A Specialised Journal on Military & Strategic Affairs - 50 th Year - Issue No. 596 SEPTEMBER 2021 UAE and Austria: Historic Relations Enhance Strategic Partnership Rosoboronexport Xplorer Bolsters Launches New Products Leonardo’s Falco at IDEF 2021 family 2021 SEPTEMBER 596 Issa Al Mazrouei: HX3 Future-proof . No We are proud of the Armed Forces Truck Addresses Issue heroes and their sacrifices Military Lockheed Contracted The Unmanned to Boost U.S. Missile Advantage at Defence Sea Taliban, Tactical or Strategic Changes? MQ-9B SeaGuardian SOME ONLY PATROL THE SURFACE. OTHERS ONLY LOOK BELOW. WE DO BOTH. L! able to deploy sonobuoys, monitor vast areas and relay precise target data, enabling real-time search and patrol above and below the surface. SeaGuardian is the ideal all-domain force multiplier. Learn more about SeaGuardian and our upcoming demonstrations at ga-asi.com/maritime-solution ga-asi.com ©2021 GENERAL ATOMICS AERONAUTICAL SYSTEMS, INC. Airborne Situational Awareness 24/7, Worldwide Editorial 3 Our Armed Forces and Evacuation of Those Stranded in Afghanistan The valiant heroes of the UAE respond to the nation’s call at any time. They stand as shining examples of the values of sacrifice, redemption and belonging. They con- By: stitute as good role models for our youth and continue to spread the UAE’s ci- Staff Colonel / vilised and humanitarian message. Yousef Juma Al Haddad The experiences of the past years have taught us those challenges and difficulties Editor in Chief only increase the cohesion of “Zayed’s children”. Our Armed Forces, who carried [email protected] out the evacuation of diplomats, expressed their sincere patriotism, represented a source of pride, and showcased the unity and strength of this society. Our mes- sage to them today is that the UAE’s leadership and people are proud of you, as much as they are proud of all members of the Armed Forces. Wednesday, August Lt. General Engineer Issa Saif bin Ablan Al Mazrouei, Deputy Chief of Staff of the 18, will remain a Armed Forces, has honoured several armed forces heroes with Bravery Medals and the Emirates Military Order, for their heroism during the evacuation of diplo- day engraved in mats from Kabul Airport. This Armed Forces’ initiative reflects its appreciation for the heroism of its sons, its keenness to honour them at the highest official levels, the hearts of the and celebration of what they have done. Lt. General Al Mazrouei expressed his ap- people of the UAE. preciation for, and pride in the UAE heroes and defenders of the nation for their heroic stances and honourable acts that reflect their values of courage, giving and It was a day of sincerity. The members of our Armed Forces are extraordinary ambassadors of this good heroic feats of our land, its representatives, and bearers of its moral and humanitarian values and ide- als. They disseminate the good tidings of a better tomorrow for humanity and car- Armed Forces, who ry out the tasks of reviving hope. Through their heroic deeds, they help to achieve played a crucial security and stability in various parts of the world. The bright image that has been established for our Armed Forces abroad as an in- role in evacuating fluential player in maintaining security and stability at the regional and interna- tional levels has been formed due to its adherence to authentic Emirati and Arab diplomats from morals. History testifies that the heroes of our Armed Forces during the perfor- the Kabul Airport mance of the tasks assigned to them abroad were, and will continue to be, ambas- sadors for the values of our people. They have embodied their noble human prin- in Afghanistan, ciples that defend truth, align with the will of people, and support their legitimate aspirations to achieve security, stability, and development. under difficult These heroes set an example for us in loving the homeland, defending its inter- circumstances. ests, and preserving its gains, to translate the values and principles of the UAE, by upholding the banners of truth and justice, and supporting the oppressed. They have given us the greatest lessons in sincerity, courage and deep belonging to the homeland. On this occasion, we salute the heroes of our beloved country, and our wise leadership. We would promise that we will not forget what these heroes did, and that we will remain – as long as we live – soldiers for this country, making sac- rifices after sacrifices for its sake. Issued By UAE Armed Forces. Established In August 1971. UAE and Austria: Historic Relations Enhance Strategic Partnership Rosoboronexport Xplorer Bolsters Launches New Products Leonardo’s Falco at IDEF 2021 family Issa Al Mazrouei: HX3 Future-proof We are proud of the Armed Forces Truck Addresses heroes and their sacrifices Military Lockheed Contracted The Unmanned to Boost U.S. Missile Advantage at Defence Sea Taliban… Tactical or Strategic Changes Dubai Airshow 2021 596 to Spotlight Recovery General Supervisor Chairman of the Administrative of Dubai’s Aviation Council Staff Major General\ Salem Saeed Ghafan Al Jaberi Industry Vice Chairman of the Administrative 06 Council Staff Brigadier General\ Ghanem Ali Al Ali Editor in Chief TORCH-X BMS Staff Colonel\ Yousef Juma AL Haddad Delivers Enhanced Editorial Manger Lieutenant-Colonel\ Jamil Khamis Al Combat Saadi Editorial Secretary Capabilities to IDF Husain Al Mannaee Layout & Design and UK Army Moza Al Ali Ahmed Mahmmoud Advertisement Nada Al Shateri Sakha Pramod 20 The views expressed in Nation Shield Journal are not necessar- IFC GA-ASI 29 NEXTER 45 DIACC 2021 ily shared by, nor should they 15 JADARA 33 ROSOBORONEXPORT 61 DUBAI AIRSHOW 2021 be taken as the views of Nation DSEI 2021 35 LEONARDO 69 EXPODEFENSA Shield Journal. 23 The publication of advertise- 27 IAI 43 LOCKHEED MARTIN ments does not in any way im- ply endorsement by the Nation Shield Journal. All rights reserved. Leonardo’s Miysis DIRCM Delivers Laser 34 Energy with Lightning-Fast Speed 38 EDGE Group to Showcase UAE and Austria: Defence Technology Historic Relations Expertise at Enhance Strategic Dubai Airshow Partnership 2021 72 56 80 Accelerating the Military Trucks Steer Ahead with Digitalisation of U.S. Air Force Innovative Upgrades 6 ISSUE 596 SEPTEMBER 2021 Events Dubai Airshow 2021 to Spotlight Recovery of Dubai’s Aviation Industry From overcoming the challenges that the pandemic “Taking centre stage will be the different technologies that has posed, to moving in the right direction towards enhance safety and accelerate efficiency. They will play a key achieving a full recovery of the aviation industry, role in getting back to business following the pandemic. A the Dubai Airshow 2021 will serve as a key indicator unique experience awaits the industry as they once again of Dubai’s success. gear up to network, discuss the future of the industry and do Set to take place from 14-18 November, the event will be held business at the Dubai Airshow. There will be a high number of under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin attendees from the defence industry at the Airshow and we Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister of the UAE, are looking forward to meeting them during the event.” Ruler of Dubai, and UAE Minister of Defence. It will take place The UAE recently started opening quarantine-free travel cor- at Dubai World Central (DWC), Dubai Airshow Site. ridors with multiple countries across the world, which counts Commenting on the progress of Dubai’s aviation sector, His as a major step for bringing a higher influx of travellers and Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of tourists. In addition, Dubai Airports recently re-opened Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, Chairman of Dubai Airports and International’s (DXB) Terminal 1, following a 15-month clo- Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates Airline and Group sure, as part of its plan to ensure the airport’s full operational said: “We have crossed many significant milestones this year readiness. DXB is targeting 28 million passengers in 2021. despite the difficult period. Dubai has been a symbol of resil- Demand for Global Air Cargo Rises ience and agility in responding to the challenges that the pan- New data from the International Air Transport Association demic brought, and we are confident that the collaborative (IATA) has highlighted that global air cargo demand is up from work done by the sector’s key players to restore consumer pre-pandemic levels, with the market showing its strongest confidence and boost travel operations will pave the way for a first-half performance since 2017. Demand in June was up 9.9 thriving aviation industry. Dubai Airshow 2021 will serve as the ultimate testament to the industry’s steady recovery and growth and firmly establish Dubai as the leading global aero- space hub.” Major Gen. Staff Pilot Ishaq Saleh Al Baloushi, Military Advisor to State Minister of Defence and Executive Director for Mili- tary Committee for Dubai Airshow added: “For many years we have been collaborating and working closely with different defence delegations from across the world for the Dubai Air- show. This engagement has continued virtually throughout the pandemic, and we are now planning on having in-person meetings and sessions at the Airshow itself. With the positive sentiment within the industry and the appetite for business continuity, we believe the Airshow will provide the ideal event for strategic development and the creation of new partnerships. 7 per cent from June 2019, but regional performance varied wide- ly. This is one of the key topics that will be discussed at the show. The Airshow will provide the The Middle East contributed 2.1 percentage points to the ideal event for creation of growth, while North American carriers contributed 5.9 percent- age points, European airlines 1.6 percentage points, African air- new partnerships lines 0.5 percentage points and Asia-Pacific carriers 0.3 percent- age points.