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Bahrain has set its sights on developing a domestic defence industry, according to a senior minister.
The country already makes its own armoured personnel carriers and armoured security cabins, which have been created by BDF engineers.
Interior Minister General Shaikh Rashid bin Abdulla Al Khalifa said authorities hoped to expand the country’s production of home-grown equipment, in line with other Gulf countries.
“We are now seeing an increase in Bahrain’s defence production with the backing of the BDF and this lays the foundation for military industries,” the minister told journalists yesterday.
Exhibitors
He was speaking on the sidelines of the Bahrain International Defence Exhibition and Conference (BIDEC) 2019, which opened yesterday and continues until tomorrow.
The biennial event is held under the patronage of His Majesty King Hamad at the Bahrain International Exhibition and Convention Centre.
Organised by Clarion Events and supported by the BDF, it features 170 exhibitors from 33 countries.
Senior military thinkers and defence experts from around the world have come together for the event.
General Shaikh Rashid predicted Gulf countries, which import most of their military hardware, would step up domestic production of defence equipment.
“We hope to see more defence companies from Bahrain participating in future events that showcase Gulf production and the expertise they have gained,” he said.
Security
“Gulf countries have integrated their military industries and increased their military capabilities to reinforce security in the region.”
He added the Coastguards are playing a key role to maintain security and counter maritime threats.
The US has delivered hi-tech patrol vessels to the Bahrain Coastguard under a $30 million agreement.
Three vessels have already been delivered, with another three scheduled to be handed over in February.
It is the first time the vessels, known as a Response Boat-Medium (RB-M), have been used by a coastguard in this region.
“The Coastguard plays a vital role in protecting our marine borders, especially with regional developments and maritime threats in the Gulf,” added General Shaikh Rashid.
Meanwhile, Public Security chief Major General Tariq Al Hassan said BIDEC 2019 was taking place at a key time, referring to heightened tensions with Iran.
“This event reflects international confidence that countries have in Bahrain,” he said.
“It comes at a time when the region is dealing with maritime security challenges.
“We are able to see latest military technology and exchange ideas through this important platform.”
He also referred to the presence of defence equipment that had been made in Bahrain at the event.
This includes the BDF’s armoured personnel carrier Faisal, which can carry up to eight personnel and traverse various terrains.
“This time we can see the military industry in the GCC is gathering momentum and we are seeing new concepts and equipment from Bahrain,” said Major General Al Hassan.
Saudi Arabia is also displaying its own military vehicles at the event.
Prototypes of the Tuwaiq and Al Dahna’a armoured tactical vehicles – made by Saudi Arabia’s Armoured Vehicles and Heavy Equipment Factory (AVF), which is affiliated with the state-run Military Industries Corporation (MIC) – are on show.
This armoured cabin, which was developed by the BDF, is being showcased at the event
They are designed to suit the GCC environment and cost less than Western-made alternatives, according to the maker.
The Tuwaiq is designed to protect soldiers from mines, fire, explosions, bullets and chemical attack, while Al Dahna’a – its smaller, more mobile cousin – which is making its debut at the Bahrain event is created for high-speed missions.
“These vehicles are the designed for the GCC market,” an AVF representative told the GDN.
“Since it is locally manufactured support is easily available, be it for parts, maintenance or service.
“It is cheaper than the foreign vehicles, especially the European and American ones.
“Finally, these vehicles are designed specifically for the GCC environment. It saves money and effort needed to tailor foreign vehicles to match our requirements.”
The Saudi pavilion also showcases the SHIBL 1 and 2 armoured vehicles, which have been in production since 2009, along with weapons, ammunition, spare parts, heavy equipment, military fittings and other items.
Meanwhile, a UAE pavilion features for the first time at BIDEC and includes 15 companies from the country, which are showcasing high-end defence and security products.
UAE pavilion communications director Saif Al Marzooqi said it reflected the UAE government’s ambition to “Emiratise” the defence and security sectors.
“A good number of these products are already being exported and we hope to see more home-made products to cater to the GCC market,” he said.
“This is in line with the long-term goal of the UAE government to Emiratise these sectors.”
The event continues today with the Middle East Military Technology Conference (MEMTEC), being held alongside the exhibition.
That will include sessions on cyber defence strategies, simulation models for future warfare and the impact of military technology on regional conflicts.
New firearms and ammunition will also be tested on indoor and outdoor shooting ranges in Bahrain as part of a number of off-site activities.
sandy@gdn.com.bh
raji@gdn.com.bh
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