Cyber defence strategies and the impact on the armed forces of advances in artificial intelligence will come under the spotlight at the second edition of a major regional exhibition and conference that opens in Bahrain today.
Senior military thinkers and defence experts from around the world are expected to take part in the Bahrain International Defence Exhibition and Conference (BIDEC) 2019.
More than 10,000 people are expected to attend the biennial event which is being held under the patronage of His Majesty King Hamad at the Bahrain International Exhibition and Convention Centre (BIECC), Sanabis until Wednesday.
The event, being supported by the BDF, is also hoped to position Bahrain as a hub for defence companies to showcase latest military technology.
“Bahrain is set to host this international defence expo that will provide a clear vision of the military requirements and regional arrangements based on Gulf interests,” said BIDEC knowledge partner Bahrain Centre for Strategic, International and Energy Studies (Derasat) chairman Dr Shaikh Abdulla bin Ahmed Al Khalifa.
“We aim to build partnerships to nationalise defence industries and military technology.”
Dr Shaikh Abdulla, speaking at a Press conference yesterday at the BIECC, said more international exhibitors are taking part in the event this year.
“We want to see Bahrain as a hub for big defence companies providing military technology not only to the BDF but also to other countries.
“Collective efforts are required especially in the turbulent region facing unprecedented challenges such as extremists and maritime security.
“Terrorism is an international phenomenon and we have to combat it with the help of the latest military technology.”
Organiser Clarion Events managing director Thomas Gaunt said 154 members of the media – local, regional and international – had registered, which was 32 per cent up from 2017.
“We have a total of 170 exhibitors from 33 countries and 63 high-profile visiting delegations,” he said.
“The entire venue is sold out and we expect between 10,000 and 11,000 visitors this year of which 50pc will be military personnel.”
This year’s expo will also focus on maritime technology to counter threats especially at a time when escalations at sea involving Iranian naval forces have been reported.
However, Dr Shaikh Abdulla made it clear that BIDEC is a national event held in Bahrain to shed light on military technology.
“The Kingdom of Bahrain does not target any state but will discuss a wide range of topics such as cyber defence strategies and artificial intelligence,” said Dr Shaikh Abdulla, who is also chairman of Middle East Military Technology Conference (MEMTEC) which will be held tomorrow alongside the expo.
The conference will also feature sessions on developing simulation models for future warfare, impact of military technology on regional conflicts and future of Middle East defence procurement.
Showcase
Speakers chairing the sessions include GCC Secretary General Dr Abdullatif Al Zayani, Fifth Fleet commander Vice Admiral James Malloy and other experts.
The GDN reported last week that Britain’s BAE Systems is showcasing a laser-guided rocket, airspace surveillance equipment and combat systems for patrol vessels.
Another UK exhibitor, SRT Marine Systems, will feature an array of advanced technologies to deliver enhanced detection and identification of maritime threats and illegal activities.
Italian-based defence manufacturer Leonardo will showcase its Vulcano family of unguided and guided ammunition, RAT-31 DL advanced L-band 3D surveillance radar and a model of Trieste Landing Helicopter Dock multi-purpose amphibious unit.
New firearms and ammunition will be tested at indoor and outdoor shooting ranges in Bahrain, as part of a number of off-site activities.
These include military vehicle demonstrations, parachute demonstrations and warship displays.
sandy@gdn.com.bh
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