12 March 2021
Last February, the 15th edition of the International Defence Exhibition and Conference (IDEX) opened in Abu Dhabi, representing one of the most important military exhibitions in the region and one of the first relevant events in the post-pandemic recovery period. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, the event was characterised by strict safety measures to ensure both exhibitors and attendees’ well-being.
This year’s exhibition showed a growing interest in unmanned technologies and artificial intelligence to ensure higher protection in the most dangerous situations and provide greater precision and accuracy. Among the 900 exhibitors, many new developments and technologies have been presented, from modern UAVs and anti-drone kits to new fighting vehicles, turrets, and missiles.
Iveco Defence Vehicle, an Italian company and leader in the defence sector, presented its new SUPERAV LAND 8X8. This new armoured vehicle is developed from the original SUPERAV 8X8, but provides a higher protection level and survivability. Furthermore, it has been equipped with a new generation Iveco 6-cylinder multi-fuel engine with 700 horsepower and 3.000 nm torque to ensure better speed and acceleration in all terrains.
A new infantry fighting vehicle (IFV), RILA 8X8, was revealed by the International Armored Group (IAG) at this year’s exhibition, presenting the first 8X8 vehicle in its portfolio. RILA can accommodate up to 11 passengers and is operated by three crew members. It is an 8-wheel vehicle that aims to provide high protection, survivability, and mobility in all sorts of terrains. It is characterised by a 13L diesel engine developing 500 HP, and it can reach a maximum speed of 105 km/h.
Arquus, the renowned French company and pioneer in the production of military vehicles, showcased its new Scarabee combat vehicle. This combines Arquus decennial experience with the most modern technologies to ensure both high mobility and protection. The Scarabee will revolutionise how reconnaissance missions are carried out, since it is the first modern hybrid-drive armoured vehicle. The model presented at IDEX, the Patrol SAS version, is equipped with a Hornet Remote Controlled Weapons Station (RCWS) fitted with a 12.7 mm machine gun. It is a compact vehicle, therefore difficult to spot, hiding behind the smallest objects and, thanks to its size and weight, it is easily deployable by helicopter.
In the field of robotic vehicles, the Estonian manufacturer Milrem Robotics showcased its Type-X Robotic Combat Vehicle (Type-X RCV) for the first time at IDEX 2021. This new robotic combat system can support other mechanised units and be a companion for other fighting vehicles and main battle tanks. The Type-X RCV can be equipped with a cannon with a calibre up to 50 mm and it is designed to provide a minimal level of risk for troops. Moreover, this innovative combat system will allow remote-controlled operations at a higher speed.
At IDEX 2021, some of the newest and most interesting technologies in the field of turrets have been showcased by various companies. The Belgian company John Cockerill Defense presented its new Cockerill 1030 and the Cockerill Light Weapon Station (CLWS). The first has its origins in the union of two already existent products, the Cockerill C3030 Turret and the Cockerill Protected Weapons Station (CPWS) GEN2 Turret. With a combination of the most interesting elements of both products, Cockerill 1030 is a new generation of remotely controlled turret, which combines both lightweight and power. Additionally, it is compact, low weight, and provides minimal intrusion when used on different vehicles. It is also ideal against UAV targets. The second product, the Cockerill CLWS, is a modular stabilised turret that can be mounted on light armoured vehicles. It can integrate different variants according to necessity and it offers power, modularity, lightweight and protection.
Considering the latest technologies in the UAV sector, the UAE company Edge Group is worth mentioning. At IDEX 2021, it unveiled four different models of multirotor loitering munitions, also called suicide drones or kamikaze drones. They are unique platforms, thanks to artificial intelligence, which allows them to be highly precise and to destroy targets easily. Edge Group presented three new additions to RW-24 range; the RW-24 Seeker, which has a thermal automatic seeker, the RW-24 Extended Warhead, and the RW-24 Extended Range, which increased their payload capacity from 8 to 13 kg, allowing them to carry additional fuel or heavier munitions.
Another company that took the opportunity to showcase its new drone was the South African Paramount Group, revealing the N-Raven. This UAV system weighs 41 kg and can reach speeds up to 180 km/h. It can be launched from air-, sea- and land-based platforms and it is effective against both moving and static targets. Paramount Group also offers a field simulator, which gives the operators the possibility to rehearse their missions.
In recent years, many companies have been developing new technologies intending to provide protection against unmanned aerial vehicles. Among these, Halcon, an Emirati defence company, presented its radar-equipped missile SkyKnight. Its main scope is to mitigate modern threats, for instance UAVs, rockets, and mortars up to a distance of 10 km.
The Swiss company CERBAIR presented the anti-drone kit CHIMERA. This kit consists of three different but connected elements: a vest and a backpack with detection module, a tablet and an electromagnetic effector. CHIMERA allows a single operator to detect and neutralise unmanned aerial vehicles. This new technology is 10% lighter than the previous model to facilitate the use in the field.
Despite travel restrictions, COVID-19 tests, and quarantine, this year’s edition of IDEX presented a great possibility for many exhibitors to show their latest technologies. More than 900 exhibitors from 59 different countries took part in this event to showcase their new products. Around 62,000 people attended IDEX this year and 5.7 billion dollars’ worth of deals were signed during the five days of exhibition by the UAE armed forces.
Written by Beatrice GOBBO, Researcher at Finabel – European Army Interoperability Centre
Sources
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