This week’s International Defence Exhibition & Conference in Abu Dhabi is being billed as the largest defense trade show ever.
Companies from scores of nations, including the largest arms exporters, are exhibiting their wares, as is the United Arab Emirates, which is consolidating its industry to boost capabilities and market reach.
And with good reason. The region is a leading market with nations rapidly upgrading their military and homeland security capabilities, whether Egypt’s recent Rafale deal, Saudi Arabia’s naval modernization or Qatar’s drive to improve its Air Force.
Gulf nations worry about Iran, but Tehran has become secondary to the threats from extremists. The region is also seeking better power projection capabilities as demonstrated in 2011 over Libya or more recently against the Islamic State group.
Regional nations must better coordinate efforts to develop capabilities. The Gulf Cooperation Council has tried to set common standards, but much work remains to ensure these vast investments are interoperable enough to maximize capabilities.
