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Tribune News Network
Doha
Barzan Holdings, Qatar's first defence and security company responsible for enhancing military capabilities of the Qatar Armed Forces, signed multiple agreements with leading international defence and security companies on the second day of the Doha International Maritime Defence Exhibition and Conference (Dimdex 2018) on Tuesday.
Through these agreements and joint ventures (JV), Barzan Holdings is building human and technological capital in Qatar, creating new R&D capabilities and increasing Qatar's self-sufficiency in defence and security for the benefit of the country and its citizens.
Barzan Holdings, a strategic partner of Dimdex and also the largest exhibitor, signed an agreement with Italian company Beretta Holding, to create a JV called"Bindig," the Qatari word for rifle.
This is the first time Beretta Holding has established a JV in the Middle East. Bindig will manufacture pistols and rifles under the name Bindig for use by the Qatar Armed Forces and other security and government entities.
Barzan Holdings signed an agreement with Turkish company BMC that specialises in military vehicles. BMC is a legacy investment of the Qatar Armed Forces, and Barzan Holdings will now manage this relationship in the future.
Barzan Holdings has also partnered with major US defence contractor Raytheon to power the Qatar Cyber Academy. The Academy will train Qataris undergoing their national service, and also open its services to the public sector, to better understand cyber security and protect themselves from potential cyber security threats.
Barzan Holdings signed an agreement with Norwegian company Kongsberg, to create a JV called"BK Systems." BK Systems will specialise in military communications systems, navigations systems and weapons manufacture.
Barzan Holdings also signed an agreement with Turkish company Sur International and the Qatar Amiri Guard, to create a JV called QSur, which will manufacture high-end military uniforms, and uniform accessories.
Barzan Holdings has a JV agreement with Qinetiq from the UK, a leading provider of military consultancy services, to create"BQ Solutions."
During Dimdex, BQ Solutions signed an agreement with the Qatari Emiri Navy under which BQ Solutions will advise the Navy on best strategies and practices in"blue water" and transformational activities.
Barzan Holdings signed a JV agreement with large German defence company Rheinmetall AG and the agreement creates a JV called Rheinmetall Barzan Advanced Technologies (RBAT) that will develop an ammunition manufacturing base in Qatar, provide security for strategic venues and critical infrastructure in Qatar, and develop research in UGV (unmanned ground vehicle) and HEL (high energy lazer) technology.
Barzan Holdings signed agreements with two Turkish companies: Aselsan and SStek, to create a JV called"Barq". Barq will engage in developing and producing electro optic equipment, crypto technology and research related to remote weapon platforms.
Barzan Holdings signed an agreement with US company Wilcox, specialising in weapons manufacturing, plus electro optic gun technology.
Barzan has also signed an MoU with Turkish company SSM, to work on joint R&D projects between Qatar and Turkey for knowledge exchange.
Barzan Holdings is working with its international partners to strengthen Qatar's future by setting a road map for Qatar's military and security industries, in coordination with Qatar Armed Forces.
Barzan Holding's launch was well-received by the public, with the Barzan pavilion at Dimdex attracting heavy traffic and visits from both military and civilian delegates.
