IDEX exhibitors to showcase latest innovations in global defence technology

And with delegations from over 150 countries in attendance, it is clear that these state-of-the-art products and services will gain prominence within the defence field.

Held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE and Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, IDEX 2009 brings together key decision makers from governments, militaries and the defence industry. It is currently taking place at Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC) until February 26.

A record-breaking 897 companies from 50 countries are using IDEX 2009 as a showcase of their equipment and technology such. The event is organised by the Abu Dhabi National Exhibitions Company in association with the UAE Armed Forces GHQ.

Companies like ThruVision, which produces terahertz radiation-free imaging of concealed objects, have chosen IDEX 2009 as an international platform for its range.

The British company's product, which has been 'tremendously well received by potential customers from around the world', provides a way of determining concealed objects, such as drugs or bombs, on the bodies of individuals surrounded by crowds. It can operate at a distance of up to 21 metres and is designed to make people feel safer in the street.

"Products like ThruVision are designed to help countries like South Africa and India, with the forthcoming World Cup and Commonwealth Games in those countries," said Adam Thomas, of the UK delegation. "We want to share extremely innovative British products like these with other countries and IDEX acts like a toolbox for us to promote this country's goods with our allies. We are also here to listen to the needs of other countries; IDEX is a two-way listening device for us."

Meanwhile, Abu Dhabi-based Injazat, a joint venture between EDS and Mubadala, has developed a new information system called Agile JOP, which it is displaying at IDEX 2009. The system integrates for the first time the key information from each part of any homeland security system or military operation. The information can then presented in a manner suitable to the individual user, although the overall system can be understood by anyone trained in its use.

"Unlike command and control systems, the Agile JOP finally gives key decision makers the information they personally need on one versatile screen," commented John Palmer Foster, a consultant for Injazat. "Different decision makers need different information to do their job. One person will be more concerned with infrastructure and so can have this information as the main focus on screen. A colleague concerned with casualty management will need hospital, traffic and police information at the fore."

"Levels of security can also be set, giving users access to different levels of information. This is key in any information system to protect VIPs and key personnel within the operation," he added.

US company ATK, is using IDEX 2009 to showcase its Precision Guidance System. This military hardware simply attaches to the top of any NATO specification round. The shell can then be fired and flown to its target using the sophisticated internal guidance system. The round is steered using a nose-mounted propeller, which can constantly alter the flight of the shell to ensure it hits its target.

"Our precision guidance kit drastically reduces the cost of guided ordnance by equipping conventional artillery rounds with the ability to lock onto a target," said Tom VanLeunen, Vice-President of Corporate Communications for ATK. "The advantage is great precision with lower cost, as well as a larger payload, as the entire guidance system and drive is located in the head of the round."

Here are just three examples of the level of innovation among the products on display at IDEX 2009 that have captured the imagination of industry decision makers. And with 108,000 sq-m of exhibition space - an increase of 49 per cent over the last edition of IDEX - there are many hundreds of other state-of-the-art products on show.