AILYN AGONIA

DOHA THE Heir Apparent and Deputy Commander-in-Chief of the Qatari Armed Forces His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al Thani patronised the opening of the Doha International Maritime Defence Exhibition and Conference (DIMDEX 2012) at the Qatar National Convention Centre on Monday.

The three-day event being hosted by the Qatari Emiri Naval Forces (QENF) showcases the latest high-end technologies in maritime defence and is a platform for dialogue among experts in the field.

HH the Heir Apparent opened the exhibition and toured the 10,000 square metre venue after the screening of a documentary on Qatar and its past.

The debut of an integrated mobile surveillance solution from Cassidian, a subsidiary of European Aeronautic Defence and Space Company NV and an impressive line of defence products from Turkey are among this year’s attractions at the lone specialised maritime defence exhibition in the Middle East and North Africa region.

The Middle East Naval Commanders Conference (MENC) scheduled for Tuesday and the visit of 13 warships from 10 different navies including those of Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, UK and Morocco are among the notable events. Morocco’s newest warship, a Sigma Class frigate, Tarik Ben Ziyad 613 is among the visitors.

DIMDEX 2012 Chairman Staff Brigadier (Sea) Mohammed bin Nasser al Mohannadi said about 150 specialised companies representing 70 countries are participating in the event this year. The success of the previous editions of DIMDEX has resulted in greater participation this time, he added.

“This event gives us opportunity to look at best and upto- date maritime defence equipment. The MENC will focus on security of the seas and future challenges on that front,” he further said.

Qatar’s Nakilat (carriers), the largest LNG ship owner in the world, is among the exhibitors. The firm, which operates and manages a fleet of 54 LNG tankers, also provides shipping, shipyard and marine-related services to a wide range of participants within the Qatari hydrocarbon sector and beyond.

Cassidian, supplier of vessel traffic, coastal surveillance and port security systems to 40 countries around the globe, is showcasing its latest integrated mobile surveillance solution.

The solution, called Border Guard Surveillance Vehicle (BGSV), is being exhibited for the first time at any exhibition.

The new technology comes with a mobile command and control centre.

Another company, Astrium, is showcasing SmartDeploy, a modular suite of integrated software applications that automates the end-to-end process of ordering, planning and configuring a satellite communications network.

Suncraft International is showcasing its Sea Eagle, a 38 metre fast patrol craft designed for naval or coast guard duties within a country’s exclusive economic zone. It can operate as a single vessel or as part of a larger fleet.

MBDA Missile Systems and the Italian ship builder Fincantieri, which has built over 7,000 ships over its 200 year of existence, are among the other crowd pullers.

Turkey is showcasing a variety of defence products including terrestrial and naval platforms, aerospace systems, defence electronics, weapon systems and ammunition, support system and logistic services, military clothes and finery equipment and much more.