Pyne promotes Australian Defence exports to the UAE

MINISTER for Defence Industry, Christopher Pyne has delivered a keynote address at the 2017 International Defence Exhibition (IDEX), in Abu Dhabi, highlighting the strengths of Australia’s defence industry and the cutting edge technology Australia produces, referencing the 21 Australian companies exhibiting.

During the address Mr Pyne focussed on disruptive emerging technology and innovation, praising Australia’s response to these opportunities and challenges. He also met with international partners to advocate for Australia’s defence industry and reaffirm the government’s strong support for Australian companies and their important role supporting the Australian Defence Force. 

Under the lead of Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, United Arab Emirates (UAE) President and Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, the IDEX Conference and Exhibition brought together international government, military and industry representatives to demonstrate the latest defence technologies across air, land and sea.

The conference is one of the largest in the world. The last IDEX conference in 2015 saw more than 1,200 exhibitors and 101,000 visitors from across the globe participating, with signed deals amounting to well over A$6.5 billion. This year’s Exhibition is expected to exceed those numbers.

Throughout the conference and during bilateral meetings Mr Pyner reinforced the importance of developing long term industry partnerships to collaboratively develop defence capability.

Mr Pyne stressed industry’s role to enhance the strong bilateral relationships Australia has with our regional partners.

“Witnessing first hand the quality and ingenuity of the capabilities that our 21 Australian companies have on display here is an exceptional example of what Australian industry can offer to our international partners,” Mr Pyne said.

“Australia has had great success countering disruptive technology such as the threat posted by improvised explosive devices.

“The Defence Science and Technology Group’s REDWING program developed critical equipment for ADF personnel as well as the Afghan National Army.

“This remarkable technology, developed in collaboration between government and industry, is now saving lives and has enormous potential to be exported across the globe creating jobs in Australia,” he said.

During his visit, Mr Pyne also met with HE Homaid Al Shemmari, Emirates Defence Industries Company chairman and HE Saif Mohamed Al Hajeri, Tawazun Economic Council CEO, to discuss opportunities for Australian Defence exports. 

www.defence.gov.au

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