Through a dedicated pavilion, the United Arab Emirates participated in the 16th edition of the Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition (LIMA 2023) held on May 23rd on Langkawi Island in Malaysia. The exhibition lasted for 5 days and saw the participation of more than 600 defence and security companies from 60 countries around the world.
The UAE’s participation at LIMA 2023, one of the most significant maritime and aerospace exhibitions in the Asia-Pacific region, is an extension of the expansive UAE-Malaysia cooperation, which aims to drive sustainable development in both countries.
LIMA 2023 was held at the Mahsuri International Exhibition Center and the “World Langkawi” Resort, where it lasted until May 27th.
His Excellency Mohammed bin Ahmed Al Bowardi, Minister of State for Defence Affairs, attended the opening of the international exhibition in “Langkawi” where he met with several ministers, officials, and prominent figures.
During his tour of the exhibition, Al Bowardi visited the participating Emirati and international companies, where he was briefed on the latest advanced defence equipment and technologies.
The UAE’s defence industries’ prominent presence
EDGE, one of the world’s leading and fastest-growing advanced technology and defence groups strengthened its presence in the Southeast Asia region through its participation in the “LIMA 2023” exhibition, showcasing a diverse product portfolio that can be tailored to the region’s specific requirements in line with its ambition to expand its global footprint.
During the exhibition, seven of EDGE’s portfolio companies displayed innovative solutions that provide high levels of mission flexibility, exemplifying EDGE’s advanced designs and manufacturing capabilities in the area of autonomous air and land systems, naval systems, precision-guided munitions, and small arms.
During its participation in the exhibition, Edge aimed to highlight its autonomous systems, smart weapons, and technologically advanced defence solutions, which enabled the group to enhance its partnerships within the local industrial ecosystem and support the local defence sector in important markets such as Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, and Vietnam.
Edge showcased its wide range of defence capabilities, demonstrating its advanced defence capabilities in the aerospace, land, and maritime domains, as well as strengthening its strategic relationships in the Southeast Asia region.
In the domain of autonomous air systems, EDGE showcased the HUNTER SP (Soldier Portable) unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), the tube-launched HUNTER 2-S swarming UAV system, and the REACH-S unmanned combat aerial vehicle (UCAV).
In addition, it showcased the QX-1, QX-2 and QX-3 loitering munitions along with the GARMOOSHA rotary-wing UAV and the THeMIS Combat unmanned ground vehicle (UGV) by MILREM Robotics.
EDGE’s advanced naval capabilities included the 160 ITEP (Inshore Tactical Engagement Platform), 120 FIP (Fast Inshore Platform), 510 OPV (Offshore Patrol Vessel), as well as the launch of a new corvette that meets regional requirements.
Furthermore, EDGE showcased its multi-range DESERT STING air-to-surface precision-guided munitions, the SKYKNIGHT air defence missile, the AL TARIQ-S (Standard Range), and AL TARIQ-LR (Long Range) advanced, modular precision-guided munitions, in addition to the RASH 1-M, RASH 2-H, and RASH 2-M precision-guided munition systems.
For small arms and ammunition, EDGE displayed its CARACAL F pistols, CMP 9 submachine guns, the CAR 816 assault rifle, and the CSR 50 sniper rifle.
Additionally, EDGE displayed its full range of small calibre ammunition, including 40mm, 60mm, 81mm, and 120mm ammunition in multiple grains and variants such as tracer, armour piercing, and full metal jacket.
Coverage by: Razi El-Hadmi & Photography by: Abdullah Al-Suwaidi
