BAE Systems steps up IDEX participation

A new 600m2 pavilion has been created especially for BAE's presence at IDEX, whose theme for IDEX 2007 is "Real Partnership, Real Advantage". Features include a display area highlighting industrial partnerships, an upgraded Hawk Jet Trainer experience, improved hospitality and increased display areas showcasing its' capabilities across all domains, especially in land systems.

Driving future defence technologies is at the top of BAE Systems IDEX agenda this year and the company will profile the RG 32M, a 4x4 Light Armoured Vehicle with an all-steel, welded armour hull which protects a crew of five against small arms fire, mine detonations and Improvised Explosive Devices.

With the engine and other key components also protected, the RG-32M has various military and non-military applications to fulfil a wide spectrum of Command, Liaison, Scouting, Patrol and Peacekeeping roles.

IGG, the United Arab Emirates partner of BAE Systems, will also have a range of the RG series of vehicles on display including the RG-31 mine-protected armoured personnel carrier on display at its stand. The UAE Armed Forces took delivery of a number of these vehicles in 2005.

"We are renowned globally for the development, delivery and support of advanced defence systems in air, land and sea," said Simon Keith, Regional Managing Director Middle East, BAE Systems, "Following the acquisition of UDI, a major player in Land Systems, in 2005 we now have a comprehensive portfolio of products and services across all domains."

In service with forces around the world, the RG-31 is a highly effective multi-role, mine-protected vehicle capable of a variety of military applications. It has a modular interior layout and can be configured as an APC, command vehicle, ambulance or surveillance vehicle and is the mine-protected choice of peacekeepers.

BAE Systems is also exhibiting for the first time at IDEX the M777 155mm lightweight field howitzer, in desert colours. The M777 is the world's first 155mm howitzer weighing less than 10,000 lbs. BAE Systems has orders for more than 600 howitzers from the U.S. Army, Marine Corps and Canadian Army. Also on display is the BVS10 All Terrain Vehicle.

In addition, BAE Systems will be promoting a family of naval combat systems at IDEX, along with the new Commander SL radar which is a versatile long-range tactical radar. Also at IDEX, BAE Systems will be drawing on its world leading position as an integrator of sensors and command and control by demonstrating a deployable surveillance unit for border and asset protection.

For the first time BAE Systems will be displaying a variant of the Combined Arms Tactical Trainer (CATT) at IDEX, a Collective Training System that provides Battlegroup/Brigade level training for both Armoured Vehicles, dismounted, HQ staff's and supporting forces.

"IDEX has always been important to BAE Systems, it is a hugely important international show, continued Keith. "The event has gone from strength-to-strength over the years and provides us an unrivalled opportunity to meet key defence industry decision makers from across the Middle East and the rest of the world.

"We have demonstrated our commitment to the event by increasing our presence at IDEX 2007, with improved stand facilities and a large area for displaying vehicles. Visitors to the BAE Systems stand will see a broad range of capabilities across land, sea and air."

The upgraded Hawk Advanced Jet Trainer (AJT) experience at the centre of BAE Systems' IDEX 2007 participation demonstrates the latest version of the world's most successful advanced jet trainer, with over 900 aircraft in operation or on order with 19 countries worldwide. At the centre of an integrated training system, the Hawk AJT features the very latest in advanced simulation for radar, weapons and defensive aids training and is producing highly trained pilots for air forces across the globe.

The final batch of Hawks destined for the Royal Bahrain Airforce (RBAF) have recently joined the previous Hawks delivered in 2006 to form part of Bahrain's integrated training system. This is an excellent example of BAE Systems' ability to deliver integrated solutions, tailored to meet customer requirements, with an air training wing now created for new RBAF recruits who will go on to fly front line aircraft.