The 2nd Soldier Modernisation to be held in Abu Dhabi

Here, leading programme managers and key experts from renowned science and technology organisations will gather to update the Middle East's key defence stakeholders on the latest findings from their trials and validations as well as innovative strategies to advance the combat capabilities of the modern soldier.

Noteworthy presentations include developing a squad system approach for quicker response and enhanced operational efficiency from the French Army's FELIN project team; integrating human factors into capability requirements from the programme manager for Romanian Individual Fighting System (RIFS); and the application of science and technology in improving the lethality capability for Project Land 125 from the Weapons Systems Division of Australia's Defence Science Technology Organisation.

Other project updates will be given by Major Tapio Saarelainen, Programme Manager for the Finnish Defence Forces; Lieutenant Colonel Arman Rumaizi, Project Leader for the Malaysian Army and a senior representative from the Jordan Armed Forces.

The conference will also address technical innovations including utilising fuel cells for a long-lasting and lightweight power run system and various composite materials to develop a resilient transparent armour.

Grace Chng, Director of Soldier Modernisation Middle East 2009, says:

"With the continuous upgrading and increased spend in combat equipment and technology across the Middle East, Soldier Modernisation will provide the regional stakeholders with critical insights on how they can advance their existing capabilities using proven strategies in the lethality, survivability, mobility, sustainability and C4I areas."