Defence, Government of India. Excerpts from the interview:
What are the latest activities and policy initiatives by the Government to promote indigenous defence manufacturer in India? The size of the Indian Defence Industry, including Aerospace and Naval Shipbuilding Industry, is currently estimated to be about Rs 80,000 Crore (2019-20). The Government targets a turnover of Rs 1,75,000 Cr (US$ 25Bn) in Aerospace and Defence goods and services by 2025, for which a number of policy initiatives have been taken: Defence Procurement Procedure 2016 has been revised as Defence Acquisition Procedure (DAP) - 2020, which is driven by the tenets of Defence Reforms announced as part of ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan’. In order to promote indigenous design and development of defence equipment ‘Buy Indian - IDDM (Indigenously Designed, Developed and Manufactured)’ category was introduced in 2016 and was accorded top most priority for procurement of capital equipment. Ministry of Defence has notified a ‘Negative list’ of 101 items for which there would be an embargo on the import beyond the timeline indicated against them. This is a big step towards self-reliance in defence. This would offer a great opportunity to the Indian defence industry to manufacture these items using their own design and development capabilities to meet the requirements of the Armed Forces in the coming years. This list includes some high Raj Kumar technology weapon systems like artillery Secretary, Defence Production guns, assault rifles, corvettes, sonar systems, transport aircrafts, light combat helicopters Ministry of Defence (LCHs), radars and many other items to fulfil the needs of our Defence Services. “Offset portal” has been created in May 2019 to ensure Greater transparency, efficiency and accountability in the process. Reforms in Offset policy have been included in DAP 2020, with thrust on attracting investment and Technology for Defence manufacturing. Government has notified the ‘Strategic Partnership (SP)’ Model in May 2017, which envisages establishment of long-term strategic partnerships with Indian entities through a transparent and competitive process, wherein they would tie up with global Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) to seek technology transfers to set up domestic manufacturing infrastructure and supply chains.
9 Export Promotion cell under DDP, MoD has been formed to co-ordinate and follow-up on export related action including enquiries received from various countries and facilitate private sector and public sector companies for export promotion.
Department of Defence Production has and public sector companies for export notified 46 items under the latest Public promotion. How does the Department plan to tap Procurement Order 2017 notified by A High Level Committee (HLC) has been the potential of private industry in defence Department for Promotion of Industry and constituted under the Chairmanship of sector to support indigenization? Internal Trade (DPIIT), for which there is Raksha Mantri to facilitate faster clearances The private sector has received focused sufficient local capacity and competition to export of major indigenous defence attention during the last six years by way of and procurement of these items shall be platforms to Friendly Foreign Countries. policy initiatives and interventions by the done from local suppliers only irrespective A scheme for Export promotion of Indian Government to promote their participation of the purchase value. Defence Equipment Manufactured in India in defence, as mentioned below: Government has notified a ‘Policy for by Indian Defence Attache has been rolled A number of provisions have been added indigenisation of components and spares out wherein Defence Attachés are provided or amended in DAP 2020 to provide level- used in Defence Platforms’ in March 2019 financial support to promote export of playing field for Indian Private Industry. with the objective to create an industry indigenous defence equipment abroad. Notification of ‘Negative list’ of 101 ecosystem which is able to indigenize the Webinars and expo are being organized items would offer a great opportunity imported components (including alloys with 25 countries with stakeholders/ to the Indian defence industry, including and special materials) and sub-assemblies decision makers/Defence industries for private sector, to manufacture these items for defence equipment and platform export promotion of Indian Defence using their own design and development manufactured in India. equipment. Out of 25 countries, webinar capabilities. An Inter-Governmental Agreement with 9 countries, including UAE have been The ‘Make’ Procedure of capital (IGA) on “Mutual Cooperation in Joint organized. procurement has been simplified. There Manufacturing of Spares, Components, An online system has been created by is a provision for funding of 90% of Aggregates and other material related to which Export leads received from various development cost by the Government to Russian/Soviet Origin Arms and Defence sources can be sent directly to Indian Indian industry under Make-I category. In Equipment” was signed in September defence exporters registered on the addition, there are specific reservations for 2019. The objective of the IGA is to defence exim portal on their email address. MSMEs under the ‘Make’ procedure. enhance the After Sales Support and This facility helps the Indian defence Separate procedure for ‘Make-II’ operational availability of Russian origin exporters to quickly respond to export category (Industry funded) has been equipment currently in service in Indian opportunities arising in other countries. notified under Defence Procurement Armed Forces by organizing production of DPSUs/OFB have been allocated Procedure 2016 to encourage indigenous spares and components in the territory of geographical regions/countries to take up development and manufacture of defence India by Indian Industry by way of creation focused promotional activities. equipment. Number of industry friendly of Joint Ventures/Partnership with Russian Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) provisions such as relaxation of eligibility Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) for the export of munitions list items have criterion, minimal documentation, under the framework of the “Make in been simplified to promote Ease of Doing provision for considering proposals India” initiative. Business. suggested by industry/individual etc. have The existing online application system been introduced in this procedure. So far, The Government eagerly looks forward of export authorisation has been made 55 projects relating to Army, Navy and Air to boost defence exports. How strong is more user-friendly to provide end to end Force, have been accorded ‘Approval in India’s defence export business and what solution. Principle’, valuing about Rs. 30,000 Crores. are major export promotion policies taken? The Department of Defence Production The Government of India has enhanced The Government targets defence export has brought in two OGEL’s (Open General FDI in Defence Sector up to 74% through of Rs 35,000 Cr (US$ 5 Bn) by 2025 from Export License) - one for the select parts the Automatic Route for companies about Rs. 9,100 Cr in 2019-20, for which and components, and the other for intra- seeking new defence industrial license a number of export promotion initiatives company transfer of technology. OGEL is and up to 100% by Government Route have been taken: a one-time export license, which permits wherever it is likely to result in access to Export Promotion cell under DDP, the industry to export specified items modern technology or for other reasons to MoD has been formed to co-ordinate to specified destinations, enumerated be recorded. and follow-up on export related action in the OGEL, without seeking export In February 2018, the Government including enquiries received from various authorisation during the validity of the decided to establish two defence industrial countries and facilitate private sector OGEL. corridors to serve as an engine of economic
10 development and growth of defence Excellence (iDEX) has been launched in Indian defence and aerospace needs. industrial base in the country. They span April 2018. iDEX is aimed at creation of Offset guidelines have been made flexible across Chennai, Hosur, Coimbatore, an ecosystem to foster innovation and by allowing change of Indian Offset Salem and Tiruchirappalli in Tamil Nadu technology development in Defence and Partners (IOPs) and offset components, and across Aligarh, Agra, Jhansi, Kanpur, Aerospace by engaging Industries including even in signed contracts. Foreign Original Chitrakoot and Lucknow in Uttar Pradesh. MSMEs, Start-ups, Individual Innovators, Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) are now A number of private industries have either R&D institutes and Academia and provide allowed to provide the details of IOPs and already invested or have plans to invest in them grants/funding and other support products after signing of contracts. these defence industrial corridors. to carry out R&D which has potential for In An innovation ecosystem for Defence future adoption for titled Innovations for Defence
11 inspection Services with involvement of third parties and promote Ease of Doing Business A new online for MSMEs and private sector. portal has been developed for facilitating filing of online applications Raksha Mantri recently suggested order to bring for Industrial License under Industries increasing the finance available to more transparency and (Development and Regulation) – IDR Act Innovation for Defence Excellence (IDEX) efficiency into the Offset discharge 1951/Arms Act 1959. start-ups. What are the booster packages process, “Offset portal” has been created Based on the initiative taken by and policies to nurture start-up ecosystem? in May 2019. Under the new Offset Policy, Department of Defence Production Various initiatives have been taken to further Offset reforms have been included to review Defence Product List for the promote the start-up ecosystem in the in DAP 2020, with thrust on attracting liberalization in defence manufacturing defence sector: investment and Technology for Defence sector, the Defence Product List has now An innovation ecosystem for Defence manufacturing. got rationalized and trimmed. titled Innovations for Defence Excellence Defence Products list requiring Defence Investor Cell has been created (iDEX) has been launched by Hon’ble PM Industrial Licences has been rationalised in Feb-2018 the Ministry to provide in April 2018. iDEX is aimed at creation and manufacture of most of parts or all necessary information including of an ecosystem to foster innovation and components now does not require addressing queries related to investment technology development in Defence and Industrial License. The initial validity of the opportunities, procedures and regulatory Aerospace by engaging Industries including Industrial Licence granted under the IDR requirements for investment in the sector. MSMEs, Start-ups, Individual Innovators, Act has been increased from three years to Several Test facilities available with R&D institutes and Academia and provide 15 years with a provision to further extend Government entities have been made them grants/funding and other support it by three years on a case-to-case basis. available to private sector. to carry out R&D which has potential for About 500 Industrial Licenses have been A Policy on “Utilisation of Third Party future adoption for Indian defence and issued so far, about 300 such licenses after Inspection Services has been notified in aerospace needs. Under iDEX, Defence the year 2014. May 2018 for effective administration of India Startup Challenges and open 12 Could you share with us your vision and plans for the department during your tenure? What are the major goals to be achieved? The Department of Defence Production envisions to expand the defense manufacturing base of the country with equal participation of both Public and Private sector including MSMEs and startups. To achieve this goal, broadly three focus areas have been identified: Investment promotion, export promotion and innovation. The Department has drafted a Defence Production and Export Promotion Policy, which would be positioned as Ministry of Defence’s overarching guiding document to provide a focused, structured and significant thrust to defence production capabilities of the country for self-reliance and exports. Restructuring of Ordnance Factory Board is on the anvil. Reforms in DPSUs and inspecting Agencies are also being undertaken. The investments of Rs 20,000 Cr are planned in Defence corridors of Uttar Pradesh and Tamil Nadu by year 2024. The ecosystem. progress is reviewed regularly at apex level. As part of the AtmaNirbhar So far, investment of approx. Rs 3000 Cr Bharat Abhiyan initiative, the government have been made in both the corridors by challenges are initiatives has organized a number of start-up public as well private sector companies. to tap startups for finding competitions to encourage Indian There is a special focus to promote futuristic indigenous solutions catering to entrepreneurs to ideate, incubate, build, defence aerospace industry particularly critical needs of the Indian Armed Forces. nurture and sustain tech solutions for the in MROs and indigenous development of An indigenization portal namely SRIJAN Indian and the global market. aeroengines. has been launched in August 2020 for What are your visions to increase the The department has also taken up Defence Public Sector Units (DPSUs)/ production in DPSUs? How does DPSUs with concerned Ministries to align their Ordnance Factory Board (OFB)/Services support the modernization of Armed PLI (Productivity Linked scheme) of the with an industry interface to provide Forces? Government to include defence products in development support to MSMEs/Startups/ DPSUs are being positioned as system their schemes. Industry for import substitution. integrators and mandated to maximize iDEX4Fauji initiative has been launched The ‘Start-ups’ recognized by the outsourcing from indigenous sources and under the iDEX programme, to facilitate Department for Promotion of Industry and create a multi-tier domestic supply chain. flow of ideas from field level and rapid Internal Trade (DPIIT) from time to time, Strategic / partial Disinvestment of development of new, indigenized and are eligible to participate under ‘Make-II’ DPSUs will be pursued to bring more innovative technologies for the Indian procedure. accountability, efficiency and greater Defence and Aerospace sector. iDEX4Fauji Atal Innovation Mission (AIM) has autonomy. stands out as a unique and strategic recently launched the Aatmanirbhar Bharat Focus is on modernization and initiative for grass root level innovation and ARISE ANIC challenges in partnership technological upgradation in coordination shall pan out to be one of the most well- with Ministries/ Departments (MOHUA, with Services/DRDO. executed initiatives providing opportunities MOFPI, Defence, ISRO and MOHFW) DPSUs/OFB have been allocated to the members of the Indian Armed wherein, AIM and ministry experts geographical regions/countries to take Forces benefiting from their knowledge shortlisted challenge statements very close up focused promotional activities with an and the first-hand experience and intention to sectoral pain points. AIM has also been objective to enhance their exports. towards improving existing platforms partnering with various Global Ministries An indigenization portal namely SRIJAN and equipment in Defence. The Startup (Singapore, Australia, Russia, Denmark, has been launched on August 14, 2020 Manthan event during Aero India 2021 in Sweden, Saudi Arabia etc.) and multilateral for DPSUs/OFB/Services with an industry February 2021 witnessed the felicitation agencies like UNDP, BMGF, World Bank interface to provide development support of the first batch of eleven iDEX4Fauji etc. to provide the needed acceleration to MSMEs/Startups/Industry for import winners from the Services. for the growth of the Indian startup substitution
13 Invincible Tactical Advantage
BRAHMOS, the deadliest supersonic cruise missile in the world that can be integrated on almost all platforms and capable of operating from across the spectrum of war, has great potential to become India’s major weapon export in the coming decades, says Dr. Sudhir Kumar Mishra, Distinguished Scientist & Director General (BrahMos), DRDO, Ministry of Defence, CEO & MD
Dr. Sudhir Kumar Mishra BRAHMOS Aerospace, in an exclusive Distinguished Scientist & Director General interview with Aeromag. Excerpts from (BrahMos), DRDO, Ministry of Defence CEO & MD, BRAHMOS Aerospace the interview:
In the context of IDEX, in Abu Dhabi, that we have the requisite production BRAHMOS is a stealthy weapon which shall we start off by seeking your capability to handle any such export cannot be intercepted by any modern perspectives on the scope and intent demands and requirements as and when air defence system, however powerful of BrahMos Aerospace garnering a big they arise. As a high technology defence that may be. The high versatile weapon chunk of missile export market in the product, BRAHMOS has great potential of system has the capability to operate from Arabian Gulf, Middle East and South East becoming India’s major weapon export in across the spectrum of war and decisively Asian countries? How do you respond to the coming decades giving the country a influence its outcome. With the successful the reports about BrahMos being sought share of the arms business. induction of BRAHMOS in its armed after by the Philippines and some other forces, India has gained an invincible nations in the ASEAN region, as well as What makes BrahMos, the world’s fastest tactical advantage over its potential some South American, East European and and deadliest supersonic cruise missile, so adversaries. African countries? unique and distinctly a winner in the global BRAHMOS supersonic cruise missile aerospace and defence market in terms With its long range annihilating power, is a weapon of strategic importance of its velocity, flight range, seeker range, BrahMos is widely acclaimed for its and Government of India would take kinetic energy, stealth technology and seamless integration and configuration appropriate decision to export this missile guidance system, and strike capability? for multiple platforms – ship, fighter jet, system to any country as dictated by its BRAHMOS is the deadliest cruise missile submarine or a mobile land launcher. How diplomatic and strategic policies. I don’t in the world today. The entire world is do you propose to widen its deployability want to divulge anything on the talks aware of the precision strike capability and operationality for various regiments and discussions but would like to say of this uniquely powerful weapon. and forces?
14 15 All the frontline warships of Indian Navy the dynamics of warfare and the entire and various R&D laboratories from the are armed with BRAHMOS, providing a defence manufacturing ecosystem in partnering countries in developing and significant defence cover and safeguarding India? producing different sub-systems for the international borders. The Indian Army The BrahMos Joint Venture (JV) bears the universal missile system which has too has deployed the mobile, land-attack the finest testimony of India-Russia rendered a unique strength to the Indian BRAHMOS variant which can strike at strategic partnership. In fact, it is this Armed Forces. The entire team of BrahMos, designated enemy targets and installations uninterrupted flow of energy and brilliant including the consortium of Indian and with pin-point accuracy. BRAHMOS has synergy between both the nations that Russian industries, R&D labs and academic also added teeth to India’s air and maritime has made BRAHMOS truly world-class. institutions of both the countries, have dominance in the Indian Ocean Region The JV, since its inception in 1998, has made significant contributions in design, with the induction of Su-30MKI equipped been “technology sharing” programme development, manufacturing, integration, with supersonic cruise missile by the IAF’s wherein both the partners have brought and product support of the missile system. No. 222 Squadron (‘The Tigersharks’) in their respective technological expertise More than 20,000 Specialists, Engineers & in Southern India. This will ensure that a and knowledge base to design, develop Technicians in over 200 large and medium major part of the world is covered by its and field such a powerful weapon which industries are currently associated with “stand-off” attack capability. BRAHMOS is unparalleled in the world. This has BrahMos as a great strength and force can strike targets 300kms away with definitely led to mutual learning and multiplier. accuracy of less than five meter. With this, understanding and further widened the BRAHMOS is now integrated on almost scope to work together on newer, more Inducted first in 2005 in the Indian Navy all the platforms. On land, we intend to advanced BRAHMOS versions and achieve as the Ship-based Weapon Complex further widen the scope of deployability. new technological breakthroughs. System, then evolving as a land-based The JV has also successfully set up a system comprising mobile autonomous In just over two decades – 22 years to be consortium of defence industries from launchers, a canisterised missile capable of exact – how BrahMos Aerospace, the Joint India and Russia for producing various being launched from a submerged platform Venture between India’s Defence Research systems & sub-systems for the world- underwater and finally making history as and Development Organisation and the class BRAHMOS weapon complex. It has the heaviest weapon to be deployed on Russian Military Industrial Consortium brought together number of competent India’s frontline fighter jet, Sukhoi-30 MK1 NPO Mashinostroyenia, has changed defence industries both public and private in a successful flight test in 2017. Looking
16 back, what do you think was the most BRAHMOS has now been successfully are now focussing on along with Russian crucial technological breakthrough in this inducted with the IAF’s Su-30MKI. partners is to manufacture and produce incredible transformation? What is the more in India using technology that is current status of deployment in the Indian More than a Transfer of Technology available in Russia in order to upgrade Armed Forces? collaboration, BrahMos missile stands out our equipment, to manufacture new We have developed many variants of this as a unique outcome from a joint design, equipment and to build upon the success formidable weapon system BRAHMOS development, production, integration and of the past. which was initially conceived as an anti- product support. The indigenous Booster ship missile. The first successful launch and Airframe Section recently flight tested Now that you are venturing into was conducted in June 2001 that is within successfully, is a striking testimony on the Hypersonic world, what are the great three years of JV formation. The highly vital enhancement drive for indigenous challenges that you encounter working versatile BRAHMOS has been successfully content. Where do you go from here? on a new engineering paradigm, new tested in land-to-land, land-to-sea, sea- With BRAHMOS missile, the indigenous aerodynamics, new materials and to-land, sea-to-sea, and most recently in content in the formidable weapon has new configuration? In the niche, elite air-to-sea and air-to-land configurations. reached a high value, thus bolstering technological exclusivity of Hypersonics, The missile can be fired either from static, India’s defence indigenisation and the how do you fare internationally? mobile platforms (land & sea) or fighter flagship “Make in India” programme The hypersonic BRAHMOS-II (K) is aircraft, in solo or salvo mode. Indian of Government of India. Today, the envisioned to become the fastest cruise Army is the only Land Force in the world Ground support system of BRAHMOS missile system in the world by flying to have supersonic weapon with surgical which includes the Mobile Autonomous at a top speed of 7-8 Mach (seven to strike potentiality. The mobile land-based Launcher, Command Post, Ancillary eight times the speed of sound). The configuration of BRAHMOS has achieved Vehicles and Communications Systems hypersonic missile will definitely provide several advancements over the years in are all made in India. We have successfully an advantage to the Indian armed the form of Block I, Block II and Block III indigenised major sub-systems such forces in future warfare. The challenges variants. The naval version of the missile as booster, nose cap, canister, fuel are many in developing such a break- has been modified and flight-tested in management system, Air Frame and other through technology. NPOM has already different configurations, proving its mettle major non-metallic airframe components started ground work for the hypersonic in each scenario successfully. The missile taking the Indian contribution to more than variant and hope to hit the sky by 2028. system has been inducted in top Indian seventy percent. All launcher systems for DRDO, from its end has already test-fired Navy warships. The missile was also the weapon are also being manufactured Hypersonic Technology Demonstrator successfully flight-tested from the Indian domestically by Indian industries. This Vehicle (HSTDV), precursor for the Air Force’s (IAF) frontline fighter aircraft achievement has given boost to BrahMos’s development of a hypersonic cruise missile Su-30MKI against a sea based target. “Atmanirbhar Bharat” pledge. What we system.
17 GRSE’s Exports to Reach New Pinnacle
Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers Ltd. (GRSE), India’s premier public sector shipbuilding company since 1960, began the New Year on a grand note as the company bagged two back-to-back exports orders from the governments of Guyana and Seychelles for an Ocean-Going Cargo-cum-Passenger Vessel and a Fast Patrol Vessel (FPV) respectively. “With the successful delivery of these two vessels, our export initiatives will touch a new pinnacle. We are well on our way to become a global maritime security player as these export contracts would help open new avenues in value creation,” said Rear Admiral Vipin Kumar Saxena, IN (Retd.), Chairman and Managing Director, GRSE. In an interview with Aeromag, he shares the insights into the company’s prowess as a world class shipbuilder capable of delivering state of the art maritime platforms across the globe.
Rear Admiral Vipin Kumar Saxena, IN (Retd.), Chairman and Managing Director, GRSE
Could you talk about the twin and search and rescue (SAR) while export orders that GRSE has flaunting improved habitability bagged this year? features with fully air-conditioned For GRSE, the year began on modular accommodation for 35 a grand note as the company personnel. bagged two back-to-back exports Our in-house design team has orders from the governments of developed the overall design of the Guyana and Seychelles. The first FPV. The FPVs are very versatile export contract of the year worth and cost effective platforms that 12.7 million USD was signed on can be put to excellent use by the 13 January for building an Ocean- small maritime nations especially in Going Cargo-cum-Passenger the IOR and MENA regions. Vessel for the Government of Guyana. The 1700 tons (appx) What significance do these export vessel is to be used on the coastal contracts hold for GRSE? and riverine areas of Guyana. GRSE is already endowed with Within a month of signing the the confidence of Govt. of India, contract with Government of the Indian Navy and the Indian Guyana, we were successful in Coast Guard having successfully signing another export contract built and delivered more than with the Government of Seychelles 100 Warships ranging from Patrol for one Fast Patrol Vessel (FPV) on 3 boats to Corvettes & Frigates. We February. The SCG Ship ‘Zoroaster’, immensely value the trust that will be delivered to Coast Guard they have bestowed upon us and of Seychelles, the archipelagic now we are well on our way to island country. The ship will be a become a global maritime security powerful, fuel-efficient platform player as these export contracts designed to perform multipurpose would help open new avenues operations, such as patrolling, in value creation. GRSE has anti-smuggling, anti-poaching, happily embraced infrastructure
18 modernisation with technology induction and developing innovative concept and designs I am proud to share that our indigenous and for ships that impeccably cater to the current state-of-the-art ship-design and ship-building and future requirement of Indian Navy and capacity are the key behind the monumental Indian Coast Guard. The company is now well success of brand GRSE. on track to construct state-of-the-art warships We have the capability to construct 20 harnessing advanced modular shipbuilding ships concurrently, using our modernized technology which is delightfully at par with the infrastructure and ‘Modular Integrated best in the world Construction Philosophy’. Further, our One another significant step towards dedicated, multi-disciplinary, strong Design Self-reliance, Modernisation and capacity Team is continuously working towards augmentation at the Rajabaghan Dockyard developing various concept designs for ships that unit dedicated for medium and small ships can cater to the current and future requirements construction will facilitate concurrent of India as well as foreign nations. As you may construction of 24 ships from the existing be aware GRSE was the first shipyard of India to capacity of 20. have exported a warship when we delivered a At GRSE we are constantly striving to shift Multi Role Offshore Patrol Vessel to Mauritius, to smart manufacturing (Industry 4.0), with the CGS Barracuda. With the successful delivery sparked innovations in automation, robotics and of these two vessels, our export initiatives will the industrial internet of things. I am confident reach a new pinnacle. that by introducing Artificial Intelligence, Moreover, the contracts, while strengthening Machine Learning, Interoperability and secured diplomatic ties of Government of India with connectivity enabling real time monitoring, Governments of Guyana and Seychelles, control and optimization of processes, resources celebrates the partnership with these nations, and systems will lead to significant workload and is a grand achievement, not only for GRSE, consolidation across all spheres of operation. but also for the entire nation.
What according to you helped GRSE bag these contracts? I dedicate the contracts to the remarkable performance of the shipyard over the last few decades that were made possible by farsighted planning, meticulous execution, courageous decisions and conviction and dedication of the Team GRSE. Special credit goes to our in-house design team who has over the years developed capability of building world-class warships deftly armed with high-tech infrastructure. Over the last six decades, we have built 787 platforms, including 106 warships for Indian Navy, Indian Coast Guard and Mauritius Coast Guard. This has helped GRSE attain the delightful epithet of ‘only organization to build and deliver a century of warships in India’. From building 5 tonne boats to 24600 tonne Fleet Tanker, GRSE has done it all and has proved its mettle as a pioneer warship builder of India.
What is the way forward for GRSE and what are the expansion plans? Today, GRSE has crafted a niche in the field of in-house design and shipbuilding and has made significant contributions to the indigenous warship construction program in India. Indigenization has always been the watchword at GRSE and it has established its capabilities for We are also focusing on making the GRSE in-house ship design and shipbuilding, across its built versatile maritime platforms available to three distinct shipbuilding units in Kolkata. This our friendly foreign Navies and Coast Guards. perfectly aligns with the Government of India's We look forward to collaboration with local ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyaan’. The 100+ shipbuilders and design houses in friendly strong, dedicated and multi-disciplinary design nations towards building collective Maritime team of the company relentlessly works towards competence in the region. 19 Channelling towards Shipyard 4.0 The Systems division of Navantia has and coordinates the areas of R&D and extensive experience in the design, digital technologies, channeling them development, production and integration towards the Shipyard 4.0. Could you shed of various systems in the maritime sector. more light onto it? Could you share more details about the 4.0 technologies are applied to four operations? areas branded as ‘Smart’ by Navantia: The Systems division of Navantia has Smart Shipyard, Smart Ships, Smart extensive experience in the design, Sustainment and Smart Naval Base. development, production and integration Such services are developed based of: Combat Systems, Fire Control Systems, on 14 enabling technologies: artificial Integrated Communications Systems, intelligence, robotics, autonomous Integrated Navigation and Bridge Systems vehicles, drones, 3D manufacturing, new and Integrated Platform Management materials, bid data analytics, Internet Systems for any type of ship: patrol of Things, Blockchain, modeling and vessels, frigates, submarines, aircraft simulation, cloud storage, Robotic Process carriers, amphibious vessels, minehunters, Automation (RPA), augmented reality and survey vessels and support ships. 5G. Additionally, Navantia has a long tradition Under the category of Smart Shipyard, in manufacturing and refurbishing artillery Navantia implements robotic welding, going back to the 18th century. use of drones and autonomous vehicles, Navantia also provides solutions robotic process automation and the use of for the Army including: Battlefield virtual reality tools in workshops. Abel Mendez Management Systems, Fire Control Smart Ship services include Digital Twins International Commercial Director Systems, Forward Observer Systems, and and Integrated Services Systems (ISS), Navantia surveillance systems providing security leveraging information from Integrated for both military and civilian strategic Platform Management Systems (IPMS). infrastructures, such as: military bases, The Smart Naval Base services include Navantia is a worldwide coastlines, ports, harbours, and offshore Through Life Support Facilities (TLSF) and reference for design and platforms. Land Based Test Sites (LBTS), consisting Navantia’s openness to activities in supporting testing of software and construction of high that contribute to the creation of new hardware of any platform system technology miliary and industries, develop capacities, and the connected to Navantia’s IPMS for upkeep, civilian vessels. They progressive acquisition of industrial skills is upgrades and updates, the Navantia offer global solutions in well known, and has taken different forms training system and the EOLO through depending on the Client requirements life support tools. design, ToT, construction, and local capacity. A good example of Smart Sustainment includes a Data development and Navantia’s flexibility are the ToT and Center, a shore-based laboratory for integration of systems, localization programs developed for three smart sustainment, Navantia Playback very different scenarios within the last 12 center, and data repository designed to repair and life cycle months; Saudi Arabia, United Kingdom provide playback capability to the IPMS support, working and Australia. In Saudi Arabia, Navantia and Predictive Maintenance. ARGOS 21 closely with partners in created a Joint Venture with SAMI (Saudi is an automated tasks & analysis system Military Industries) to develop, integrate to optimize the maintenance analysis strategic markets. Abel and commercialize the first Saudi Combat tools and machine learning. Additionally, Mendez, International System, known as HAZEM, a derivative Predictive Maintenance software is used Commercial Director, of Navantia’s CATIZ combat system. based on thermography, vibration and Navantia, speaks The newly created Company, called lube oil analysis. SAMINavantia, received from Navantia The Spanish frigate F110 project about their operations, in September 2019 a relevant contract for incorporates many of the above smart collaborations and the supply and integration of the combat functionalities, and will be the first to services in the maritime system of five corvettes for the Royal implement a Digital Twin of the vessels, Saudi Naval Force. which will provide a real ship “avatar”, sector. Excerpts from the that allows to visualize the ship’s state interview: The Navantia Technology Center groups and condition from a shore base, even
20 thousands of miles away, using digital Navantia has almost 100 years of experience designing, communication resources. Also, this project is developed under a new platform building and maintaining submarines for the Spanish Navy, Siemens NX, ensuring processes end-to- and exporting submarines in the last decade through the end, and data integrity. Scorpene consortium with DCNS. Navantia has exported All the above solutions and the lessons submarines to Chile, Malaysia and India, being in charge learnt by Navantia in the implementation of the functional and detail engineering of the aft body of digital technologies are offered to the Strategic Partner and to the Indian Navy close to Indian suppliers regarding in Navantia Cartagena in Spain, with for consideration and gradual adoption indigenization opportunities for P75(I). two submarines (one for Chilean Navy through the P75(I) project. In the last 10 months we have submitted and another one for Malaysian Navy) more than 1,000 RFIs to Indian suppliers, integrated and delivered by Navantia. The The company has been associating covering approximately 98% per cent of scope of work for the India project was the with India for a long time especially in the cost items for the submarine. same, with the construction of the six units submarine sector. What are Navantia’s We remain very enthusiastic about taking place in in India. The cooperation operations in India? this opportunity, and truly believe that with India still continues, though in 2008 India is a strategic market for Navantia the S-80P is an outstanding product Navantia suspended the agreement with and has a delegation in Delhi. Navantia which makes the selection of Navantia DCNS for Scorpene to concentrate into has participated in several naval programs as designer for P75(I) a sensible low-risk a new submarine concept designed to in India. Among them the Scorpene choice. meet the requirements of the future Submarines, partnering with Naval Group Spanish Navy submarines. This was the and still under construction by Mazagon Navantia has been immersed, for more beginning of the S-80P project, the first Docks Limited Mumbai. At present than 90 years, in a process of evolution and design developed 100 per cent inhouse by Navantia is associated with Larsen & improvement of the design, production Navantia in a few decades, which is now in Toubro for the future LPD Program. and life cycle of submarines. How strong is the final construction stage, and ready for We are at the moment working quite the submarine arm of Navantia? Who are the export market. intensively in the preparation of the the major customers? The S-80P is a 3,000-tonne submarine, Navantia design or Indian submarine Navantia has almost 100 years of almost double size than Scorpene, P75(I), as we have been selected as one of experience designing, building and incorporating several innovative features, the potential strategic partners. maintaining submarines for the Spanish including a last-generation Air Independent During 2020, Navantia has made a great Navy, being as well very successful in Propulsion (AIP) system and powerful push on indigenization activities. Having exporting submarines in the last decade attack capabilities including heavy weight a ready-made design for a very similar through the Scorpene consortium with torpedoes, mines and submarine launched unit to P75(I) is a great advantage, as all DCNS. Under this alliance, Navantia anti-ship and cruise missiles, etc. This is equipment’s and materials are defined to exported submarines to Chile, Malaysia quite an exceptional performance, in fact, the last detail, permitting very immediate and India, being in charge of the functional the capacity to launch submarine cruise consultation with the local Indian industry. and detail engineering of the aft body. missiles (SLCM) is unique for nonnuclear At present, we continue to work very Four aft submarine bodies were built NATO submarines.
21 Defence exports: India on an overdrive
Narendra Modi Prime Minister of India
ver the years, India’s defence exports have been modest owing to several restrictions and limitations. However, after OPrime Minister Narendra Modi's government introduced liberal policies since 2014, defence exports have gone up substantially. According to official data, the figures have, in fact, gone up by 700 per cent in just two years. While the export authorisation was US Dollars 213 million in 2016–17, it rose to US Dollars 1.5 billion in 2018-19. Moreover, the government has set a defence export target of US Dollars 5 billion by 2025. In order to achieve this figure, the Department of Defence Production recently released a list of 152 items that friendly nations could purchase. As many as 85 kinds of equipment and 47 sub- systems are included in the list and they are expected to be of interest to countries in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) and Africa. Among the top items which India intends to export are the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas; BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles;
Rajnath Singh Defence Minister of India
22 The Indian government has set a defence Defence exports: export target of US Dollars 5 billion by 2025 and several initiatives are being launched to reach this figure. Among the top items intended for exports India on an overdrive are the Light Combat Aircraft Tejas; BrahMos missiles; Advanced Towed Artillery Gun System, Pinaka rocket launchers and Combat Management System, among which Tejas has attracted the maximum attention
23 Advanced Towed Artillery Gun System vehicles produced by Ashok Leyland, mine (ATAGS), Pinaka multi-barrel rocket protected vehicles, combat helmets and launchers and Combat Management vests manufactured by private company System. Meanwhile, Arjun tanks and Astra MKU, multi-mode hand grenades and air-to-air missiles are included in a separate many types of ballistic protection are also list put out by the Defence Research and meant for export. Development Organisation (DRDO). The anti-submarine warfare corvettes The latest list, released during the Aero made by the public sector Garden India show in Bengaluru, also comprises Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers, various products from private sector industries kinds of patrol and interceptor boats that are yet to be acquired by India’s and Landing Craft Utility are the major armed forces. naval items which are offered to friendly LCA, built by Hindustan Aeronautics countries. Lightweight and heavyweight Limited (HAL), has already attracted torpedoes, naval 30 mm guns, rocket interest from South East Asia and West launchers, coastal surveillance systems and Asia. The HAL Chairman said that each communication and combat management LCA MK1A jet would be priced at Rs 306 systems for ships too are planned to be crore for exports. Meanwhile, the trainer exported. would cost Rs 280 crore. Regarding air systems, India has included As part of boosting exports, India’s the Light Combat Helicopter (LCH) along defence attaches posted in IOR and with the LCA in the export list. Incidentally, African countries have been directed to neither the Indian Air Force nor the Indian explore requirements in those nations Army has ordered the LCH so far. for Indian systems. Currently, Tejas, India's defence exports were Rs 4,682 helicopters and missile systems have crore (US Dollars 0.66 billion) in 2017–18 attracted the biggest interest. Alongside, and Rs 10,500 crore (US Dollars 1.47 a number of Indian private companies are billion) in 2018–19. Eight Defence public searching for markets for their products sector undertakings and 41 ordnance abroad. factories are engaged in exports, apart Among the 30 land systems mentioned from private firms. Though there were in the list for exports, the major ones are export restrictions on organisations Akash and BrahMos missiles and artillery like OFB (Ordnance Factory Board) guns. Countries such as the Philippines earlier, OFB currently exports arms and and Vietnam are reportedly interested in ammunition, weapon spares, chemicals procuring BrahMos. The ATAGS; the in- & explosives, parachutes, leather and service K-9 Vajra howitzer; 155mm/52 clothing items to more than 30 countries, Caliber towed gun and Garuda 105 including Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, lightweight field gun are among the Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Germany, Belgium, artillery guns that have found a place on Turkey, Egypt, Oman, Israel, Kenya, the export list . The last two are built in Nigeria, Botswana, Chile, Suriname and the private sector by Bharat Forge. Military the USA.
24 Prime Minister Hands over Arjun Main Battle Tank (MK-1A) to the Army
he Prime Minister, Narendra Modi one hundred crores. sector will keep moving with full speed. handed over the Arjun Main Battle He said that Tamil Nadu is already the Our armed forces signify India's ethos of TTank (MK-1A) to the Army. leading automobile manufacturing hub courage. They have shown time and again Prime Minister has said India has of India. Now, Tamil Nadu evolving as that they are fully capable of protecting undertaken a massive effort to become the Tank manufacturing hub of India. On our Motherland. Time and again they self-reliant in the defence sector. This is MBT Arjun Mark 1A, the Prime Minister have also shown India believes in peace. inspired by what Mahakavi Subramaniya declared “I am proud to handover the However, India will protect our sovereignty Bharathi writing in the oldest language in indigenously designed and manufactured at all costs, the Prime Minister said. the world,Tamil, said Let us make weapons; “Main Battle Tank Arjun Mark 1A”. It also The Prime Minister paid homage to let us make paper. Let us make factories; uses indigenous ammunition. A tank made let us make schools. Let us make vehicles in Tamil Nadu will be used in our northern the Pulwama attack martyrs on the that can move and fly. Let us make ships borders to keep the nation safe. This anniversary of the attack today. He said that can shake the world. One of the two showcases India's united spirit – Bharat's “We pay homage to all the martyrs we defence corridors is in Tamil Nadu. The Ekta Darshan” lost in that attack.We are proud of our corridor has already received investment The Prime Minister said that the focus on security forces.Their bravery will continue commitments over Rupees Eight thousand making India Aatmanirbhar in the defence to inspire generations.”
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26 • Webinar held in collaboration bu Dhabi National Exhibitions Defence Applications from the Tawazan with IDEX and NAVDEX 2021, Company (ADNEC) participated Economic Council. Ain ‘The Future is Space’ webinar, The session included a talk from highlighting the important in collaboration with the Abu Dhabi Maryam Yousuf, who led an unparalleled and interwoven nature of the Department of Education and Knowledge and exclusive insight into the technical space and defence sectors (ADEK), as part of the International processes of bringing the Hope Probe Defence Exhibition (IDEX), Naval mission, including preparing for the Defence Exhibition (NAVDEX), and the spacecraft’s 209 million kilometre, seven • Discussions featured Maryam International Defence Conference 2021. month long journey, alongside the critical Yousuf from the Mohammed The webinar provided young students period of ensuring the satellite entered bin Rashid Space Centre, who targeting careers in the space sector with Martian orbit. training and insight into the industry, Saeed Al Shamsi, Chief Human Capital is an Emirati engineer who inspiring future generations of UAE talent. Officer at Abu Dhabi National Exhibitions worked on the Hope Probe ADNEC’s participation in the webinar Company commented: “As the organisers Mission, and Dr So-yeon Ki, the came during IDEX and NAVDEX 2021, of IDEX and NAVDEX, we are committed the global defence exhibitions which to providing young people today with first Korean astronaut in space were the first live in-person events to take the opportunity to learn and be inspired place in the COVID-19 recovery phase. by global leaders in the defence and the • Webinar participation comes Given the close, intricate, and interwoven space sector. The webinar was in line in line with ADNEC’s wider nature of the defence and space sectors, with the goal of knowledge transfer, the webinar aimed to spark interest and and continues to enable the growth commitments to knowledge inspiration in the possibilities for research of the UAE’s competitive knowledge- transfer in the UAE and and development collaboration between based economy, in line with the nation’s inspiring future generations of the two industries. Through this event, ambitious and thorough developmental ADNEC sought to transfer knowledge plans. the possibilities of space and into the UAE, promoting a knowledge- “Space and defence are intricately defence research based economy that can continue interwoven, with research from the to support the nation’s success and security sector being used to fuel excellence over the next fifty years. humanity’s exploration of the stars. IDEX and NAVDEX are pivotal events Following the momentous and historic in Abu Dhabi, and the Higher Organising arrival of the Hope Probe into Martian Committee of the event were profoundly orbit, both young Emiratis and young enthusiastic to support younger Arabs look to the cosmos with possibility. generations through this webinar. At ADNEC, we are proud to support The virtual session enabled the vital making their dreams become a reality transfer and exchange of knowledge. through hosting events such as IDEX and The webinar shared engineering insights NAVDEX 2021.” with future generations, providing Khuloud Al Dhaheri, Executive Director them with a greater appreciation into Education Partnerships Sector at Abu aerospace engineering and science data Dhabi Department of Education and analysis. IDEX and NAVDEX have been Knowledge (ADEK) said: “As part of our key in creating opportunities through mission to enable Abu Dhabi students collaboration with the Mohammed Bin to explore STEM educational pathways Rashid Space Centre and the defence and future career opportunities via the manufacturing sectors, along with Rize University Preparation and Career international space agencies, through Guidance (Rize UPCG) program, ADEK organising such a session to enable has collaborated with ADNEC, IDEX, student learning. NAVDEX and the International Defense Saeed Al Shamsi, Chief Human Capital Conference (IDC) to spark student’s Officer at the Abu Dhabi National curiosity in the space and engineering Exhibitions Company attended the sectors as future career options. webinar, alongside Dr. So-yeon Yi, the Following the success of the UAE’s first Korean astronaut and a prominent historic Hope Probe mission, Abu Dhabi scientist and researcher, as well as students are looking to the stars for space Emiratis at the forefront of the UAE’s sector opportunities and more than 1,500 space sector, including female engineers students heard the webinar panelists’ Maryam Yousuf, Researcher in Earth & inspirational stories, with the enriching Planetary Section at the Mohammed engagement set to propel their own space bin Rashid Space Centre, and Manar Al and STEM career exploration journeys.” Zaabi, GNC Engineer in Aerospace and
27 Trailblazing Niche Paths
Tatra Trucks, the oldest automotive factory in Central Europe, is a pioneer in making heavy-duty military, firefighting and rescue vehicles, and civilian vehicles, unrivalled in payload capacity and mobility and designed for off-road or mountain operation. Adam Dorazil, Project Manager, Tatra Trucks, speaks about their exclusive business terrains and prospects of expansion in the Middle East Asian market. Excerpts from an interview.
Adam Dorazil Project Manager Tatra Trucks Being the oldest automotive factory in than 2 500 military vehicles have been Central Europe, Tatra has been a pioneer in sold. TATRA is very proud to achieve with making heavy-duty off-road vehicles and their Middle East partners a high local trucks for combined on/off road transport, content. There is no better place to apply which are constantly improved to meet our historical experience from the Dakar increasing customer requirements. Where and TATRAs offroad capabilities. does the company stand globally and what are the major achievements? The unique chassis concept of Tatra has At present, we focus exclusively on a been continuously improved since 1923 – niche market, which are heavy trucks and to this day successfully imitated by no capable of operating under any conditions. one. Could you shed more light onto this? Military, firefighting and rescue vehicles, The TATRA-concept was firstly used at and civilian vehicles designed for off- TATRA T 11 car in 1923. The flat boxer road or mountain operation, able to meet air-cooled two-cylinder engine was firmly clients’ needs without the use of complex connected with the transmission which electronic assistance systems. The contract was connected to the rear axle via a large for the supply of military vehicles to diameter pipe. The rear axle was of a Western Europe and the Middle East or swinging half axle type without universal delivery of firefighting trucks to Western joints. The pipe substituted chassis frame Europe belong to the most interesting new and covered drive shaft with differential. orders. This unusual and progressive design of vehicles started a long tradition of unique Could you share with us Tatra’s automotive chassis design as “TATRA participation highlights at the IDEX 2021 concept”. Such vehicles were very simple, to be held in Abu Dhabi?How do you look easy to operate, simple to maintain, and at the Middle East Asia as a market for giving good fuel economy. An entirely Tatra’s business expansion? new line of cars and trucks of various Tatra, together with its partner load-carrying capacities was based on this companies, will show a wide range of philosophy. In the production of more than trucks and chassis. You will see 4x4 TATRA 95 years, this concept is a true testament FORCE chassis and 8x8 truck with an to the soundness of the original design. armored cabin and crane at our stand. Today TATRA truck chassis consisted Other vehicles, such as self-propelled of a torsionally rigid 3-D frame formed howitzer, recovery vehicle, and other by connecting the backbone tube with trucks will be shown at our partners stands a conventional ladder frame via cross- representing a wide range of our portfolio. members and of independent swing half- The Middle East is already for 30 years axles, swinging around the backbone the second home for TATRA. Tatra has tube centerline. The central backbone very strong partners in the Middle East tube covering all parts of the driveline. area with a long-term relationship. More This design improving vehicle mobility in
28 TATRA TRUCKS offers standard 2, 3, and 4-axle difficult terrain, while increasing stability vehicles – frame chassis suitable for a montage of during cornering and at high road speeds. The vehicles have very high commonality, different commercial superstructures or with dump and many brands of engines and drive truck bodies. They are especially suitable for commercial trains can be installed in them. Tatra’s vehicles operated in difficult off-road conditions air-cooled engines and purchased water- cooled engines from various manufacturers employs independent suspension with the of the TATRA chassis that is used also on can be used and the engine outputs can backbone tube frame, that allows each these vehicles, they are especially suitable be matched with mechanical or automatic wheel to move independently. Thanks to a for commercial vehicles operated in transmissions of various brands. modular design TATRA can produce from difficult off-road conditions. For different loads, a different type of 4x4 chassis up to 12x12 versions. There Apart from the above said standard suspension is used. are more than 1200 vehicles used in the vehicles, TATRA TRUCKS offers customers In addition to standard soft cabins, UAE army and hundreds of vehicles in also special customized solutions. For armored cabins with different levels of KSA. example 5 or more-axle customized protection can be installed in the FORCE TATRA Tactic is a medium-class all- vehicles – which are suitable especially family. wheel drive off-road logistic truck with for large mobile cranes and/or other The standard chassis is available in a an excellent clearance that is based on exceptional commercial superstructures. variety of wheelbase configurations and standard chassis concept with rigid axles with up to eight axles, including rear-axle and ladder frame. The latest version was How did the company survive the steering. first interduced in 2019 on the IDEX show. disruption caused by the Covid-19 More than 800 vehicles are under service pandemic? What are the goals to be The special and military production of in KSA. achieved in the post-pandemic days? the company is represented by TATRA The Covid-19 pandemic had no major FORCE and TATRA TACTIC. What are the What are the company’s products in impact on the company’s operations or main products by the division and who all civilian and commercial sectors? What are results in 2020. Production ran without are the major clients? the customization options you offer to the stoppivvng, we only had to adjust TATRA Force is a High Mobility Heavy customers? the production plans according to the Duty chassis build as a platform for Besides the special military vehicles, possibilities of our suppliers. As for this various kinds of special vehicles that need TATRA TRUCKS company offers standard year’s targets, we are ready for both superior driveability in difficult terrain, 2, 3, and 4-axle vehicles – frame chassis alternatives, lower market demand, as well transport troops or sensitive material suitable for a montage of different as its rapid recovery. Of course, we are over difficult terrain, and with low life commercial superstructures or with dump working intensively to make this year even cycle costs. The all-wheel-drive chassis truck bodies. Due to the unique design more successful than the previous one.
29 Otokar introduces its Electric Armored Vehicle “AKREP IIe” at IDEX
ne of the first time for its international Otokar stand. regular IDEX markets, Otokar also displayed Serdar Görgüç, General participants its well-known and globally Manager, Otokar, stated Otokar, desired wheeled armored that being a regular vendor participatedO in IDEX - 2021, vehicles ARMA 6x6 and to both NATO and the in Abu Dhabi, the capital of COBRA II 4x4 as well as the United Nations, Otokar is United Arab Emirates to meet new generation COBRA II continuously expanding its with its more than 55 End MRAP. In addition to the customer portfolio and serving Users from all over the world. wheeled vehicles, the tracked wider range of customers over Introducing its electric Infantry Fighting Vehicle, the world every year, due armored vehicle, AKREP IIe for SAFA has also taken its place in to its well appreciated user- oriented approach. “Currently, around 33 thousand Otokar vehicles are actively in service in more than 36 countries in the toughest climates and risky regions. We believe that the performance of our vehicles serving worldwide are the most important reference for our potential customers. We are at the forefront of the global defense industry with our know-how in land systems, engineering, and R&D capabilities as well as our wide product range. As our main goal is to continuously strengthen our presence in the region, IDEX offers a great opportunity to meet
30 our existing users as well as RABDAN 8x8 Infantry Fighting generation electric powered potential customers. We will Vehicles are already in service 4x4 weapon carrier AKREP leverage our know-how and of the UAE Armed Forces IIe attributing its legendary experience to respond to the and despite the pandemic, AKREP, used in 1990s. The specific requirements of the production and deliveries vehicles exhibited at Otokar region in the best possible continue as initially planned.” stand at IDEX are as follows: way.” Otokar again offers a Emphasizing Otokar’s strong wide product range to the AKREP II presence in Gulf region, international markets at IDEX In addition to full electric Görgüç said “GCC countries 2021, highlighting its new powered engine, AKREP II also are particularly important for Otokar. Many different vehicle types of wide Otokar military range are already serving successfully to the requirements of the region in different forces since early 2000s. Through our local company Otokar Land Systems, which was established in 2016, we became much closer to our valued customers. Through our recent activities, in addition to our supplier and contractor role, Otokar highly enjoys being locally present in GCC.” “In parallel to the successful activities of our joint venture company with EDGE of Abu Dhabi Government, Al Jasoor,
31 appears in diesel and hybrid powerpack options. AKREP II combines latest automotive technologies, high firepower and protection in a low silhouette. Having an effective firepower under amour and high payload capacity, AKREP II comfortably carries turrets up to 90mm cannon. Being smaller in size and lesser in weight highly contribute to the agility of low silhouette AKREP II. Steering capability on all–axles significantly increases the maneuverability of four-wheel drive AKREP II. Thanks to the independent suspension system and swift torque control, AKREP II can operate with equal ease on all IIe appears in the market as PROTECTION AND challenging terrain conditions, technically feasible platform MOBILITY CAPABILITIES no matter soft sand, deep for being remotely controlled COBRA II offers high level of mud, and snow. AKREP II can or driving assistance system protection, payload capacity, carry total of 3 crew, driver, applications including and large internal volume. In commander and gunner at a autonomous capabilities. addition to superior mobility, maximum speed of 110 km per COBRA II also comes with the hour. MINE RESISTANT AMBUSH capacity to accommodate 9 Apart from being a perfect PROTECTED VEHICLE: personnel including the driver weapon carrier for all small, COBRA II MRAP and commander, offering medium, and high calibers, Otokar displays its new mine high protection against AKREP II is an ideal solution resistant ambush protected ballistic, mine and IED threats. for reconnaissance, scouting, vehicle “COBRA II MRAP” Delivering high performance in surveillance, and base / air at IDEX 2021. COBRA II the toughest terrain and climate defense missions with quick MRAP combines high level of conditions with high power reaction and silent mobility survivability and mobility in a to weight ratio, COBRA II is capabilities. modular package. Like all other OTOKAR The vehicle provides superior vehicles, the electronic protection for the crew against system of AKREP II is also ballistic, mine and IED threats designed with an open while maintaining high cross- system architecture where the country mobility in battlefield electronic and human interface conditions with its independent can be configured according to suspension system. It is customer requirements. specifically designed to provide high reliability, ease AKREP IIe - Electric powered of maintenance and quick Armored Vehicle: removal / installation of power Electrical drive version of pack. AKREP II, AKREP IIe, is a low With its modular design, silhouette and low acoustic COBRA II MRAP provides platform with low thermal high payload and spacious signature. internal space for integration The electric-based power and of weapon systems and mission propulsion results in quicker equipment. The vehicle can start with instantaneous high be configured with alternative torque for increased mobility. seating layouts for up to 11 Due to the “Drive-by-Wire” personnel with 3 or 5 door system of electrically controlled configurations as per specific steering, acceleration, and user requirements. braking functions, AKREP COBRA II: HIGH
32 tested rigorously in different a personnel carrier, weapons integration options. Offering kinds of combat environments parts of the world, on toughest platform, ground surveillance high tactical and technical from urban, built-up areas and terrain and climate conditions, radar, CBRN reconnaissance features, ARMA comes with light bridges to woodlands and and made thousands of vehicle, command control an optional amphibious all terrains, especially on soft miles. Preferred especially vehicle, and ambulance. variant for peacekeeping and surfaces where main battle for offering a wide range humanitarian aid operations tanks are unable to operate of weapons integration and ARMA 6x6: MODULAR in the most demanding terrain due to their heavy weights. mission equipment options, ARMORED VEHICLE and climate conditions. Reliable and robust torsion bar COBRA II is successfully Otokar’s multi-wheeled ARMA 6x6 stands out suspension system consists of used for border protection as modular armored vehicle especially with its high seven dual rubber-tire road well as internal security and ARMA 6x6 offers superior payload capacity and large wheels on each side. SAFA has peacekeeping missions. The mobility, high mine and interior volume. ARMA can an Automatic Track Tensioning modular structure of COBRA ballistic protection, as be equipped with different system which can adjust II also makes the vehicle a well as medium and high- weapons and turrets according track tension for different flexible platform to be used as caliber weapon system to the needs. The ARMA road conditions to achieve 6x6 can be used for various outstanding mobility. missions as an armored SAFA has a power pack in the personnel carrier, armored front of the hull combined with combat vehicle, command turbo charged diesel engine control, reconnaissance, and and an automatic transmission CBRN reconnaissance vehicle provides which power ranging while different weapon from 700 hp to 1100 hp. systems can be integrated into The multi-role, modular SAFA the vehicle. series is designed as a platform to meet the users’ needs for SAFA INFANTRY FIGHTING a single platform to use in VEHICLE different missions. Tested in Otokar’s SAFA IFV is the toughest climates and on exhibited with Otokar design rough terrain, SAFA boasts MIZRAK-30 medium turret. best-in-class ballistic and The vehicle stands out with mine protection with modular mobility, firepower and armor structure that can be survivability features. Due configured and tailored as per to its modular design, SAFA specific user requirements. can be fitted with manned or SAFA, which can be integrated unmanned weapon systems with active protection systems, ranging from 7,62 mm to 120 has the capacity of carrying mm as well as air defense and up to 9 infantry in addition to mortar systems. With superior its crew of three (commander, mobility, SAFA can serve in all gunner and driver).
33 Rafael marks milestone in I-Derby ER Air-to-Air Missile develpment In a test series held earlier this week, Rafael completed the development of the ground-based Air Defense version of the missile
more than 150 combat interceptions in Israel and around the world. This includes the Python missile family with its most advanced missile in this series - Python-5 - operational with the Israeli air force and a number of other global air forces. I-Derby ER incorporates Rafael’s innovative software-controlled radar seeker, which allows full operational flexibility by controlling all operational parameters through software. This capability enables upgraded missile performance against new threats and enemy tactics such as electronic warfare afael Advanced Defense commander.” and new aerial targets. The software Systems Ltd. has completed the Rafael’s I-Derby ER missile is a an over update process is quick and simple, and Rdevelopment of the ground- 100 km long-range air-to-air missile with can be performed in a timely manner based Air Defense version of the I-Derby a dual-pulse rocket motor and an active relevant for during a combat round. ER (Extended Range) air-to-air missile. radar seeker, providing combat aircraft I-Derby ER contains electronic counter- During the test series concluded earlier this with exceptional performance advantages countermeasures (ECCM) designed to week in southern Israel, Rafael performed both at short ranges or beyond visual deal with the challenges of aerial combat a ground launch to test the missile’s range. The missile has fire-and-forget in a hostile environment with exceptional command and control, navigation, and capabilities, allowing the operator to operational flexibility, adaptable to the flight trajectory capabilities. tackle multiple targets simultaneously. customer’s operational requirements. The These tests serve as a significant The missile’s light weight allows it to be missile has a dual-pulse rocket motor, milestone in I-Derby ER’s development, adapted to a variety of modern fighter which enables optimal thrust management which is the newest and most advanced of jets, including the F-16, F-15, F-18, Gripen, in accordance with mission requirements, Rafael’s electromagnetic air-to-air missiles, LCA, Typhoon and more. providing the significantly-extended and it marks the completion of the missile’s The I-Derby ER Missile is identical flight range. The missile’s brain contains ground-version development. in shape and size to the Derby missile sophisticated algorithms to optimize Brig. Gen. (Res.) Pini Yungman, EVP, currently in service worldwide. The trajectory according to launch conditions Rafael’s head of air and missile defense ground-based Air Defense version of and target behavior. systems division: “Rafael has been Israel’s the missile can be integrated almost I-Derby ER features two-way national home of air-to-air missiles since the immediately onto air defense batteries communication, based on Rafael’s proven country’s founding, when we developed such as Rafael’s SPYDER system, which operational SDR, supplying a complete Israel’s very first air-to-air missile – Shafrir. provides air defense for ranges between information set on the chosen target and Ever since, Rafael has excelled in the 20 to 60 km. Launched from the ground, on those in close vicinity. development of various air-to-air missiles, the I-Derby ER missile doubles the many of which are in operational use existing missile range, and allows target I-Derby ER Operational Benefits: today by the IDF and air forces worldwide. interception within a range of up to 40 • Launch range over 100 km This week, we completed a series of tests km without a booster, and 80 km with a • Air-to-Air missile with short, medium, in the development of the I-Derby missile booster. and long range capabilities in its latest version – ER – which allows • Detection and Interception capabilities for Beyond Visual Range (BVR) launches Improved-Derby ER (Extended Range) from the ground over 100 km. This is a key milestone in Long-Range BVR Air-to-Air Missile with • All-weather operability the development of a missile with some of Active Radar seeker • Lock On Before Launch/Lock on After the most advanced capabilities, giving it I-Derby ER is a long range derivative Launch operational models significant interception advantages in air- of the Derby missile in operational use • Strong, efficient ECCM to-air battles, as well as ground-to-air air among several air forces worldwide. It • Simple integration for current Derby defense applications. These achievements is part of Rafael’s several generations users provide significant air superiority to of air-to-air missile families which it has • Dual-use air-to-air and air defense the fighter pilot or the air defense developed over the past 65 years, with 34 IDEX & NAVDEX 2021;Successful event with over 62,000 visitors
he 15th edition of the International Director and CEO of Abu Dhabi National ensure that UAE products are globally Defence Exhibition (IDEX) and Exhibitions Company “ADNEC” and its competitively, both meeting the needs Tthe Naval Defence Exhibition group of companies. of the nation alongside reaching new (NAVDEX), which is considered as a Commenting on the conclusion of the markets.” successful event during the time of exhibitions, Major General Staff Pilot Faris Staff Pilot Ishaq Saleh Al Balushi, pandemic, has concluded by the Higher Khalaf Al Mazrouei, said: “The 15th edition commented: “The UAE has once again Organising Committee for the exhibitions. of the IDEX and NAVDEX exhibitions demonstrated its global leadership in The five-day events have seen extensive has been nothing short of exceptional. hosting and organising international and local and international participation. These events continue to strengthen their strategic events. These events indicate The central success of the 15th edition global position, providing exhibitors and renewed confidence and optimism as lies in that it was the first global defence participants from around the world with the UAE charts a new course for post- event in Middle East to take place in an integrated global platform, in spite of pandemic recovery. the post pandemic recovery stage, with the challenges imposed by the COVID-19 “2021 has seen the UAE Armed Forces 62,445 attendees at the venue across five pandemic. IDEX and NAVDEX drive and sign the highest value of deals during days. 900 exhibitors, 59 countries, and enable innovation, in line with the rapid the exhibitions’ histories. The brokerage 35 international pavilions participated in development of the fourth industrial of such agreements plays a pivotal role IDEX and NAVDEX 2021, alongside five revolution. in devising and implementing long-term countries participating in the exhibitions “The success of these exhibitions has security and defence strategies, and for the first time: Israel, North Macedonia, been rooted in the stalwart and visionary ensuring the adoption of optimal solutions Luxembourg, Portugal, and Azerbaijan. support of our wise leadership. Their to face future challenges, given the fourth AED 20.957 billion (USD 5.7 billion) confidence in our ability to host the world, industrial revolution.” worth of deals were signed by the UAE here in Abu Dhabi, has been critical to the Humaid Matar Al Dhaheri, commented: Armed Forces during IDEX and NAVDEX wider realisation of this edition. “Today brings an end to an edition 2021. Five deals with international “Today marks a new chapter in pre- which was described as one of the most companies and 15 with local companies eminence. 2021 is the Golden Jubilee successful global events organised in the were inked on the final day of the Year of the foundation of the United Arab post pandemic phase by participants, exhibitions, at a value of AED 904.2 Emirates. That union has enabled our exhibitors, and visitors alike. In organising million (USD 246.2 million). nation to cultivate and expand our defence these two exhibitions, we have met and The committee announced the infrastructure and technological systems, exceeded the aspirations of all attending conclusion of the two exhibitions, in the using them to ensure security and peace this edition. presence of Major General Pilot Faris across the Middle East. “96% of visitors and exhibitors to IDEX Khalaf Al Mazrouei, Commander-in-Chief “The foremost achievement of this and NAVDEX were satisfied with the of Abu Dhabi Police, Chairman of the edition of the exhibitions was the stringent exhibition, which is considered one of Higher Organizing Committee for “IDEX” and rigorous implementation of all the highest rates in the global exhibition and “NAVDEX” exhibitions, and Major precautionary measures across ADNEC, and conference sector. The wide range General Staff Pilot Ishaq Saleh Muhammad preserving the health and safety of all of precautionary protocols which Al Balushi, Assistant Undersecretary for participants, exhibitors, and visitors. IDEX ADNEC rigorously implemented across Industries and Development of Defense and NAVDEX 2021 enabled the return its infrastructure also met the approval Capabilities at the Ministry of Defense, of the national business tourism sector, of those visiting IDEX and NAVDEX, as Vice Chairman of the Supreme Committee, alongside continuing to support the well as specialists in the exhibition and and Humaid Matar Al Dhaheri, Managing UAE’s defence industry. These exhibitions conference sector.
35 Reinforced Might
NIMR, an EDGE entity in the Platforms & Systems cluster and a leading manufacturer of mission-ready, high-performance, combat-proven light- and medium- weight wheeled military vehicles is currently preparing to roll out the second-generation of its product portfolio. Abraham du Plessis, CEO, NIMR, speaks about its evolution as the largest military vehicle manufacturer in the region competing with the largest international producers. Excerpts from the interview:
NIMR has two decades of experience in in different regions of the world. In which producing high-performance light- and countries does NIMR have presence, and medium-weight wheeled military vehicles who are its major clients? whilst adhering to the most demanding We have a joint venture with the Algerian international standards. What are the major Ministry of Defence to produce the NIMR Abraham du Plessis milestones in this journey of success? vehicle range in Algeriaand are also working CEO, NIMR NIMR celebrated its 20th anniversary in to expand our footprint in Eastern Europe. 2020. The company has come a long way As part of these efforts, we initiated since commencing operations with our first collaboration with VOP CZ, a state-owned vehicle, called NIMR1, in 2000.Since then, enterprise established by the Ministry of the company has grown from strength Defence of the Czech Republic to address to strength, with our vehicles building a the national market demand, along with reputation for their agility, mobility and those of other Visegrad countries. In 2017, versatility. NIMR and VOP CZ facilitated the debut of Today, NIMR has an extensive portfolio of the AJBAN 440A configured to European mission-proven military vehicles capable of specifications. addressing the most demanding duty-cycle requirements, and is currently preparing to NIMR offers three main product ranges – roll out the second-generation of its product AJBAN, HAFEET, and JAIS. Could you shed portfolio that will reinforce its position as some light on the vehicles in these series? leading manufacturer of combat-proven The AJBAN Multi-Role Armoured military vehicles. Vehicles, NIMR’s best-selling vehicles, are To meet increasing demand from Armed designed for use in a wide range of specialist Forces in nine nations, NMR opened a military roles. They offer high levels of Abraham du Plessis is the Chief Executive 37,500m2 production facility in Abu survivability, mobility, and firepower. Officer (CEO) of NIMR, an EDGE entity within the Platforms & Systems cluster, Dhabi, which is the largest military vehicle The seven-seater 447A features a highly that is a leading manufacturer of manufacturer in the region and competes configurable armoured cabin, designed for mission-ready, high-performance light- with the largest international producers. functions such as tactical response, border and medium-weight wheeled military The company has pioneered many firsts in patrol, reconnaissance, counterinsurgency, vehicles. In this role, he is responsible for the region in an eventful two decades. We and special forces. The range comprises the business growth of NIMR, regionally now have our sights set firmly on the next AJBAN 420, AJBAN 440, AJBAN 450 and and international through their 20 years of growth. AJBAN Internal Security Vehicle. competitive products and services. The NIMR AJBAN Long-Range Special Through its joint ventures with defence Operations Vehicle (LRSOV) is an open- operators in other countries, NIMR transfers top 4x4 reconnaissance vehicle designed for knowledge and technology, and builds skills use by Special Forces. Light and powerful,
36 capable of accessing all terrains, in addition to 1,500 vehicles per year, and the capability to being helicopter-transportable, the vehicle can supply every component at each stage of the be customised to accommodate a range of user- assembly process. Total production flexibility specified equipment. has been incorporated into the process layout. Meanwhile, the NIMR HAFEET 630A is a This allows for multiple model types to be built highly mobile 6x6 protected vehicle that offers simultaneously, maximising product output NIMR has a joint an optimal combination of payload, mobility, and efficiency, and enables NIMR to quickly venture with the and protection in the harshest environments. reorganise resources to respond to the changing The vehicle can be integrated with a variety of requirements of its customers. Algerian Ministry mission and weapon systems. All NIMR vehicles undergo a rigorous testing of Defence to The HAFEET class provides a multi-purpose process during the quality control phase before produce the NIMR platform for all military requirements, from they leave the factory.Visual management utility vehicles to fully protected patrol vehicles. systems are in place to allow for real-time vehicle range in A universal 6x6 chassis is utilised for a common production monitoring, provide an active logistic footprint to minimise the burden Algeria and it is interface for requests and support to identity of training, maintenance, and spare parts and rectify problems, and facilitate seamless working to expand management for the user. communication. its footprint in Finally, the JAIS classis the next generation of mine-resistant ambush protected (MRAP) Eastern Europe. The in-house design, engineering, and R&D vehicles that strikes the right balance between capabilities of the company encompass all It has initiated firepower, survivability, and mobility for modern, aspects of military vehicle technology – from conventional, and asymmetric operations. A collaboration with driveline to protection systems. How strong is battle-proven ‘crew citadel’ protects against VOP CZ, a state- the engineering arm of NIMR? mine, improvised explosive device (IED), and owned enterprise ballistic threats. Our military engineers are drawn from across Offering cost-effective solutions for recce, the globe. Their combined experience allows established by patrol, utility, and specialist roles, such as us to understand and forecast field data, the Ministry of ambulance,the highly modular family of vehicles combat situations, and the evolving operational features modern suspension and powertrain, requirements of our customers. Meanwhile, our Defence of the high power-to-weight ratio, and excellent onsite capabilities enable us to integrate best- Czech Republic situational awareness. in-class technology into our vehicles to give to address the our clients a competitive edge, and to use the NIMR has a 37,500m² state-of-the-art latest simulation tools and techniques to rapidly national market production facility that consistently produces mature our designs, shorten the design cycle, demand, along to a high quality and in large volumes. Could and enhance production capacity. Lastly, we you elaborate on your production facilities and have been growing a world-class test capability with those of quality standards? to verify, validate and improve all aspects of our other Visegrad The facility has the capacity to produce up to designs. countries
37 GAL: Ultimate Sustainment Solutions
While committed to providing fleet readiness to the UAE Armed Forces, GAL is widening its ambit into the commercial realm and working towards expanding its global footprint, seeking business opportunities outside the UAE, says Mohammed Saeed Al Khemairi, Chief Executive Officer, GAL, in this interview. Excerpts:
GAL has been providing integrated repair and overhaul services that cannot be aviation readiness solutions for both military performed in the UAE.GAL’s core services and civilian customers for more than 13 include aircraft maintenance, technical years. How challenging has been the road and engineering support, logistic and to success, and what is the company’s supply chain management, command level position now in the industry globally? advisory support, manpower outsourcing, GAL is a 100 per cent UAE-owned augmentation solutions, simulator Mohammed Saeed Al Khemairi company and was founded in 2007. GAL maintenance and specialised training. As CEO,GAL has over 5,000 employees and supports an EDGE company, we have the unique more than 500 aircraft. Over the years, ability to work with other companies within GAL has built numerous strong relationships the Mission Support cluster, like AMMROC with the major OEMs and formed strategic and HORIZON to provide complete alignment with complementary MRO solutions to our customers including aircraft partners. modifications or upgrades, tip to tail GAL maintains a rigorous operations management and supply chain support. and compliance system that has earned approval from the U.S. Government for the How important has been the partnership official licencing of our defence services. or collaborations with industry leaders We have also obtained international and engineers’ innovative approach in certifications including the ISO 9001 for addressing the customer needs? Could you quality management and ISO 27001 for also shed some light on the engineering Information Security Management. Our minds you work with? Mohammed Saeed Al Khemairi is Chief aim is to become the Middle East’s leading We have collaborated and partnered with Executive Officer of GAL, and in this role, he is responsible for leading the overall provider of aviation MRO services, which major OEMs and MRO providers such as strategy and strategic objectives of the I’m proud to say we are getting closer AAR, Airbus, Boeing, Lockheed Martin, GE, company, including the implementation now that we are growing successfully even Dassault, among others. Locally, we work of its functional objectives and beyond the UAE. very closely with SANAD Aero,Abu Dhabi overseeing critical management aspects Aviation, and our sister entity AMMROC. of the business, operations, support Could you give a detailed picture of GAL’s From routine inspections to customised and people management. Prior to range of maintenance, repair, overhaul, repair and overhaul, we ensure that every joining GAL, Al Khemairi was Director and support services which are offered maintenance action performed – whether of Inter Aviation within the UAE Armed Forces. Al Khemairi brings to his role to military and civilian operations for fleet simple or complex; corrective or preventive, 24 years of experience as an aviation readiness? is executed to the highest quality and safety professional, exposed to high-level We provide integrated aircraft standards.GAL has over 4000 subject strategic and operational initiatives, sustainment solutions through specialised matter experts on board as employees - including infrastructure design, process manpower and technical assistance, and fully certified and trained to undertake reengineering, turnaround management, we have agreements with major original maintenance, in-routine inspections, and and reorganisation of complex business equipment manufacturers, suppliers and in-depth repair operations on all relevant challenges. MRO centres for delivering maintenance, platforms and aircraft.We only employ the 38 most talented technicians and engineers, both We have noticed that there is an increased locally and internationally, to work on rotary- requirement for aircraft modifications and wing platforms — making them subject matter upgrades because of the aging of the aircraft and experts in the process. to keep up with the latest technology. Therefore, today we are providing additional resources to GAL has expanded its client base and now increase our focus on aircraft modifications and holds several maintenance and integrated upgrades. We’ve also increased our partnerships logistics services contracts across the UAE. How with specialised engineering companies does the company look at the South Asian and and increased our activity with AMMROC, African markets for expanding business? leveraging their state of the art facilities and We have signed agreements with the Kenyan their experienced engineering capability. With Ministry of Defence to provide them MRO these initiatives, we believe that we are in a services, specialised maintenance engineers, well-placed position for the changing aerospace spare parts and repair management. We have market. also collaborated with China National Aero- Technology Import & Export Corporation What is the roadmap ahead for GAL? What (CATIC), which will allow GAL to establish a are the goals and objectives you have set for the warehouse in Abu Dhabi and be the hub for company? all the spare parts distribution of CATIC in the We are committed to providing fleet readiness Middle East. We have several ongoing contracts to the UAE Armed Forces. That will always with the UAE Airforce to provide comprehensive remain our main objective. Furthermore, we maintenance and logistics support for its fleet, are looking forward to taking GAL to the to provide specialised manpower and technical commercial and other regional markets through GAL, which and consultancy support services. And currently our strategic relationship including working with provides UAE we are working towards expanding our global AMMROC, SANAD Aero, Abu Dhabi Aviation footprint and are seeking business opportunities and other local companies. We believe this will Air Force outside the UAE. provide promising strategic opportunities to comprehensive elevate GAL globally. At present, most of our maintenance and What are the other challenges you face in business is from the military sector. Today, we meeting the requirements of a rapidly changing are working on expanding to the commercial logistics support world as a professional aerospace services sector, which we believe will make up an ideal for its fleet, offers provider? business mix. complete solutions to its customers including aircraft modifications or upgrades, tip to tail management and supply chain support
39 Leading Edge of Autonomous Tomorrow
Committed to bringing the latest in cutting- edge drone technology and unmanned systems to the region and beyond, ADASI is at the forefront of innovation in autonomous capabilities and augmenting its product portfolio. They are open to expanding into South Asia and Africa when the right opportunity arises, says Ali Al Yafei, Chief Executive Officer, ADASI, in an interview. Excerpts:
Countries all over the world are pushing and tactical demands or to integrate for unmanned systems as the most alternative payloads. important part of their defence strategy. There are currently no platform systems How challenging is the unmanned systems like our Garmoosha drone in the UAE, industry today, and what makes ADASI a which enables us to position ourselves on distinct player in the global arena? the leading edge of tomorrow. Our main UAVs are rapidly advancing in terms of competitors are based in China, USA, and capability and are growing in popularity, Europe. Ali Al Yafei with an increasing number of uses across the Chief Executive Officer, ADASI military, commercial, scientific, recreational, Could you give us an overview of the agricultural, and other sectors. Drones products and services offered by ADASI? have become critical to organisations and Who are its major clients globally? industries, increasing efficiencies, improving We have designed and manufactured the accuracy, and resolving security issues RW-24 system, a fully automated and highly across borders. Their ability to reach the effective high-speed UAV with significant most remote areas with little manpower offensive capabilities that operates from required saves time, energy, and cost. shallow to near-vertical angles and boasts a The UAE drone market is expected to grow, long mission endurance. driven by the rising demand for military We also have more than 10 years of and commercial drones, coupled with the experience in operating and providing proactive involvement of regulatory bodies, after-sales support for the Al SabrS-100 such as General Civil Aviation Authority vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) (GCAA) and Dubai Civil Aviation Authority systems– developing skills, training pilots, (DCAA), in devising policies to support the and deploying the UAVs in day-to-day use of drones in different applications. operations, from systems and payload Since joining in 2008, Ali has When it comes to UAVs and autonomous integration to maintenance and logistics. spearheaded significant growth capabilities, ADASI is at the forefront of Today, our support is critical to keeping the and development of ADASI to innovation and the upcoming launches Al Sabr UAVs in the air for over 5,000 hours enhance the UAE’s national security at IDEX testifies this. With the future a year. infrastructure, and to address the increasingly relying on unmanned systems Our Aerostat UAV is an advanced high- nation’s technological aspirations. Ali that provide a higher degree of tactical endurance airborne monitoring system Al Yafei provides strategic oversight and business direction for the company, flexibility, we have invested extensively that can carry an electro-optical/infrared to ensure operational and productive to fast-track R&D investments in these (EO/IR) sensor, such as the FLIR U8500 or efficiency in delivering complex domains, bringing related products to the WESCAM MX-10, to heights of up to programs for the UAE Armed Forces. market with speed. 3,000 feet, and can stay deployed for over Incorporating the latest technologies, we a week at a time, subject to local weather focus on the acquisition, development, test, conditions. operation, and full-service support of UAV Our GCS 300 shelter is the ideal base systems. We also modify and reconfigure for transporting, storing, operating, and performance to suit our partner’s strategic maintaining UAVs in the field. Robust, 40 resilient, and designed to operate in extreme radio link range extension and retransmission, temperatures, it can be transported by road, maritime surveillance, monitoring, as well as rail, sea, and air – including by C-130 and C-17 search and rescue operations. aircraft. On the ground, it expands into a full The Garmoosha meets market needs by 6.1m x 5.8m technical and control hub with all enhancing air operations, and supporting various the infrastructure and equipment needed for applications such as law enforcement, search frontline drone operations. and rescue, surveying, and securing borders. Its Launched in February 2020, the Garmoosha advanced capabilities, including an integrated drone is the first fully UAE-made high- high-definition camera and electro-optical The first fully performance vertical take-off and landing sensor for day and night ISR collection, provide UAE-made high- (VTOL) drone that is used to detect gas pipeline operational flexibility that allows militaries to leaks, survey infrastructure, and conduct search save manned helicopters from critical missions. performance and rescue operations. vertical take-off The newest feather in our cap will finally be Is ADASI considering expansion into the South and landing drone announced at IDEX. We are extremely proud to Asian and African markets? be expanding our product portfolio and remain One of the main focuses of our parent Garmoosha is a committed to bringing the latest in cutting-edge company, EDGE Group, is to develop the next-generation drone technology and unmanned systems to the country’s export potential in response to region and beyond. international demands. With an operating light unmanned While our primary customer is the General model that focuses on building collaborative aircraft system Headquarters (GHQ) of the UAE Armed Forces, opportunities, we work with our partners to designed to we are working towards offering our products serve our shared interests wherever it makes and services in other markets. business sense to do so, therefore we are open perform across to expanding into South Asia and Africa when a diverse range Tell us more about the Garmoosha drone. the right opportunity arises. What makes the UAV an important asset? of missions to The Garmoosha is a next-generation light What are your visions and priorities for the meet defence unmanned aircraft system (UAS) designed to company over the next decade? What is the and security force carry payloads up to 100kg. The platform has an roadmap ahead? endurance of six hours – equivalent to a range of We have several product launches in the requirements, 150km – and can perform across a diverse range pipeline that are set to bolster ADASI’s including of missions to meet defence and security force position as a regional leader in autonomous requirements, including intelligence, surveillance, systems. In the long term, we aim to focus on intelligence, and reconnaissance (ISR). It is deployable in all the development of our core activities and surveillance, and weather and light conditions, and at altitudes strengthening the technological capabilities of reconnaissance. It ranging from sea level to 10,000 feet.The our customers. We will continue to innovate, aircraft’s payload capacity and performance integrate, evolve, and develop our own unique is used to detect specifications give it wide functionality, making it intellectual property (IP) as we prepare for an gas pipeline an ideal platform for electronic warfare missions, increasingly autonomous tomorrow. leaks, survey infrastructure, and conduct search and rescue operations as well.
41 Sailing on Maritime Glory
With top-of-the-line shipbuilding and maintenance facilities, ADSB is a strategic national asset for the UAE, partnering with naval and maritime authorities in implementing vital security and defence missions, excelling in vessel new build, repair, maintenance, refit, conversion, sustainment, and refurbishment, as well as engineering consultancy and technology deployment. David Massey, CEO of ADSB, speaks about the wide range of their vessel design portfolio and maritime operations.
Over the last two and a half decades, lifetimes, and lower overall lifecycle costs. ADSB has become one of the most Could you shed more light on its capabilities experienced shipyards in the region and state-of-the-art facilities? specialising in the build and maintenance of We support naval and maritime authorities naval and commercial vessels. Where does in implementing vital security and defence David Massey ADSB stand globally? missions through vessel new build, repair, CEO, ADSB With a strong track record of operational maintenance, refit, conversion, sustainment, excellence in naval capabilities, ADSB is and refurbishment, as well as engineering the UAE’s trusted naval defence partner consultancy and technology deployment. and a strategic national asset for the UAE. Our shipbuilding capabilities comprise the It supplies quality vessels and provides construction of highly complex vessels for ongoing through-life support to the UAE navy and commercial customers. From fast Navy and the Critical Infrastructure and interceptor boats to corvettes, our team has Coastal Protection Authority (CICPA). the know-how and technical background to The company has also made a name for build and service a wide range of vessels of itself internationally as a provider of world- all sizes. class shipbuilding and maintenance services, In terms of facilities, we have a top-of-the- as its inclusion in several regional and global line main yard in Mussafah that spans more awards testifies. We have been finalists of than 300,000m2. We also have a 2,000 the Seatrade Ship Repair Innovation Award, tonne ship lift and can build up to 80 metres The Maritime Standard Innovation Award, in length. The Maritime Standard Shipyard of the Year Award, and the Lloyd’s List Shipyard of the ADSB has built a series of special mission David Massey is CEO of ADSB, an EDGE Year Award. vessels for the Navy. Could you elaborate entity that specialises in designing, building, and servicing of naval and However, we should be realistic that while on your products and services in military commercial vessels. In this role, he is ADSB is a significant player in the GCC shipbuilding? responsible for managing the overall region, it is not yet a global player. However, ADSB builds and operates three main operations of the company to maintain the company has over the last year both naval programmes – corvettes, offshore its position as strategic asset for the enhanced its in-house design capabilities patrol vessels,and fast patrol boats/ UAE and a commercially successful and has also acquired design IP, and now interceptors – including the region’s largest builder of warships and other vessels has a portfolio of internationally competitive naval shipbuilding programme for UAE for the GCC region and beyond. designs in the 11 metre to 44 metre range, Navy’s six Baynunah-class corvettes and of which some of the prototypes can been the Arialah offshore patrol vessels. We also seen at NAVDEX. build landing craft, special mission vessels, as well as other vessels for the luxury and ADSB uses the latest technologies to VIP market. maximise fleet readiness, extend ship 42 Leveraging its shipbuilding and ship repair European suppliers during the lockdown. expertise, ADSB offers design, engineering, However, a more serious challenge was the manufacturing, and implementation of all types threat of rapid transmission of the virus among of ship conversion projects. Could you share the 500+ members of our workforce who live more details? onsite, in many cases sharing rooms. ADSB Working in close partnership with our clients, was one of the first companies in the UAE to ADSB builds we can undertake everything from major repairs implement a weekly mass testing regime for all and conversions to the construction of modular its onsite staff, and severely restricted access to and operates units. In addition to mechanical and electrical the site from outside, while the administrative three main naval refits work, and painting and blasting, ADSB staff worked remotely. programmes – is the leader in the region in complex combat Measures to contain the virus involved systems integration. Combat systems now designating multiple buildings as isolation corvettes, offshore account for over half the whole life cost of a facilities for those who tested positive, quarantine patrol vessels, modern warship. for those exposed, and separate facilities and fast patrol for those who tested negative or recovered. What are ADSB’s commercial shipbuilding Staff members were moved, sometimes every boats/interceptors activities? Also, what are the latest updates on few days, where necessary. With a healthy your Small Boat Construction division? – including the workforce largely in their 20s to 40s, only a ADSB offers extensive commercial repair region’s largest very small number of those who tested positive and maintenance services to the non-military required hospital treatment. Despite the impact naval shipbuilding market, primarily but not exclusively, to the oil on workforce availability, ADSB never closed services industry. As aforementioned, ADSB has programme for down, and maintained support to its customers in the past undertaken several luxury and VIP throughout the pandemic, working with staff UAE Navy’s six build and maintenance projects. members who tested negative. Our Small Boat Construction division Baynunah-class manufactures landing craft, high-speed As commercial customers tried to mitigate the corvettes and the effect of vessels being off-charter or not being interceptors, patrol boats, RHIBS (rigid hulled Arialah offshore inflatable boats) and other specialist vessels for used in oil service operations, they brought customers from the GCC region and beyond. forward some maintenance activities. Owing to patrol vessels. The division operates a 9,000m2 state-of-the- this unexpected outcome, ADSB’s commercial They also build art composite boat-building facility that can repair and maintenance revenues for 2020 are build and repair composite vessels up to 40m in significantly ahead of targets. landing craft, length. Although international movement restrictions special mission impacted business development, we used this vessels, as well Did the COVID-19 pandemic affect ADSB’s time to strengthen our design team and work business? How did you overcome the challenges? on new projects. At IDEX, we are exhibiting the as other vessels The pandemic interrupted land-based prototypes of several new vessels that have been for the luxury material supply chains due to border closures, completely designed and built by ADSB for the and deliveries of combat systems parts from first time. and VIP market
43 Armoured Thrust
AL JASOOR’s armoured vehicles are on the forefront of innovation and design, ensuring a distinct competitive advantage with their immense potential as a flexible fighting vehicle devised for future multi- terrain combat. Fahad Al Absi, Chief Executive Officer, AL JASOOR, speaks about a new generation of faster, more mobile, and more versatile vehicles with advanced offensive and defensive capabilities in this interview. Excerpts:
Armoured vehicles play a crucial role around the world. Supplied as a complete in ensuring the safety of those on the built unit, the vehicle features a modular frontline, and new models with the latest multi-wheeled structure, and comes with defensive and offensive tech are emerging. a dedicated long-term package of military- Where does AL JASOOR stand globally in grade integrated logistics support services. Fahad Al Absi armoured vehicle manufacturing, and what In addition, it has a significant technology CEO, AL JASOOR are its major achievements? and systems development potential in the AL JASOOR is the UAE’s armoured years to come. vehicles specialist, the exclusive supplier of the Rabdan 8x8 infantry fighting vehicle What are the key aspects of this package (IFV), and a proud partner of the UAE of services? Armed Forces. The company leverages The package includes on site client advanced technologies and innovations to acceptance support, repair, refurbishment, build highly mobile and versatile vehicles preventive maintenance, 20-year supply of that provide guaranteed protection to those spare parts, special tools, technical support, on the frontlines through enhanced ground local retrofitting, customisation to meet force capability and tactical flexibility. a range of mission objectives, as well as operational and maintenance training and Could you tell us more about your Rabdan know-how. 8x8 vehicle and its capabilities? The Rabdan is a next-generation Is AL JASOOR considering South Asia and amphibious armoured vehicle that offers Africa as target markets for expanding its Fahad Al Absi is the Chief Executive unique operational, tactical, and technical business? Officer at AL JASOOR, an EDGE entity advantages on land and water.The With defence modernisation programmes and the UAE’s national specialist in advanced, mission-ready vehicle, built for accelerating globally, including the armoured vehicles. In this role, he a range of objectives and terrain styles, replacement of ageing vehicle fleets, is responsible for developing and is available in several configurations with the demand for 8x8 vehicles is growing expanding national defense industry a maximum capacity of 11 troops and a rapidly. AL JASOOR is very keen to use this capabilities within medium to heavy armoured vehicles industry. Al Absi top speed of 100km/h. Providing Level opportunity to enter the wider Middle East brings to his role 27 years of experience 4 ballistic and mine protection, it can be and Asia markets. in national and multinational equipped with different types of exterior industries. armour and a high-calibre turret-based The Indian army is proceeding with the weapon system. modernisation of its armoured vehicle fleet. Rabdan 8X8 has been developed and What could AL JASOOR offer the country tested to the most rigorous military in this context? standards, the Rabdancaters to the The battlefield of the future presents a operational requirements of Armed Forces diverse and complex environment with 44 increasingly challenging combat scenarios. This Our R&D involves direct interaction with our demands a new generation of land vehicles customers so that we can better understand Rabdan 8X8 is a that can provide swift insights and intelligence, their requirements for armoured vehicles and the next-generation flexible planning, and responsive tactics. potential needs of their occupants. amphibious The safety and survivability of soldiers is a top priority for any military, and AL JASOOR ensures Could you shed some light on your production armoured vehicle that those on the front lines are protected by facilities with a focus on design, use of advanced that offers unique a new generation of faster, more mobile, and technologies, quality assurance, etc.? more versatile vehicles with advanced offensive We have a dedicated team of engineers and operational, and defensive capabilities. AL JASOOR’s military technicians specialising in the heavy vehicles tactical, and vehicles are on the forefront of innovation industry (HVI). All Rabdan vehicles are inspected technical and design, and offers customers a distinct to the highest international standards through competitive advantage.With its powerful our onsite testing and acceptance processes. advantages on combination of performance and value, the We incorporate the latest technological land and water. Rabdan has an immense potential as a flexible innovations, including artificial intelligence (AI) fighting vehicle designed for future multi-terrain and survivability equipment, into engineering It caters to the combat. disciplines that are crucial to the armoured operational In addition, the Indian army could benefit from vehicle manufacturing process, such as electrical requirements of our R&D capabilities that play an important and mechanical engineering. AI offers significant role in ensuring frontline survivability. We benefits to the armoured vehicles segment. Armed Forces leverage modern testing techniques, battlefield The speed with which AI-enabled sensors, around the world. intelligence, and cutting-edge technology computers, and targeting systems process tools to develop platforms that support and analyse information is growing at an Supplied as a mission success and occupant protection unprecedented pace, supporting ever-increasing complete built while anticipating existing and future threats. degrees of autonomy. unit, the vehicle features a modular multi-wheeled structure, and comes with a dedicated long- term package of military-grade integrated logistics support services
45 Boosting Lifecycle Solutions
AL TAIF, a strategic partner of the UAE Armed Forces responsible for the maintenance, support and technical readiness of all its tracked and wheeled vehicles, provides comprehensive lifecycle support, engineering solutions, upgrades, modernisation, and technology integration across a wide range of defence platforms and systems. Abdulqadir Ali Al Ali, Chief Executive Officer, AL TAIF, speaks about their vision, to be the premier Centre of Excellence for comprehensive lifecycle support for defence systems in the MENA region and beyond. Excerpts from the interview:
MRO services are crucial for extending maintenance forecasts and schedules. the lifecycle of land platforms, heavy utility vehicles, and ground support equipment. Could you share with us some of the major How successful has AL TAIF been in milestones in AL TAIF’s success journey over achieving its mission of supporting the the last one and half decade? Abdelqadir Aqeel Al Ali operational readiness of land platforms? Our most significant milestone has CEO, AL TAIF AL TAIF has more than 14 years of been becoming a strategic partner of experience in comprehensive lifecycle the UAE Armed Forces responsible for support and precision training solutions in the maintenance, support, and technical Land MRO. The company combines local readiness of all its tracked and wheeled and international expertise, sector-specific vehicles. knowledge and an ability to offer multi- We are also proud of our growing list of platform support to deliver end-to-end international technical certifications that solutions. We provide complex, extensive, govern our MRO processes and help us and premium-quality maintenance services maintain the highest quality levels. These across a comprehensive portfolio, delivered include ISO 9001, ISO 14001, ISO 1725, against rigorous timelines in order to and 45001. maximise asset availability. Our customers and industry OEM What are the services and facilities offered partners trust us to optimise performance by the MRO division of AL TAIF for the on all products and provide critical lifecycle military sector? Could you elaborate on the services, enabling the Armed Forcesto focus advanced technologies and platforms used? on their mission priorities. Through our nine state-of-the-art facilities, Abdelqadir Aqeel Al Ali is Chief Executive Officer of AL TAIF, a subsidiary Our technical training capabilities strategically located for agility and flexibility, of EDGE that specialises in the complement our offering by equipping we can address all types of lifecycle support maintenance, repair, and overhaul operators with an in-depth understanding requirements quickly and efficiently. (MRO) of military armoured vehicles of legacy and new technologies. We have Our MRO services includes, repair, and ground support machinery. Al Ali is highly skilled and experienced technical rebuild and overhauling to be executed playing a dynamic role in shaping and training staff that use innovative teaching on a variety of wheeled and tracked steering the strategic direction of AL methods, such as augmented reality, to help vehicle platforms for the UAE Armed TAIF Company and implementing the our clients to achieve mission readiness. Forces. Capabilities include:machining of company’s vision and mission. In addition, our supply chain management engines;electronics and electrical repair team provides a range of services, including of vehicles and components; rebuild of warehousing, inventory management and components, such as engine transmission procurement.We leverage big data and and differentials; vehicle and component analytics to develop the most effective upgrade; component refurbishment;and
46 interior and exterior bodywork, painting, application. Its services include failure analysis, and welding.We specialise in heavy and light spectroscopy, metallographic examination, vehicles,equipment,and small arms. non-destructive testing (NDT), oil analysis, This life cycle is managed through an polymer identification and thermal analysis, and integrated ERP system to manage and control corrosion tests. the company’s daily routines that include work Meanwhile, our state-of-the-art calibration orders and demand management, supply laboratory provides a superior level of assurance chain and procurement, human capital and in the quality of our work. more. The system is utilised for business We also run a dedicated workshop to fabricate intelligence, optimum resource management, customised products and parts using materials efficiencies, MRP and financial control to ensure such as mild steel, aluminium, stainless steel, the continuity of best-in-class services and and brass. The facility has five main areas: development. machining, sheet metal work, welding, vehicle modification, and foundry. AL TAIF provides engineering solutions, upgrades, modernisation, and technology What are your visions and priorities for the integration across a wide range of defence company over the next one decade? What is the platforms and systems. Could you tell us more roadmap ahead? about your engineering division? We have big plans for AL TAIF in the coming Our engineering division comprises a materials years. Our vision is to be the premier Centre of testing laboratory, a calibration laboratory, and a Excellence for comprehensive lifecycle support fabrication workshop. for defence systems in the MENA region and AL TAIF aims Operated according to global best practices, beyond. to accelerate our materials testing laboratory conducts Ultimately, our aim is to accelerate our technological critical assessment of parts and components technological development, become a one-stop- in areas such as material composition and shop for business integration, and remain at the development, structure against specified criteria and intended forefront of advanced technology solutions. become a one- stop-shop for business integration, and remain at the forefront of advanced technology solutions in Land MRO
47 Setting Benchmark for Pilot Training
With state-of-the-art facilities and a multinational team of experienced instructors, HORIZON, the premier flight academy in the Middle East, offers international- standard and bespoke rotary wing training to commercial and military aviators. Hareb Thani Hareb Al Dhaheri, Chief Executive Officer, HORIZON International Flight Academy, speaks about their futuristic goals and expansion plans. Excerpts from the interview:
HORIZON is now the region’s largest purposes, including Qualified Military Pilot helicopter flight training academy. Could Bridge Course (QMP), Instrument Rating IR you shed some light on HORIZON’s journey (H), Flight Instructor FI(H), and Commercial since its establishment in 2003, the run-up Pilot License CPL (H), Privet Pilot License to establishing this company for training (PPL), among others. In addition to the pilots locally and regionally? standard courses, Horizon offers specialised For over 18 years, the company has trained Night Vision Goggle (NVG), Multi-Crew and upskilled rotary wing pilots locally and Cooperation (MCC) courses and Air Hareb Thani Hareb Al Dhaheri regionally, playing a fundamental role in the Transportation Pilot License (ATPL). Our CEO, HORIZON development of aviation capability, while comprehensive selection of international setting the benchmark for quality across the standard flight training courses is designed MENA region. Since our launch in 2003, to cater for a range of students and skill we have grown to become the premier levels. In addition to single and twin-engine flight academy in the Middle East. We helicopter training, we also provide a diverse offer international-standard and bespoke array of aviation courses, which all offer a rotary wing training to leading commercial mix of practical and theoretical experience and military operators. With state-of- in flight safety, ground safety, aircraft the-art facilities and a multinational team accident investigation and management, of experienced instructors, HORIZON’s aviation management, crew resource basic and advanced training programmes management, and management of flight are taught and delivered to the highest safety and accident investigation. standards of safety, quality, and efficiency, in the industry. More than 1500 pilots have already graduated from HORIZON. Could you What are HORIZON’s state-of-the-art give a detailed picture of the team and the facilities and capabilities, for delivering international standards which are being Hareb Thani Hareb Al Dhaheri has training programmes? Could you also shed followed? been the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) some light on various training courses the Our multi-lingual trainers deliver at HORIZON International Flight academy offers? theoretical and practical training, including Academy since 2011. As a retired At HORIZON, we have a 10,000 sq. flight and ground safety and accident Brigadier and Pilot with the UAE metre training facility located at Al Ain. investigation. Our advanced, industry- Armed Forces, he has amassed more Our classrooms are equipped with latest standard programmes train over 100 pilots than 30 years of experience in aviation multimedia as we are now fully depending on every year and we are proud to help add and education. He started his career multimedia training. We have four hangers to the UAE’s pool of talent and boost the as a helicopter pilot in the UAE Armed Forces and went on to hold multiple equipped within our facilities, which can maturity of the local and international senior positions in the military. hold all our aircrafts for maintenance work aviation industry, enabling them to earn and parking. We offer basic and advanced nationally and internationally recognised training courses for single and twin- qualifications. We have received a number engine helicopters for civilian and military of internationally recognised approvals and
48 certifications for our work, including ISO 9001: We are continuing to set the benchmark for 2015. Our training courses comply with the pilot training worldwide by guiding tomorrow’s European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) aviators and upskilling today’s experienced standards and we are also officially approved pilots. We are developing more advanced by the UAE General Civil Aviation Authority courses, expanding our single and twin-engine (GCAA). helicopter training programmes, and bringing in the latest high-tech simulators to meet the Are you developing more advanced courses for growing demands of our industry. upskilling today’s experienced pilots? We ensure that we operate our training courses What are the expansion plans and priorities in on the most modern of fleets, with the Bell the near future? 505, 407 and 429 all in service at our training We started our expansion plans three years academy in Al Ain, as well as four different ago. We introduced a new fleet, the Bell 505. state-of-the-art simulators. Bell helicopters We have also expanded by adding helipads to are equipped with modern equipment such as our tarmac to accommodate up to 18 helicopters the glass cockpit and Garmin function which at a time. Our immediate goal is to obtain a enhances safety. The Garmin G1000H NXi full Approved Training Organisation (ATO) avionics and dual channel FADEC (Full Authority certification from GCC countries and to shape Digital Engine Control) provide enhanced Horizon Academy into a one-stop-shop for all situational awareness. We also leverage the latest advanced technologies to ensure our aviation training needs. training is cutting-edge, with computer- based training, multimedia classrooms, iPad What are the measures initiated by HORIZON HORIZON technology, glass cockpit helicopters. We to overcome the pandemic effect and to recently added two twin-engine helicopters continue train a new generation of world-class ACADEMY’s for the advanced courses such as flying over pilots? immediate goal water, over mountain and for search and rescue Horizon is actively adapting despite the current is to obtain a full missions. In addition, we provide Night Vision challenges. Our Distance Learning System and Goggles (NVG) flying, which enables the pilot other online learning tools have been upgraded Approved Training to fly at night. This allows students to complete to take in and continue the theoretical portion of Organisation single engine training and then without a break our pilot education programs, thereby allowing do advanced training on twin-engine helicopter. our students to attend classes from home. (ATO) certification from GCC countries and to shape the Academy into a one-stop-shop for all aviation training needs
49 Stunning Pyrotechnics
APT produces high-performance non-lethal pyrotechnics and low-velocity ammunition for the defence and security sector. Mohamad Al Falasi, CEO of APT, highlights innovative solutions and tactical assets that are ideally suited to operations on the battlefield and in civilian settings. Excerpts from the interview:
With world class pyrotechnics hybrid products comprised of several effects manufacturing facilities, APT is now a embodied within one product, such as leading manufacturer of high-performance sound & flash and CS smoke, sound & flash non-lethal pyrotechnics and low-velocity and CS powder dispersion, sound &flash ammunition for the defence and security and colour smoke products. sector. Could you take us through your As with all APT’s products, these are success journey and major achievements? flexible and dependable – with the density, A leading regional manufacturer speed of deployment, and burning duration established in 2016, APT produces high- of the smoke cloud all fully adjustable. performance pyrotechnics and low-velocity Furthermore, the smoke colours are ammunition at its advanced manufacturing comprised of organic dyes meaning the Mohamad Al Falasi facility in the Tawazun Industrial Park (TIP) grenades are environmentally friendly, with CEO, APT in Abu Dhabi. The military-grade testing protected aluminium packaging ensuring a and manufacturing process is driven by a long shelf life. deep understanding of the environments and scenarios where these tactical assets Over the years APT has developed are needed the most. technical and technological capabilities to APT’s key customers include the UAE produce advanced pyrotechnics for the Armed Forces, Critical Infrastructure and region’s armed forces and security agencies. Coastal Protection Authority, Abu Dhabi How competitive is the sector and where Police, Sharjah Police and Dubai Police. With does APT stand among the players? an ultimate mission of supporting safety and Competition is a part of any business, security, APT delivers innovative solutions and APT differentiates itself from the that are ideally suited to operations on the competition by focusing more on what the battlefield or in civilian settings. customer wants and their primary needs as we are more flexible and innovative in APT makes use of high-grade pyrotechnic our approach. We strive to build on our Mohamad Al Falasi, the CEO of technologies to manufacture high- current capabilities to extend our product APT is responsible for providing performing products. Could you give us offering and remain flexible enough to strategic leadership for APT, and has a detailed picture about APT’s products accommodate different requirements from over two decades of experience in including smoke grenades and projectiles various customers. business management, particularly for signalling? in the fields of weapons, ammunition Flagship APT products include a range What are the standards APT has adopted manufacturing, project management, of hand grenades, thunderflash, signal to ensure the safety of operations and the training and R&D. He has held several cartridges and sound and flash grenades– sophistication of facilities? senior positions throughout his career designed for use by military, special forces, APT’s focus is on building positive, long- and has been successful in establishing effective working teams and systems. law enforcement and rescue teams – which term and sustainable relationships with Prior to joining APT, Mohamad was the feature either incapacitating sound and light customers, with products fully customisable Head of the Licensing Division at the capabilities, signalling and coloured smoke to meet the needs of specific operations. The Ministry of Defence. and irritants for a wide range of applications. company has adopted military standards To go one step further in meeting customer and German technology specifications in requirements, APT has been developing accordance with international regulations
50 and is registered with the NATO Codification As realistic training is required for operational Bureau. readiness, you need to expose trainees to APT has recently been certified with the realistic but safe imitations of explosions. What Quality Management System ISO 9001: 2015. type of support does APT provide in this area? The company has approved Occupational Safety APT supports training in terms of operational and Health Management System from Abu usage and technical information requirements. Dhabi Occupational Safety and Health Centre Operational training is simulated with a realistic (OSHAD) as a mandatory statutory (legal) approach by providing electric smoke grenades requirement.APT is also reporting to IDB (sector with sound simulation (one of the latest products regulatory authority) HSE department directly. used by law enforcement training in Germany). There is an established industrial base to support more complicated systems and The COVID-19 pandemic has affected subsidiaries within the EDGE Group to which industries across the globe. How did APT brace APT belongs, which are keen to collaborate in for the impact of the pandemic? What are the providing services such as testing facilities and post Covid-19 plans? laboratories. The ongoing pandemic has created a challenging operating environment for most APT has support services designed to offer commercial companies around the world, and expertise to the whole industry, from training APT and its parent company, EDGE Group, are new recruits to partnering with other leading defence manufacturers. Could you elaborate on no different. We are fortunate to enjoy deep these support services? and trusted relationships with our customers and APT is a company within the Weapons and key suppliers and this lends itself to an attitude Missiles cluster of EDGE, an advanced UAE- of confronting the challenges together. APT’s based technology group for defence and beyond executive leadership has also been proactive in that ranks among the top 25 military suppliers in foreseeing the potential effects of the economic APT has adopted the world. APT products are reliable, easy to use slowdown prompted by the pandemic, and have military standards and affords safe handling since clear operating acted accordingly. The safety of staff, partners instructions are provided with the products to and customers has been of the highest priority in and German customers. APT offers any additional training APT’s internal approach to mitigating the effects technology customers may need. of the virus. specifications in accordance with international regulations and is registered with the NATO Codification Bureau
51 Redefining Smarter Ammunitions
LAHAB has the region’s most advanced and diverse manufacturing, assembly and integration capabilities for a wide product range that includes small, medium and large calibre ammunition for infantry, artillery and aircraft, and it serves regional armed forces and law enforcement agencies, as well as industrial customers that require ammunition testing and technical support services. Arafat Al Yafei, CEO of LAHAB speaks about emerging technologies and smarter ammunition designs. Excerpts from the interview:
LAHAB began its operations in 1994 with globally? small arms manufacturing and launched At LAHAB, our manufacturing, assembly production of medium and large calibre and integration capabilities are among the weapons in 2008. Having more than 25 region’s most diverse and efficient. Our years of experience in defence and security product range includes small,medium and sectors, could you give a detailed picture large calibre ammunition (5.56 x 45mm, Arafat Al Yafei of the company’s close association with 7.62 x 51mm, 9 x 19mm, 12.7 x 99mm, CEO, LAHAB militaries, law enforcement agencies and .308 WIN and .223 REM, grenades, sports clients during these years? mortars, artillery ammunition, aircraft LAHAB’s portfolio features small- bombs) ammunition. LAHAB also has calibre arms ranging from the 5.56x45 the capability to perform the Service mm to 12.7x99 NATO as well as shotgun Life Surveillance (SLS) programme for ammunition for sporting, hunting and all munitions types to support the UAE special applications, including law military. We additionally offer complete enforcement, right through to medium- explosive and ammunition end-of-life and large-calibre weapons ranging from 40 demilitarisation for almost all types of mm grenades to 122 mm artillery rockets, explosives and pyrotechnics, featuring and MK series GP serial bombs. disassembly, separation and incineration Our high-end manufacturing and using on-site safe demilitarisation that assembly facility enables us to maintain is monitored by government authorities Arafat Al Yafei is responsible for agility and flexibility in responding to client to ensure our compliance and fulfil our overseeing the manufacturing of all needs, and quickly customise products commitment to the environment. LAHAB ranges of ammunition from small arm for mission-specific requirements. Our also disposes of commercial mining, oil, and and infantry to artillery and aircraft. He is also responsible for leading the advanced manufacturing capabilities gas products. deployment of cutting-edge technologies are complemented by comprehensive and the enhancement of in-country testing and technical support services, Even while harnessing the latest manufacturing capabilities. Arafat providing continuous expert support technologies and advanced manufacturing possesses extensive experience in throughout the munition’s lifecycle – from capabilities, have you been able to the deployment, development and assembly to decommissioning through our develop your own intellectual property distribution of ammunition to fulfil the demilitarisation services for almost all types and technology to meet the customers’ demands of the UAE Armed Forces, along with regional partners. of explosives and pyrotechnics. evolving requirements? Prior to joining LAHAB, formerly known as With our research and development Barij Munitions, Arafat served as the CEO As leading munitions manufacturer capabilities we have developed and of Abu Dhabi Carbon Capture Company, meeting international quality and security licensed our own intellectual properties. a joint venture between ADNOC and standards, could you give us an overview Our Continuous Improvement Programme Masdar, where he led the establishment of the products and services offered by is focused on adopting cutting-edge of the first commercial carbon capture LAHAB? Who all are the major clients technology advances that include process and utilisation project in the Middle East.
52 optimisation and high-precision tools. requirements of our customers.
Being a supplier to regional armed forces With advanced manufacturing capabilities and law enforcement agencies, what are the complemented by comprehensive testing and international standards and specifications surveillance programmes, how does LAHAB followed by LAHAB to ensure quality and safety look at South Asia and Africa as markets for for the end user? expanding its business? To ensure our products’ compliance and LAHAB currently serves both regional armed adaptability in the international weapon systems forces and law enforcement agencies, as well we follow international standards such as the as industrial customers that require ammunition NATO standards and others. Also, we always testing and technical support services. We ensure our products will work on our clients’ are seeking to become the default supplier weapons by providing proper certificates. of ammunition for the UAE and region. We are currently looking to export our products Could you elaborate on LAHAB’s ‘Continuous internationally, considering them most suitable Improvement Programme’, which is intended for markets in the GCC, South Asia and Africa. to adopt cutting-edge technologies including We are always open to explore potential areas process optimisation and robotics production for collaboration in significant markets around using high-precision tools? the world. Emerging technologies and smarter ammunition designs are part of the DNA of the The defence industry across the world is LAHAB research & development team, which bearing the brunt of Covid-19 pandemic. What drives our Continuous Improvement Programme. are the measures taken by LAHAB to overcome Our state-of-the art x-ray inspection lab the pandemic effect and what are the post provides advanced testing capabilities – making Covid-19 plans? it one of the most effective non-destructive The ongoing pandemic has created a testing (NDT) facilities available in the region to challenging operating environment for most assure product completeness and quality. commercial companies around the world, and Given LAHAB’s experience and expertise,its LAHAB and its parent company, EDGE Group, production lines continue to evolve to meet the are no different. We are fortunate to enjoy deep quick advancement of technology. We adapt our and trusted relationships with our customers, so While seeking strategy to ensure the safety and security of our there is an attitude of confronting the challenges employees and facilities. together. LAHAB’s executive leadership has to become the We are also committed to adapting to market also been proactive in foreseeing the potential default supplier changes, particularly in integrating technologies. effects of the economic slowdown prompted of ammunition LAHAB acquires, adopts, and implements by the pandemic, and have acted accordingly. cutting-edge technologies – not only in terms The safety of staff, partners and customers has for the UAE and of products, but also within the manufacturing been of the highest priority to LAHAB’s internal region, LAHAB process. We ensure that we meet the changing approach to mitigating the effects of the virus. is exploring potential areas for collaboration in significant markets around the world, especially in the GCC, South Asia and Africa
53 Hitting the Bull’s Eye
A global leader in creating and delivering military- grade shooting ranges and imparting live fire training, REMAYA offers a variety of complete turnkey solutions and complex systems. Manuel Wipf, CEO of REMAYA, speaks about designing and developing bespoke, custom- built live fire training centres using the latest virtual reality technologies, cutting-edge live fire target systems, robotics and simulation systems. Excerpts from the interview:
A key player in the Missiles & Weapons clients to train and certify their defence and Cluster at EDGE since its inception in security forces from around the world at 2009, REMAYA has been creating and our purpose-built live fire training facility, delivering military-grade shooting ranges the REMAYA Training Centre in Al Ain. We and imparting live fire training for defence also host numerous local and international forces, corporations, NGOs, and nations certification programmes from the UAE’s worldwide. How challenging has been the Military Qualification Authority, the US road to success? state department certified WPS (World Manuel Wipf Our belief in offering the best facilities Protection Services) program,US DOD CEO REMAYA available has been a positive guiding SSS (Security Support services), Mission proposition. REMAYA’s core capabilities Support, Defensive Driving, Close comprise providing military training Protection and Close Quarters Combat facility design and development, project (CQC) training, and HEAT (Hostile management, shaping policy, building Environment Awareness Training) and live-fire target systems, video simulation, official certification for range personnel. range operations and maintenance. The We also operate an unrivalled 3,000 company’s programmes focus on providing square metre R&D workshop in the facilities where armed personnel can train Tawazun Industrial Park in Abu Dhabi, from for the future battlefield given evolving where we develop innovative solutions to threat profile. continue improving the training experience at our facilities. Could you give a detailed picture of REMAYA’s products and services like range How important is firearms training and and training area design and construction live fire facilities in a volatile world? Could Manuel is a defence specialist and former and live fire target systems supply and you shed some light on the latest advanced member of the Swiss Army, with nearly three decades of international experience installation? technologies that REMAYA has harnessed across the USA, Europe, Asia and the We create and deliver world-class military to provide security forces the training and Middle East. His capabilities have played grade shooting ranges from the initial facilities required to be more flexible and a key role in establishing REMAYA as a design and development stages right responsive? leading entity in the local shooting and through to operations and management With the constantly changing spectrum defence training industry and have led and impart live-fire training to organisations of threats around the world, defence to the successful foundation of multiple serving and enhancing the skills of defence forces today need to be more flexible and defence organisations across the world. In his role as the CEO, Manuel oversees forces. responsive than ever. They must be ready several critical functions and departments Our REMAYA Training Centre (RTC) for any challenge an operation might throw across the company and is committed to provides training in a realistic location and at them. developing its core competencies while under appropriate climatic conditions, using In addition to industry-leading facilities, maximising avenues for commercial the latest customisable targetry systems at the heart of REMAYA’s approach to success. and range management software. facilitating training are more than 120 We provide a realistic environment for our trained engineers and technicians working
54 to create custom live-fire range environments. systems. We also manage, operate, and maintain These experts collaborate with clients to analyse shooting ranges using state-of-the-art range training methods and understand missions management software, based on our custom- and goals before implementing 21st century designed procedures. technologies that incorporate cutting-edge Our significant differentiators include our approaches to support modern training within a provision of complete turnkey solutions for safe environment. military-grade shooting ranges; our integrated range VR imaging with customisable range Strongly into building 21st century shooting management software for designing, operating ranges, who all are REMAYA’s major clients? and maintaining shooting ranges; as well as What are the business prospects in the South our smart robotics to simulate soft targets. We Asian and African markets for the business? also provide a fully customisable training centre, REMAYA provides services and support to adaptable to meet our customers’ needs, and defence forces, corporations, NGOs, and nations an international network of certified, accredited worldwide with military-grade shooting ranges. instructors and partners. Clients from South Asia and Africa remain important to us, and we are active in our desire Did the Covid-19 pandemic affect REMAYA’s to collaborate with vetted organisations from business? How did you overcome the challenges? around the world. The ongoing pandemic has created a challenging operating environment for most Could you share with us REMAYA’s in-house commercial companies around the world, and capabilities and other strengths in providing REMAYA and its parent company, EDGE Group, solutions and complex systems for live fire are no different. However, we utilised this ranges, besides the custom-designed procedures to manage, operate and maintain shooting situation to develop new and important add-ons ranges? to our proposition, including the construction of We are a global leader in creating and residential facilitiesin our own training camp in delivering military-grade shooting ranges and Al Ain. imparting live fire training. Our success is based on the variety of complete turnkey solutions What is the roadmap ahead for REMAYA? REMAYA Training and complex systems for live fire ranges we What are the goals and objective you have set Centre in Al Ain offer, designed, and built specifically to meet for the company? the precise demands of our clients. Today, we We are focused on strengthening our is a purpose- design and develop bespoke, custom-built live capabilities and maintaining innovation, placing built live fire fire training centres using the latest virtual reality customer satisfaction at the heart of all our training facility (VR) technologies, alongside cutting-edge live efforts to enhance our facilities, services, and fire target systems, robotics and simulation products. where a realistic environment is provided to train and certify defence and security forces from around the world
55 Mission Safety
As the exclusive provider of fire and rescue services to the UAE Air Force and Air Defence, ERS’s services range from complete management and high-level consultancy, to the development and 24/7 operation of fire stations, vehicles and equipment, installation of fire detection systems, and emergency planning as well as firefighter recruitment and training. Talal Al Hashmi, Managing Director, ERS, tells us how it has evolved into a regional leader in fire and rescue. Excerpts from the interview:
Security services have become more Over the years, ERS has evolved into a sophisticated globally and emergency regional leader in fire and rescue, working response has become increasingly critical. on behalf of major clients in the UAE’s As a leading provider of integrated frontline government, military and commercial fire and rescue services, how do you assess sectors. Today, our substantial on ground Talal Al Hashmi the present systems and technologies used presence and proven capabilities enable Managing Director, ERS in the industry? What are the challenges ERS to offer our clients in-depth strength ahead? and expertise through consistently applying As our cities become ever more integrated industry best practices. As the exclusive and advanced, and our security services provider of fire and rescue services to more sophisticated, our region requires the UAE Air Force and Air Defence, a world-class emergency response to ERS’s services range from complete keep pace. Training in fire inspections, management and high-level consultancy, pre-emergency planning, community risk to the development and 24/7 operation assessment, and reporting on findings, is of fire stations, vehicles and equipment, becoming increasingly critical to prevent installation of fire detection systems, and loss of life, injuries, protect assets and emergency planning as well as firefighter maintain control over situations that could recruitment and training. ERS presently escalate in no time. provides services to the Joint Logistics Because emergencies and disasters can Command which includes UAE Presidential strike at any moment the challenge for Guard, UAE Air Force & Air Defence and any emergency response provider in the UAE Joint Aviation Command. Talal Al Hashmi is the Managing future is to ensure more scientific methods Director of ERS. In his role, he provides of forecasting - in operational planning,as What are the technical services offered by expertise and knowledge transfer to well as in engagement during emergencies ERS to ensure the readiness of firefighting clients in the Defence, Government, and disasters.At ERS, we respond to that assets of the customers? Health, and Education sectors. As Managing Director, he oversees strategic need through data gathering, analysis, pre- ERS offers comprehensive, integrated and technical initiatives to provide planning and regularly testing of the plans turnkey solutions, as well as specialist firefighting services, such as 24/7 to provide reliable and effective fire and equipment and vehicles, facilities aviation emergency response services, rescue services to the UAE Armed Forces. management, manpower,training and internationally recognised fire and rescue procurement – all conforming to the most training services, facility fire safety, and Over the last one decade ERS has evolved stringent international standards. With a maintenance services for specialised as provider of comprehensive and turnkey global reach that gives us access to a pool firefighting vehicles and equipment. solutions in fire and rescue services. What of multinational subject-matter experts, are some of your services and who are your ERS consistently applies industry best clients? practices to enable end-users to outsource
56 the emergency response function confidently. development. We also offer fire inspection and prevention The effectiveness of firefighting and rescue training to help reduce the risk of fire. Our fire services partially depends on the efficiency of the safety services are conducted in line with the personnel involved and ERS has been delivering UAE Fire and Life Safety Code of Practice and comprehensive training and professional other internationally recognised benchmarks development programmes. Could you elaborate such as the NFPA. In addition, our fully qualified more on this? team of fire safety professionals can apply their ERS works relentlessly to ensure frontline fire direct experience of working with international safety for our clients.In addition to advanced organisations in ensuring compliance to these technologies and best practices to save lives, ERS provides standards. world-class emergency firefighting and rescue comprehensive services also depend on the effectiveness of the What goals and objectives have you set for the firefighters deployed. To ensure this, we provide training and company in the coming years? comprehensive training and development for development ERS is working to become an international new and existing operational firefighters, in for operational compliance with the latest International Civil centre of excellence for the provision of fire and Aviation Organization (ICAO) and National rescue services in the short term.In the years to firefighters, Fire Protection Association (NFPA) standards, come, the company seeks to set benchmarks for in compliance across a range of exacting scenarios, conducted emergency fire response in the UAE. One of our by a team of senior trainers with regional long-term development and engagement plans is with the latest and international firefighting experience. This to commit to enhance local expertise and meet International training includes hazardous materials response, Emiratisation targets, with the support of our Civil Aviation domestic firefighting and fire officer training and regional and international talent. Organization (ICAO) and National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) standards, across a range of exacting scenarios.
57 Precision Tooling Hi-tech Solutions
EPI, the engineering backbone of the UAE’s aerospace and defence industry, manufactures high-quality complex metallic engineering components for the defence, aerospace, space, and oil and gas sectors at its advanced facilities in Abu Dhabi. Christian Ziehe, Acting CEO of EPI, speaks about their strategic partnerships with leading global players. Excerpts from the interview:
Since its inception in 2007, EPI has evolved from the defence, space, and oil and gas into one of the GCC’s premier precision sectors. Our strategic partnerships with engineering facilities for the aerospace, leading global players give us an edge over defence and oil and gas industries. What other enterprises. Working in partnership, are the major milestones over these years round the world, we provide state-of-the- and where does EPI stand globally? art engineering services to some of the We are proud to be known as the world’s most foremost aviation and defence engineering backbone of the UAE’s original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) aerospace and defence industry. The – such as Airbus, BAE Systems, Boeing, company’s core business is to provide Dassault Aviation, Leonardo, Raytheon, Christian Ziehe design-specific metallic machined parts, SAAB and Steila Aerospace. Acting CEO, EPI surface treatment services and first level of assembly applications to customers EPI recently announced its plans for within the aerospace, defence and oil expanding manufacturing capabilities for and gas sectors. EPI’s capabilities span Boeing Dreamliner. What are the products engineering, production, surface and heat and services offered by EPI in the aerospace treatment, machining, coating, repairing industry? Who are the major clients? and tooling.Over the years, we have been EPI manufactures high-quality complex developing valuable strategic partnerships metallic engineering components for the with established players across the globe- defence, aerospace, space, and oil and gas building our supply chain, our capabilities sectors at its advanced facilities in Abu and expertise. In 2011, EPI became the first Dhabi. Last year EPI announced that it is company in the Gulf region to achieve EN/ expanding its manufacturing capabilities AS9100 certification – the leading Quality to support the Boeing 787 Dreamliner. Christian Ziehe is the Acting Chief Management System for the aerospace EPI will machine parts for use in the Executive Officer (CEO) of EPI, an industry. Very recently, we formally 787-commercial aircraft. The processed EDGE entity and regional leader in announced that we are expanding our parts will additionally go through EPI’s manufacturing high-quality complex manufacturing capabilities to support the surface treatment plant. EPI predominantly engineering components for the defence, Boeing 787 Dreamliner. The serial assembly does precision machining but this aerospace, and oil and gas sectors. In his lines will be an extension to the current Abu collaboration with Boeing will help us move role, Christian is tasked with enhancing Dhabi facility. beyond machining and into aircraft parts the company’s competitiveness through transfer of work from Europe, cycle assembly for aerospace Original Equipment time reduction, raw material and How does EPI look at South Asia and Manufacturers (OEMs).Today, we also offer manufacturing process optimisation, and Africa as markets for expanding its design enhancements and modifications. developing manufacturing synergies. business? What are the existing operations We provide expertise in every aspect of Ziehe brings to his role over three decades in these areas? the manufacturing process, from initial of technical and managerial experience We are open to new partnerships from designs to finished components, including in the aerospace and defence industries South Asia and Africa and remain focused build to print.Our capabilities include across diverse business functions, including sales and marketing, research on providing premium solutions to our manufacturing, engineering, machining, and design, quality management, partners.Most of our customer-base, 85%, surface and heat treatment, PVD coating, procurement, logistics and production. is from the aerospace sector, with others repairing oil and gas equipment and
58 components, cutting tools, assembly equipping treatment, heat treatment, coating, repair, and and small assembly. As mentioned before, we machining. work with world’s foremost aviation and defence OEMs, including BAE Systems, Boeing, Dassault The inspection, testing and laboratory facilities Aviation, Leonardo, Raytheon, SAAB and Steila of EPI are top notch with the aim to meet Aerospace. international standards and customer needs. Could you talk more about EPI’s inspection and Providing round the clock engineering services quality assurance operations? to defence industry through state-of-the-art We make sure that all our products and facilities has been a core objective of EPI. Could manufacturing processes are constantly you shed more light onto the operations in the monitored and controlled to meet our internal sector? and customer needs. That’s why we focus on With advanced manufacturing facilities in Abu training our employees for operator qualifications EPI is now Dhabi, each of our solutions is calibrated to and reassessment programmes. This helps us industry-specific standards and designed to meet promote self- inspection deployments across expanding its international benchmarks.We provide expertise departments.Our Statistical Process Control in every aspect of the manufacturing process and manufacturing framework goes a step further by helping us remain committed to incorporating advanced improve sampling methods and redefines key capabilities to technologies into its engineering solutions. We characteristics required to ensure alignment with support the have grown from an initial four machines to be our Quality Policy. able to offer an integrated suite of around 100 of Boeing 787 We are equipped to control the properties the latest hi-tech machine tool systems. of materials, including various aluminium Dreamliner Our Industrial Engineers and machine tools grades, titanium, steel and stainless steel, to turn ideas into working prototypes, aided by a while working meet industry benchmarks. We achieve this state-of-the-art measurement lab to guarantee in partnership through monitoring that includes incoming accuracy. Approved prototypes are then round the world made real with cutting-edge machinery: CNC inspections, detailed inspection during the parts milling, CNC turning, chemical processing, non- manufacturing stage, and review following it provides destructive testing, shot peening and blasting heat-treatment processes. Our test capabilities state-of-the- and heat treatments, PVD coating and plastic include: injection. Our highly skilled team of CAD/CAM • Material surface hardness with machines art engineering designers, programmers, tool makers, application capable of achieving Vickers, Knop, and Rockwell services to the and manufacturing engineers apply next- A, B, C methods world’s foremost generation technology to design and deliver 21st • Case-depth hardness (white layer) and century engineering solutions. microstructure analysis (including moulding) aviation and We support product development from early- • Chemical analysis with spark optical emission defence OEMs, stage capacity studies and prototyping to final spectrometer (OES) manufacturing and production process design. • Electrical conductivity measuring of non- such as Airbus, We also have capabilities in cutting tools, surface ferrous material (aluminium grade/Eddy currents) BAE Systems, Dassault Aviation, Leonardo, Raytheon, SAAB and Steila Aerospace.
59 Potent Firepower
CARACAL, a world-renowned small-arms manufacturer, produces an unbeatable range of combat pistols, submachine guns, tactical rifles, and sniper rifles well aligned with the evolving mission requirements of law enforcement, security, and military forces. Hamad Al Ameri, CEO of CARACAL, speaks about technological advancements, core product development and strategic objectives to enter international market. Excerpts from the interview
As a part of the Missiles and Weapons the Indian Army with the CAR 816, and the cluster within EDGE, CARACAL is now a company has offered to support the ‘Make world-renowned small-arms manufacturer. in India’ initiative. At what stage is the Could you shed some light on CARACAL’s establishment of facilities in India? journey since its establishment 15 years CARACAL was selected to supply close- ago, the run-up to establishing this quarter carbines to the Indian Army company as a pioneer in building high- in 2018, following a rigorous selection precision weapons? process. We have gone on to fulfil all Hamad Al Ameri CARACAL designs, tests, validates, necessary requirements and procedures set CEO, CARACAL manufactures, and assembles high- out in the Defence Procurement Procedure performance products. With over 15 (DPP), with our CAR 816 having undergone years of experience, we have established extensive trials across different terrains ourselves as pioneers in building high- both inside and outside of India. We are precision weapons. Our field-tested confident our product is fully customised to firearms combine accuracy and reliability meet the needs of the Indian soldier, with for law enforcement, security, and military our carbine having beaten off competitors forces. globally in the tender process. Headquartered in Abu Dhabi, We remain on standby to deliver upon the CARACAL uses some of the world’s contract as soon as we are given the official best computer numerical control (CNC) mandate to, and have set the foundations machines, quality control equipment, and for supporting the objectives of the ‘Make moulding technologies. Every phase of in India’ programme. our manufacturing process ensures our Hamad Al Ameri is responsible for products comply with rigorous international CARACAL’s assault rifle CAR 816 has leading and directing the development, customers around the world. Could you planning, execution and monitoring of standards, such as NATO and CIP. all CARACAL functions and businesses. Advanced technologies, including elaborate on the features of this weapon? Prior to his role at CARACAL, Hamad computer-aided design/simulation/ The CAR 816 is a centre-fire, gas- was the Business Development verification and additive manufacturing operated tactical rifle, chambered in Director at Emirates Defence Industries stand at the core of our design and 5.56x45 mm NATO. It is a tactical weapon Company (EDIC) where he supervised prototyping processes. We continually designed for the high-end use of law strategic and operational marketing enhance our weapons, so they remain enforcement and military applications, and and customer relationship activities. aligned with the evolving mission is available in semi-automatic and select- A former Special Forces Officer in the UAE Presidential Guard, Hamad obtains requirements of our customers. As a result, fire configurations. almost two decades of experience our products provide those on the front CAR 816 standard features include: and expertise in the defence industry, lines with the firepower they need for • CAR 816 operates on short-stroke possessing a portfolio that includes mission success. piston system with three settings leadership roles in training, close • Semi-automatic only and select-fire protection, and weapon development, CARACAL was awarded the Close- models along with a multitude of defence Quarter Carbine contract in 2018 to supply • Multiple barrel lengths from 7.5” PDW certifications.
60 to 16” • Full ambidextrous configuration Besides ensuring use of advanced technologies and complying with international standards, an CARACAL’s portfolio comprises combat pistols, arms manufacturer needs to offer services to submachine guns, tactical rifles, and sniper support maintenance and repair of the weapons. rifles. How challenging is the task to continually How strong is CARACAL’s service support? enhance these weapons so they remain aligned CARACAL possesses the know-how and skills with the evolving mission requirements of the that are a useful basis for maintenance, repair customers? and overhaul (MRO) in small arms. With proven Client requirements and meeting them stand processes, competent documentation, excellent at the core of our product development efforts availability of spare parts and trained and at CARACAL. As such, we incorporate advanced certified operators, we lift small arms MRO to technology innovations in the manufacturing a new level. of our products. Additive manufacturing, A good rifle is only the starting point, making combined with the use of CAD/CAM software sure it will perform over the years and in any during design and prototyping, allows us to mission, not letting the operator down when it quickly and accurately refine the ergonomics of matters most, is what we do. each weapon component to surpass its stringent performance requirements. What is the roadmap ahead for CARACAL CARACAL also leverages additive especially in the background of the impact of manufacturing in the production of weapon Covid-19 pandemic in the defence industry? accessories. As the efficiency and safety of 3D What are the goals and objectives you have set printing of metals and composites evolve, the for the company? company is exploring the use of this technology The ongoing pandemic has created a CARACAL in manufacturing metal parts for lighter, more challenging operating environment for most customisable weapons. commercial companies around the world, and leverages additive CARACAL and its parent company, EDGE Group, manufacturing in Apart from India, which are the key markets are no different. We are fortunate to enjoy deep for CARACAL? How do you look at the South and trusted relationships with our customers, so the production Asian and African markets for business? there is an attitude of confronting the challenges of weapon We continue to seek opportunities around the together. CARACAL’s executive leadership has accessories. As world. The South Asia and Africa markets are of also been proactive in foreseeing the potential interest to us as are other geographies, and we effects of the economic slowdown prompted by the efficiency are at varying stages in developing relationships the pandemic, and have acted accordingly. The and safety of to enter markets internationally. Cultivating safety of staff, partners and customers has been an export market is one of our main strategic of the highest priority for CARACAL’s internal 3D printing objectives. approach to mitigating the effects of the virus. of metals and composites evolve, the company is exploring the use of this technology in manufacturing metal parts for lighter, more customisable weapons
61 Transformative Solutions
KNOWLEDGE POINT provides discreet, nuanced and comprehensive solutions for tailored projects in military, government, medical and security training, assisting in identifying, evaluating, and mitigating risks while also developing and implementing solutions and strategies that address those risks. Talal Al Hashmi, Chief Executive Officer of KNOWLEDGE POINT, tells us how they transform organisations when it comes to managing, educating and training people. Excerpts from the interview:
Established in 2009, KNOWLEDGE work for customers to self-sustain. POINT is now a leading international service provider for defence and security Could you give us a detailed picture forces. How competitive is the sector and of KNOWLEDGE POINT’S services in Talal Al Hashmi where does the company stand globally education, consultancy and training? CEO, KNOWLEDGE POINT now? How successful the company has been With customer knowledge developed in providing sustainable solutions and over a decade of experience, KNOWLEDGE meeting clients’ expectations? POINT leverages global expertise, KNOWLEDGE POINT’score competencies capabilities across several domains, and are what is considered as among the a diversified and proven team to deliver fundamental pillars of effective defence and strategic, operational, and tactical results. security organisations. And this includes Our projects are designed to provide capability-based assessment, concept knowledge transfer of proven processes development, doctrine development, SAT that align with benchmarks that have compliant education courses, individual been effectively executed in conflict areas and collective training, synthetic training around the world. environments, technical implementations, We provide discreet, nuanced and full-spectrum consultancy, modelling and Talal Al Hashmi is the Chief Executive comprehensive solutions for tailored simulation, and digital content. We follow Officer of KNOWLEDGE POINT.In his role, projects in military, government, medical a four-step Capabilities Based Assessment he provides expertise and knowledge and security training. We assist our process to produce a comprehensive transfer to clients in the Defence, Government, Health, and Education clients in identifying, evaluating, and strategic implementation plan, enabling sectors.Talal has unique experience mitigating risks while also developing and our clients to identify gaps and prioritize in understanding the Armed Forces’ implementing solutions and strategies capabilities, based on levels of risk with warfighting requirements based on his that address those risks. We also leverage intent to enhance mission success in the multiple combat deployments while our deep-thinking knowledge to provide next conflict. Our other capabilities include serving with the Special Operations enduring relevance to create more Capability Maturity Model integration, Command and led the Capabilities Based effective, resilient, and innovative defence contingency and crisis planning, continuous Assessment of the Land Forces, which began the Service’s transformation of and security forces. KNOWLEDGE POINT’s improvement process, curriculum today’s broadly recognised capable force. competitive advantage is that through our development, defence acquisition Furthermore, he possesses strong skills assessments we get full understanding strategy, deliberate planning, doctrine in leading change management, supply of the client’s needs and have the ability development,training needs analysis, chain management, organisational to deliver a holistic solution and all our integrated logistics support, information assessments coupled with his many years contracts focus on knowledge transfer to and communications technology of experience in the defence and security develop local talent, and lay out ground infrastructure support to create the next related sector.
62 generation of competent and confident leaders. proven methodologies and a thorough training Equipped with diverse experiences which can be needs analysis. We provide our customers with applied to a wide variety of projects in the UAE measurable results, improved training and and across the MENA region, our international readiness, and superior performance while team enable the application of proven techniques identifying efficiencies, and cost reductions. and knowledge transfer to build the client’s organic capabilities. What is your expertise in cyber awareness? Safeguarding one’s online identity and personally identifiable information has become Could you shed some more light on how more and more important in recent years. you transform organisations when it comes to This is especially true for our children who are managing, educating and training their people? introduced to the online environment from At KNOWLEDGE POINT, we believe the moment they start school. As a result,we that education is fundamental to enduring offer programs and training modules in cyber organisational improvement. And with time, awareness and information technology that effort and investment we help large organisations focus on creating awareness in people of every sequence their members through education age, starting with primary years school aged and training programme. Once established, children, that focuses on making people aware of monitored and refined over the years, it will be their cyber surroundings – what to be aware of, the key denominator in creating next generation how to view social media, and how to safeguard of competent and confident leaders. your online profile. Our multicultural mix of experts from around the world come with extensive experience What are the immediate goals and objectives in military and security operations, combat you have set for the company next? deployments, research, project management, We are looking to grow our footprint in the sustainment support and talent development/ region working with different customers to KNOWLEDGE management. Equipped with diverse experiences highlight the value of conducting a capabilities- POINT offers which can be applied to a wide variety of based assessment in developing a holistic plan to programs and projects in the UAE and across the MENA region, enhance their capabilities. our international team enable the application of We also have several strategic initiatives in the training modules proven techniques and knowledge transfer to pipeline where we are focusing on implementing in cyber awareness build the client’s organic capabilities. and providing specialised training to our clients Our comprehensive portfolio of both technical with the ultimate goal of “training the trainer”. and information and training solutions and services are built on This will be announced in due course. technology that focus on making people aware of their cyber surroundings – what to be aware of, how to view social media, and how to safeguard online profile
63 AMMROC: Paradigm Shift in Aviation Sustainment
Hareb Thani Hareb Al Dhaheri, Acting CEO, AMMROC, takes us through the trajectories of its growth as one of the world’s very few third-party MRO service providers capable of managing a fleet-wide Performance Based Logistics programme, and now evolving as the anchor military MRO entity in the UAE, fulfilling the needs of UAE Armed Forces and regional operators. Excerpts from the interview:
Over the last one decade, AMMROC has AMMROC has delivered over the course of become one of the world’s very few third- the last 10 years. party MRO service providers capable of Beginning in mid-2020, AMMROC managing a fleet-wide Performance Based made a pivot to strategically focus on our Logistics programme. Could you share core strengths of providing depot level with us the major highlights of this success maintenance solutions within the UAE journey? and the wider region. As the company Hareb Thani Hareb Al Dhaheri AMMROC has supported the United Arab transitions through to a renewed focus on Acting CEO, AMMROC Emirates (UAE) Air Force and Air Defence depot level support, leveraging our new (AF&AD) and the Joint Aviation Command dedicated depot facility in Al Ain, we are (JAC), with nose to tail maintenance, able to utilize other EDGE assets within repair and overhaul (MRO) services in the Mission Support cluster such as GAL airframes, engines, and components and HORIZON to provide total solutions to through a stringent Performance-Based current and future customers. Logistics (PBL) programme for seven plus years. The PBL contract enabled the UAE AMMROC’s new MRO facility at Al Ain Armed Forces to streamline processes (MRO AA) is touted as comprehensive and optimise manpower by remaining aviation sustainment centre dedicated to focused on the operation of their aircraft, ensure depot level MRO services to the while AMMROC provided full logistics, highest quality standards. What makes the maintenance and repair services. Under facility unique in the region? this model, all material and maintenance MRO Al Ain is a state-of-the-art facility activity are provided under a cost per flight and is among the largest centres dedicated hour that provides greater flexibility to to military MRO in the world. Developed the UAE Armed Forces, while facilitating and built as one project, the one-square- Hareb Thani Hareb Al Dhaheri has ongoing efficiency improvements.Highlights kilometre facility is uniquely positioned been the Acting Chief Executive over this time have included the growth adjacent and directly connected to the Al Officer (CEO) since 2020. As a retired of the employment opportunities within Ain International Airport. Brigadier and Pilot with the UAE The AMMROC MRO Centre now offers Armed Forces, he has amassed more the UAE from a company of 300 to over than 30 years of experience in military 3500 personnel, the first ever Mirage increased hangarage space, dedicated aviation. Hareb is deeply committed 2000 P+ inspection maintenance program paint and strip capabilities, and provides a to leading the growth of this region’s undertaken on the Mirage fleet within universal industrial capability to service a expanding aviation industry and is the UAE, undertaking the armed BLACK wide variety of aircraft both fixed and rotary. now responsible provides strategic and HAWK weaponisation program for JAC, The new facility has over 30+ support operational oversight for all business the AFAD C-130 Avionics Modification shops, inclusive of dedicated Hydraulic, functions at AMMROC. Program (AMP) and the completion of the Fuel and Electromechanical test and repair new state-of-the-art MRO facility in Al Ain capabilities, an adaptable PTS capability are among some of the many achievements and advanced machining, special processes,
64 structures, NDI and CMM capabilities. The new to meet service bulletin and airworthiness facility was designed to cater forfuture, with directives. As a third party MRO provider, our ample open area yet to be developed for future partnerships both locally and abroad with major capability expansion. Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) The MRO Al Ain centre has four multi- and global MRO leaders is key to delivering purpose hangars, offering over 36,500 sqm of successful modification projects. At AMMROC, usable hangar space, including dedicated special we have worked with some of the world’s leading mission hangars designed with highly sensitive OEMS such as Lockheed Martin, Sikorsky, and project precautions in place. Dassault Aviation among many others in order The Al Ain complex features a dedicated Black to deliver highly complex solutions on time and Hawk nose-to-tail depot, with capability on on budget. Now, as part of EDGE, we see more 49 LRUs including blades and transmissions, opportunities to benefit from the many local engines, and aircraft subsystems.The facility is companies under the EDGE umbrella where we equipped with a dynamic whirl stand, a dedicated can complement each company’s core strengths blade repair capability to and transmission repair such as with GAL, Horizon and EPI to further shop that is powered with advanced technology, grow the modification and upgrade opportunity. making it a first-in-the-region. Through these local partnerships we hope to elevate both EDGE and AMMROC into a global AMMROC has been executing major and brand. minor modifications and upgrades for a variety of fixed-and rotary-wing aircraft tailored to Engine maintenance is one of the core customer requirements. Could you elaborate on capabilities of the company and the new engine the services offered and how strong a presence test cell can test a wide variety of engine types. the modification arm of AMMROC has in the What are the major operational highlights? AMMROC is Middle East? AMMROC has extensive experience in engine planning to move We execute major and minor modifications maintenance and this includes test, inspection, and upgrades for a variety of fixed-and repair and overhaul forturbo props,turbo beyond military, rotary-wing aircraft. Solutions are tailored to fans,turbo shafts,fighter jet engines,auxiliary which potentially customer requirements that include avionics power units (APU),Quick Engine Change (QEC) could see it enter modernisation programs, hardware and components and accessories for maintenance software installation and upgrade.AMMROC inspection, overhaul, and repairs. Our new the civil aerospace is also able to undertake aircraft life extension engine test cell is currently dedicated to the MRO market programs, routine modifications and updates, GE T-700 / CT7 Engine family, however the and integration of upgrades during periodic test cell can be adapted to test a wide variety in the future. depot maintenance (PDM).AMMROC has of engine types such as the Honeywell T-55, Gulf air carriers demonstrated its ability to undertake complex Pratt & Whitney PT6A, Rolls-Royce M-250, and are the largest modifications and upgrades such as the Black SAFRAN Arriel-2/Makila 1A.Further capabilities Hawk weaponisation program, structural life range from module replacements and in the world extensions on a number of platforms, minor implementing modifications to complete piece and AMMROC design modifications and crash damage repair part disassembly, repair, replacement, overhaul, and aircraft battle damage repair in the field. re-assembly, test, and troubleshooting. Our has sufficient This is achieved through our dedicated engine repair shop complies with stringent OEM resources and engineering team who develop customer requirements and is certified by global industry crews for in-house focused solutions and customised modifications standards. We are the first regional MRO facility that draw on our long-term OEM relationships to host the Engine Structural Integrity Program maintenance and partnerships with certified solution providers (ENSIP) for F-110 engines.
65 Next Generation Munitions
AL TARIQ manufactures and integrates the mission- proven range of Precision Guided Munitions, used on aerial bombs to convert unguided air-launched weapons into high-precision, longer-range-focused munitions using a range of technologies. Theunis Botha, CEO of AL TARIQ, speaks about their unique capabilities, operational features and strategic direction. Excerpts from the interview:
Founded in 2012, AL TARIQ is an in leveraging the advanced technologies to established manufacturer of Precision- suit your requirements? Guided Munitions in the UAE.How has the Last November during the Dubai Air Show, company enhanced the production capacity AL TARIQ announced major upgrades to its over the years and where does the company family of PGMs. With the enhancements, stand globally now? the AL TARIQ PGM is updated to the AL TARIQ is committed to leveraging Block 2 definition and boasts a host of the latest advanced technologies, and is latest technology improvements. Platform Theunis Botha backed by expertise in the various fields of integration is fully compliant with MIL- CEO, AL TARIQ engineering. The company’s teams create STD-1760, and DIGIBUS specifications. intellectual property of UAE origin in various AL TARIQ also recently announced the areas of missile development. integration of a Penetration Warhead, AL TARIQ has built up its engineering which is a milestone development for the functions and production capacity to company, making it possible to integrate the consistently deliver enhancements and new purpose-built warhead on to the system. operational features and business process This program will be completed towards the improvements over the past few years. latter part of 2021.
Could you give us an overview of the Could you elaborate on the features of products and services offered by AL TARIQ? AL TARIQ system that helps to convert AL TARIQ manufactures and integrates unguided aerial weapons into high-precision the mission-proven AL TARIQ range of and long-range munitions and achieve Precision Guided Munitions (PGM), used enhanced targeting accuracy? Theunis Botha, the CEO of AL TARIQ, on aerial bombs to convert unguided air- The AL TARIQ’s range of PGM’s currently is responsible for liaising with the launched weapons into high-precision, has the longest stand-off range in its class company’s board of directors to steer its longer-range-focused munitions using a compared to other similar systems. We pride strategic direction, while also fulfilling range of technologies. The modular design ourselves in the unique modular design the role as Director Operations, where and mission flexibility of the systems allow that we offer to satisfy a range of mission he plays an instrumental role in the optimisation of company operations them to adapt to new requirements as requirements with a single PGM solution. and negotiations with suppliers to missions and platforms evolve. The AL TARIQ PGM range of guidance ensure best prices, schedules and We provide turnkey, high technology kits are designed for ease-of-use and a low technical solutions.Theunis brings a PGM solutions to our partners and clients life-cycle cost, providing the user with a wealth of experience spanning more allowing them to benefit from the unique superior and cost-effective solution. Mission than 35 years to his role.Prior to AL capabilities of our products. accuracy is achieved by utilising state-of- TARIQ, Theunis was General Manager the-art targeting through a choice of dual- of Tawazun Dynamics, later re-branded AL TARIQ states that its very purpose is mode seekers, against high-priority fixed, to Barij Dynamics, where he supervised to develop the next generation of precision- off-axis, moving and re-locatable targets. the product and business development functions. guided munitions using leading edge AL TARIQ has multiple international innovation. How successful have you been quality certifications to guarantee the
66 reliability and performance of every guidance The defence industry across the world is kit it produces compliant with all applicable bearing the brunt of Covid-19 pandemic. UAE and international military standards, and What are the measures taken by AL TARIQ to multiple levels of rigorous testing as part of the overcome the pandemic effect? company’s manufacturing protocol. The ongoing pandemic has created a challenging operating environment for most AL TARIQ also gives importance to companies around the world, and AL TARIQ collaborative partnerships to change the face of and its parent company, EDGE Group, are no air defence through innovation and advanced different. We are fortunate to enjoy deep and technology. What is the potential for expansion trusted relationships, so there is an attitude of for your business in the Asian and African confronting the challenges together. AL TARIQ’s regions? executive leadership has also been proactive in We are currently exploring opportunities for foreseeing the potential effects of the economic supply and partnering with well-established slowdown prompted by the pandemic, and entities in certain markets. Our unique product have acted accordingly. The safety of staff, solutions allow us to remain competitive with a partners and customers are the highest priority positive long-term business view. of AL TARIQ’s internal approach to mitigate the effects of the virus.
AL TARIQ has recently announced the integration of a Penetration Warhead, which is a milestone development for the company, making it possible to integrate the purpose-built warhead onto the system
67 Winning in Invisible Battlefield of Electromagnetic Spectrum
Waleid Al Mesmari, Vice President of Program Management, Electronic Warfare and Intelligence cluster, EDGE Group, gives us new insights into distinct solutions and capability development services offered by BEACON RED and SIGN4L to national security organisations to support them in a complex global environment. Excerpts from an interview:
How important is the role being played by national security organisations to support electronic warfare and intelligence services them in a complex global environment. and solutions in the modern defence and The specialised company assesses and security systems? What makes EDGE’s develops national security experts cluster, comprising BEACON RED and with unique training and technological SIGN4L,a distinct player for securing the solutions, to prepare the next generation of electromagnetic spectrum in the global professionals for a new age of adversity. arena? In an increasingly digitalised defence Could you give us an overview of the landscape, the pace of change services and solutions offered including Waleid Al Mesmari is exponential and securing the threat detection and training programmes? Vice President of Program Management, Who all are the major clients globally? Electronic Warfare and Intelligence cluster electromagnetic (EM) spectrum is essential EDGE Group to success. Radio and radar systems provide Our research and innovation keep us and the communication, targeting, navigation our clients ahead of new threats and at the and sensing capabilities that define modern cutting edge of new opportunities. defence equipment and operations. SIGN4L’s engineering and development The Electronic Warfare & Intelligence teams work in the fields of:Advanced radio (EW&I) cluster of EDGE Group helps clients frequency (RF) digital sensors; RF signal augment their capabilities in Anti-Access/ processing; RF propagation; threat sensing Area Denial (A2/AD), build their tactical and warning; and secure communications and strategic awareness, and develop in contested environments. their understanding of the evolving EM BEACON RED provides training solutions landscape. that inspire the next generation of Within the cluster, SIGN4L offers national security professionals. Bringing electromagnetic capabilities that can together a diverse range of subject matter deceive, disrupt, and defeat hostile experts, the company’s innovative training surveillance, command and control (C2), solutions provide the most comprehensive and weapon systems and sensors associated curriculum and training platforms required Waleid Al Mesmari is Vice President of with the enemy’s integrated air/area in any national security space. Program Management at EDGE Group, defence network. At the same time, the Subjects include: Special Skills Training; the advanced technology group for solutions can protect navigation, targeting, Professional Development Training, defence and beyond. In his current communication, and electromagnetic Technical and Cyber Training, Capabilities capacity, he provides oversight and intelligence-gathering capabilities in order Assessments Courses, and Language strategic direction on the development to enhance understanding of operational Training Services. and business functions of two companies within the Electronic Warfare and forces and assets in mission environments. At EDGE, we work with partners and Intelligence (EW&I) cluster, which includes Through a disciplined and rigorous cycle of customers in different industries, walking SIGN4L and BEACON RED. threat analysis, research and development, them through the potential risks and we can monitor, analyse and counter scenarios to help them understand the emerging risks. emerging threats in today’s environment. On the other hand, BEACON RED It’s a very fast-moving environment where provides capability development services to we need to be thinking steps ahead of
68 everyone else. be facing in the field? Today’s ever-changing political, social, You are providing an array of education, economic, technological, and security assessment and training platforms to enhance environment offers a persistent challenge to the skills of intelligence professionals, besides national security professionals everywhere. The carrying out research to keep the clients ahead ubiquitous nature of technology means that in an of new threats. Could you elaborate on the age of hybrid warfare, forward thinking national advanced technologies and platforms used to security professionals must be ready to deploy provide world-class services? new strategies and acquire new capabilities. To Leveraging the latest end-to-end capabilities, be a successful national security professional, both companies are laser-focused on providing one requires a sense of urgency, a drive to meet a relentless pursuit of pioneering, disruptive, and challenges head-on, intellectual curiosity, and a agile methods to evolve circumstances in any desire to be part of something greater. operational environment. As my colleagues at BEACON RED assert: One of BEACON RED’score values is to “The greatest challenge any national security consistently be on the forward edge of ideation, professional will face is complacency.” methods, and the application of emerging technologies in training. As the national, How do you look at the South Asian market for regional, and global threats become more Leveraging the expanding the business? How strong are your capable and sophisticated, so too will the cyber latest end-to- and technical skills needed to confront them. international supplier and client bases? Similarly, SIGN4L is at the frontlines in One of the main focuses of our parent end capabilities, pioneering breakthrough technologies in order company, EDGE Group, is to develop the BEACON RED to gain a strategic advantage in the industry country’s export potential in response to and help clients expand their options in a rapidly international demands. With an operating and SIGN4L are changing world. Our latest solutions that will be model that focuses on building collaborative laser-focused unveiled at IDEX are prime examples of our agile opportunities, we work with our partners to on providing a offerings. serve our shared interests wherever it makes business sense to do so, therefore we are open relentless pursuit What are the major challenges the next- to expanding into South Asia and Africa when of pioneering, generation national security professionals would the right opportunity arises. disruptive, and agile methods to evolve circumstances in any operational environment
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