DOD PARTICIPATION IN INTERNATIONAL DEFENSE EXHIBITION (IDEX

UNCLAS ABU DHABI 000130 SIPDIS PLEASE PASS TO THE FOLLOWING ORGANIZATIONS: DA WASHINGTON DC FOR //SAUS-IA-ZA/DSX/DSA-A/DASG-HCO-P// DIR SATFA FT MONROE VA FOR //ATFA// AFSAC WRIGHT PATTERSON AFB OH FOR //CC/CM/CMM// COMMARCORSYSCOM QUANTICO VA FOR //PSLSA// E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PREL AE SUBJECT: DOD PARTICIPATION IN INTERNATIONAL DEFENSE EXHIBITION (IDEX 2011) ¶1. Embassy Abu Dhabi recommends DOD direct participation in the Tenth Biannual International Defense Exhibition (IDEX 2011) which will be held in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, 20 ?????? 24 February 2011 at the Abu Dhabi International Exhibition Center. IDEX 2011 is the tenth in the IDEX series and will consist of diverse defense exhibitions. Representation from 80 official country delegations is expected. ¶2. IDEX offers an outstanding venue every two years to promote our National Security objectives in the region and provide direct support to the U.S. Defense Industry. DOD participation visibly demonstrates the US Government??????s commitment to presence in the region and contributes to regional stability and the legitimate defense needs of our friends and allies. The military defense equipment displayed at the show highlights our superb capability to conduct military operations and demonstrates the superiority of US technology. IDEX and other shows like it have proven to be excellent forums to promote standardization and interoperability through Foreign Military Sales and Military-to-Military contacts with our coalition partners in the region. Additionally , DOD acquisition personnel and US Industry representatives are afforded a unique opportunity to engage counterparts from allied countries in discussions related to International Cooperative Research, Development, Production and Logistics Support Programs. Lastly, DOD participation demonstrates active pursuit of US Commercial and Economic Security objectives. Without active USG support, US Industry often finds itself at a disadvantage when competing against foreign firms that operate under far fewer government restrictions and may be either nationalized or receive substantial government subsidies. ¶3. IDEX 2011 will follow the same format as previous IDEXs, with Land, Sea and Air Defense demonstrations and static displays. IDEX 2011 will consist of diverse events and provides both exhibitors and visitors with excellent services and expertise. IDEX 2011 is organized by the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Company (ADNEC). It is supported by a professional board of directors and personnel from all government sectors in Abu Dhabi. The superb exhibition facilities include more than 100k SQ meters of indoor and 12k SQ meters of outdoor exhibit space, an 800-seat conference hall, a 100k DQ meter Mobility Demonstration Area, A Marine Demonstration Area for Small Craft and Helicopters; a Naval Berthing Area, and a Live Fire Demonstration Area at the Maqta Range a short drive from the IDEX site that is used for Light Weapons, Artillery and Missiles with Ranges up to 25 KM. ¶4. IDEX plays a key role in one of the world??????s important and emerging markets??????The Middle East/Arabian Gulf and Asia, an area expected to account for a high percentage of World Defense Purchases for the foreseeable future. Member of the Gulf Cooperative Council alone are forecast to spend billions of dollars of defense equipment, and IDEX is ideally placed to target this market. ¶5. UAE authorities assessed IDEX 2009 as a major success by attracting 1,000 companies from 70 countries. It was attended by 60 official delegations, including Defense Ministers, Chiefs of Staff and over 60,000 visitors. ¶6. Embassy stands ready to support DOD participation as desired. Please forward questions to USLO POCs Maj Harry Epperson and Maj Sharief Fahmy, COMTel *971-2-414-2311. OLSON