UKTI DSO attends arms fair in Dubai
The Dubai Airshow opens its doors on 15 November, with over one third of its exhibition space dedicated to arms companies. They expect 900 exhibitors and 50,000 visitors.
The Dubai Airshow is held every two years. Usually there are many civil aircrafts on display, but due to the economic downturn this year's exhibition will focus mainly on airborne killing machines.
UKTI DSO is represented by its Head Richard Paniguian. In an interview he stated that he is very interested in broadening the cooperation between UK and UAE companies.
The UK's Royal Air Force Typhoon will be prominently displayed at the arms fair. The aircraft is manufactured by BAE systems, EADS and Alenia Aeronautica. One of UKTI DSO's roles is to facilitate the display of Royal Air Force equipment at such arms fairs. This helps UK arms companies, like BAE systems, to boost their deadly business around the world.
This year the Air Chief Marshal Sir Stephen Dalton, Chief of Air Staff in the Royal Air Force, co-led the UK delegation to the Dubai Airshow. He said that the presence of the Typhoon Aircraft highlights the importance of the defence relationship between the UAE and the UK.
Many deals are expected to be signed. A press release for the show boasts that Middle Eastern countries, led by Saudi Arabia and the UAE, are predicted to spend over US$100 billion on arms by 2014. This is welcomed by British arms companies as the British and US government are tightening their budgets on defence spending.
If you wonder what other arms fairs UKTI DSO has visited during the last months and where they are heading next, have a look at CAAT's arms fair calendar.
Give us feedback on this page