ABU DHABI: The UAE announced yesterday its armed forces have struck a series of defense contracts worth over AED3 billion during the IDEX which is currently going on in the capital.
"The total value of orders announced by the UAE forces at the exhibition, including the two under negotiation, is over AED3 billion ($819 million)," IDEX spokesman General Obeid Al-Ketbi told reporters
Local company Abu Dhabi Ship Building has won two contracts to supply 12 vessels and renovate 12 others, for a total of AED935 million ($255 million), Al-Ketbi said.
French group Thales Communication was awarded two contracts worth AED329.6 million ($89 million) for signaling equipment and to supply its SOTAS communication system for Leclerc tanks.
Discussions are under way with US giant Boeing for the provision of spare parts for Chinook helicopters and to provide training, in a contract that would be worth AED373.4 million ($102 million) altogether.
US defense giant Lockheed Martin said yesterday it is hoping to sell the UAE between up to 12 military air transport C-130J jets before the end of 2009 to upgrade its ageing fleet.
