Defence Fair IDEX 2021| ABU DHABI

[Philip the Arab]

But if the UAE manages to make this missile work, they will be able to produce so many of them that they'll destroy every infrastructure on the coast between the island of Lavan and beyond Jask.

There is also the possibility of exporting to Egypt or other nations that are allied closer to UAE imo.

 

[Philip the Arab]

 

[Philip the Arab]

IDEX: UAE’s EDGE steps up unmanned family​

UAE defence group Edge has launched a new class of electric unmanned aerial vehicles, called QX at the IDEX shown in Abu Dhabi.

It also unveiled its first family of multirotor loitering munitions Shadow 50 and Shadow 25, Rash 2 gliding munition kit, as well as new variants of the RW24 range – all designed and manufactured in the company’s first year of operations – were unveiled on the first day of the International Defence Exhibition and Conference (IDEX 2021), that is underway at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre until 25 February.
The CEO of the Edge Group Faisal Al Bannai, and Ali Al Yafei, CEO of ADASI – the Edge company developing the UAV technologies – unveiled the QX family at the show
Al Bannai said: “Right now, drone technology is revolutionising our world with the full potential of unmanned and autonomous capabilities still to be further explored – not just in the military sector, but the commercial sector too.”
“Through launching the first UAE-made family of smart loitering drones, EDGE marks a significant milestone as a key technology enabler and in boosting the country’s autonomous capabilities and AI integration. With the future increasingly relying on unmanned systems that provide a higher degree of tactical flexibility, we have invested extensively to fast-track R&D investments in these domains, bringing related products to market with speed.”
The QX family of loitering munitions comprises four products: QX-1, a micro-UAV, QX-2, a mini-UAV, QX-3, a small UAV, and QX-4, which features an impressive vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) fixed wing. The precision-guided systems use sophisticated AI algorithms to target and strike, boasting an accuracy of 1 m CEP (circular error probable) – with an aim similar to laser guided munitions. Built to launch in any environment or terrain, the entire QX family of UAVs are lightweight, man portable, and comprise VTOL capabilities.
The second range of loitering munitions consists of Shadow 50 and Shadow 25. As the name implies, Shadow 50 can carry a payload of 50kg – exactly double its counterpart. Shadow 25 is a high-speed system equipped with a jet engine and boasts a short reaction time. Delivering high precision strike against fixed targets and advanced guidance capabilities, these UAVs leverage Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) and can fly using video navigation systems in GPS denied Environment.
Also launched at IDEX, was the Rash 2 is a fixed-wing guidance kit for mortars and other in-house designed payloads, capable of gliding in flight and directing munitions to ground targets, available in different sizes to accommodate varying payload capacity, range, and endurance. ADASI has secured $15 million contract to supply Rash 2 to the UAE Armed Forces, marking the first order of the newly launched product.
Three new additions to the RW-24 range were also launched in time for IDEX 2021. The newly unveiled RW-24 Seeker is equipped with a thermal automatic seeker that enable greater accuracy of engagement of moving targets and increased functionality within GPS-denied environments.
The RW-24 Extended Warhead and RW-24 Extended Range variants increase the payload capacity from 8 kg to 13 kg, enabling the drone to carry additional fuel or to increase the size of the warhead.

QX-4 the largest of the new drones from AVASI unveiled at IDEX (Image: Billypix)

 

[Philip the Arab]

Rosoboronexport (ROE) and the Jordanian company Jadara have agreed to open a licensed production of anti-tank guided missiles from the Kornet-E complex in Jordan. An official representative of the Russian organization told reporters about this during the IDEX-2021 defense exhibition.

According to him, during the event, negotiations were held between Rosoboronexport and Jadara Equipment and Defense Systems. “The parties agreed on the organization of licensed discharge production of ATGMs of 9M133-1 and 9M133F-1 types from the Kornet-E ATGM,” said the ROE representative.

"Kornet-E" is designed to destroy tanks, armored combat vehicles with reactive armor and the destruction of fortifications. Its maximum firing range is 5.5 km.

On the eve of the IDEX-2021 arms exhibition in Abu Dhabi , the T-14 Armata tank was presented to international companies for the first time . Six foreign countries expressed their desire to buy it .

The arms exhibition will run in Abu Dhabi from 21 to 25 February.

 

[Test7]

 

[Philip the Arab]

Interesting, did UAE buy Denel C ram project?

Good alternative to Iron Dome system.

 

[Fuzuli NL]

I hope Tawazun would be invited to IDEF 2021 so some of us could have a better look at these new toys.

 

[Philip the Arab]

I hope Tawazun would be invited to IDEF 2021 so some of us could have a better look at these new toys.

Relations between the two countries are pretty shitty so not going to happen probably.

 

[Philip the Arab]

 

[Fuzuli NL]

Relations between the two countries are pretty shitty so not going to happen probably.

We tend to seperate business from politics, plus business is going well between the two countries.
Otokar is there among 10 Turkish companies and the UAE is still buying shitloads from us.

 

[Philip the Arab]

We tend to seperate business from politics, plus business is going well between the two countries.
Otokar is there among 10 Turkish companies and the UAE is still buying shitloads from us.

Maybe, were UAE companies at IDEF in 2019?

 

[Fuzuli NL]

Maybe, were UAE companies at IDEF in 2019?

Not sure but good question, I'll check later.

 

[adenl]

Interesting, did UAE buy Denel C ram project?

Good alternative to Iron Dome system.

https://twitter.com/i/web/status/1364212874172850182

https://twitter.com/i/web/status/1364219649886478339

 

[Philip the Arab]

https://twitter.com/i/web/status/1364212874172850182

https://twitter.com/i/web/status/1364219649886478339

Oh wow so South African engineers are using their past experience to design stuff similar to what they already have.

 

[Philip the Arab]

Interestingly it seems Halcon is taking the role of Denel for this project. I think it is going to be a potential upgrade for Skyguard 35mm for those who use it.

UAE to Supply First Air Missile Defense to Germany’s Rheinmetall​

By
Layan Odeh
February 23, 2021, 3:03 AM EST

The United Arab Emirates said it will supply its first locally manufactured air defense missiles to German security contractor Rheinmetall AG, as the Gulf state expands the production and export of military technology.


Halcon, a unit of state-owned Edge Group, designed the SkyKnight missile system to provide early warning signals and counter threats from aircraft, unmanned aerial vehicles and rockets, according to the announcement made during Abu Dhabi’s International Defense Exhibition and Conference on Tuesday. The missiles will be part of Rheinmetall’s Skynex defense system, the statement said.

A Halcon SkyKnight missile.
Source: Halcon

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HALCON Unveils UAE’s First Air Defence Missile​

1 image
SkyKnight - the first UAE designed and manufactured counter-rocket, artillery, and mortar (C-RAM) missile system -
Updated 3 hours ago
ABU DHABI, United Arab Emirates--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Feb 23, 2021--

HALCON, a regional leader in the production and supply of precision-guided weapons, today unveiled SkyKnight - the first UAE designed and manufactured counter-rocket, artillery, and mortar (C-RAM) missile system, at the International Defence and Exhibition Conference (IDEX) 2021.
This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210223005887/en/
SkyKnight - the first UAE designed and manufactured counter-rocket, artillery, and mortar (C-RAM) missile system - (Photo: AETOSWire)
EDGE, the parent company of HALCON, has been developing a short-range air defence system, as has Germany-based Rheinmetall AG, which was actively seeking a missile system to form part of its Skynex air defence system. The companies decided to jointly offer a solution, with HALCON providing SkyKnight, the missile system to the highly regarded Oerlikon Skynex Air Defence System, which sets new standards with its unique open architecture.
HALCON’s SkyKnight was purposely designed to counter the full spectrum of modern threats, providing early warning signals and precise surface-to-air intercept capabilities targeting of rotary-wing aircraft, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) rockets, artillery, mortar, and other fixed-wing aircraft at a range of up to 10Km.
Commenting on this landmark international elevation of a UAE-manufactured missile, H.E. Faisal Al Bannai, EDGE Group CEO and Managing Director said: “SkyKnight is the UAE’s first, but will not be the last air defence missile developed by HALCON. We are pleased to team up with Rheinmetall, a leading player in the defence industry, for us to jointly offer the world’s most advanced and comprehensive C-RAM solution leveraging our SkyKnight missile and Rheinmetall’s Skynex solution. This collaboration is a clear message that EDGE is open to teaming up with various players to offer joint advance solutions.”
The Oerlikon Skynex air defence system comprises the Oerlikon Skynex control node, multi-sensor units (MSU) featuring active electronically scanned multi-mode radars (AMMR), multiple 35mm revolver guns RG Mk3 and HALCON’s SkyKnight C-RAM missiles and missile launchers, each of which has a capacity of 60 missiles. HALCON’s C-RAM missile is capable of tracking and neutralising numerous, multi-directional incoming targets at one time, providing protection for static assets, as well as for mobile and mechanised forces. Transportable and mobile, the system can be deployed fixed on land, sea and moving land platform.
Rheinmetall AG, through its Swiss subsidiary, Rheinmetall Air Defence, has deployed the Skyguard system in numerous countries, which can bring down fast, small targets, and is used as the inner tier of layered air defence of vital points and critical military infrastructure. Countries that have rolled out Skyguard systems will ultimately upgrade to Skynex, placing HALCON, its SkyKnight C-RAM missile system, and the UAE at the forefront of air defence system innovation.
HALCON is part of the Missiles & Weapons cluster within EDGE, an advanced technology group for defence that ranks among the top 25 military suppliers in the world.

 

[Philip the Arab]

From lasers to missiles, IDEX exhibitors are determined to counter drones​

ABU DHABI, United Arab Emirates — While some companies at the International Defence Exhibition and Conference are showing off their drones — as surveillance aircraft, loitering munitions or swarms — a few have countermeasures on display, including high-energy laser systems and smart missiles.
SkyKnight, which was unveiled at IDEX, is a radar-equipped missile made by Emirati defense company Halcon set to be integrated into the German Oerlikon air defense system, made by Rheinmetall. SkyKnight is the first missile system able to counter rockets, artillery and mortars designed and manufactured in the United Arab Emirates. The counter-drone system was designed to mitigate modern threats such as rotary-wing aircraft, UAVs, rockets, artillery, mortars and other fixed-wing aircraft at a range of up to 10 kilometers.
“The system is able to detect, track and neutralize small-sized threats,” Halcon CEO Saeed Al Mansoori told Defense News. “It is not a joint venture, we are not participating in the technology; they already have air defense systems and we already have our missile and canister. ... We are just integrating the systems together.
“We will be the system supplier for the Middle East region, and Rheinmetall will be the whole system supplier for Europe and other countries.”
The UAE has already committed to buying the SkyKnight, but the system is four years away from target demonstrations.

SkyKnight, which was unveiled at IDEX 2021, is a radar-equipped missile made by Emirati defense company Halcon. (Agnes Helou/Staff)
Meanwhile, at the Emirati International Golden Group’s booth, a system of systems prototype is on display, featuring a radar on top and electronic warfare technology, among other capabilities. The platform is an Israeli counter-drone system made by Skylock, a subsidiary of Avnon Group.
Emirati company officials did say the system will undergo testing after IDEX concludes so the UAE’s security services, land forces and border security can consider procurement.

This counter-drone system will undergo testing after IDEX concludes for potential procurement by the United Arab Emirates. (Agnes Helou/Staff)
At another booth, sitting on top of an eight-wheel drive Rabdan infantry fighting vehicle was American firm Raytheon Technologies’ High-Energy Laser Weapon System, showcased for the first time on the vehicle after announcing cooperation with Emirati company Al Jasoor five days ago.
The system is able to target very small drones using electro-optical sensors and tracking algorithms. The operator can zoom in on a target and fire a precise and silent beam of light to destroy it.

“Raytheon has updated the tracking algorithms and the advanced electro-optical targeting system that helps to identify the drones, with a limitless magazine. The cost per shot is what two people can pay for a cup of coffee, hence the advantages for customers who are going to target very small, cheap drones,” Jeff Newsom, Raytheon’s director for high-energy laser systems, told Defense News.

 

[Philip the Arab]

Saab offset program is working? Maybe?

 

[Philip the Arab]

Interestingly Halcon developed 3 different engines with 400n, 750n, and 1000n thrust for their missiles.

 

[Philip the Arab]

IDEX 2021: HALCON signs contract for supply of Precision-Guidance Kit Systems to UAE Air Force Air Defence​

HALCON, a regional leader in the production and supply of precision-guided weapons, announced the award of a AED 7 billion contract by the UAE Air Force Air Defence (AFAD) for its Thunder P32 and P31 (P3) range of precision guided munitions at the International Defence and Exhibition Conference (IDEX) 2021, taking place in the UAE capital, Abu Dhabi between 21-25 February.

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Thunder P-32 (Picture source: Halcon)

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The P3 is a family of cost-effective, short-range, guidance kits that can be fitted to the Mk-82 (P-32) and the Mk-81 (P-31) general purpose aerial munitions. Thunder utilises inertial guidance augmented by global navigation satellite system (GNSS) information (GAINS). A semi-active laser (SAL) seeker configuration further improves accuracy performance against designated targets.

The latest contract is one of the largest ever issued by AFAD for this type of weapon and builds on an agreement for the supply of P3 Precision Guided Kits in 2017. The award also confirms the combat proven capabilities of HALCON’s family of guided missiles and the UAE AFAD’s preferences for it above competitor products from defence manufacturers in the US, Europe, and Israel.

Saeed Al Mansoori, CEO of HALCON, said: “At AED 7 billion, this is one of the largest contracts of its kind for this type of weapons system anywhere in the world. We feel a great sense of responsibility in having been entrusted with such an undertaking, and have full confidence that the performance of our P3 system will fully justify the UAE Air Force Air Defence’s trust in us.”

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Thunder P-31 (Picture source: Halcon)

Thunder P-32 (Picture source: Halcon)

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Following the AED 3.6 billion deal announced at the Dubai Airshow in November 2019, HALCON is also taking the opportunity to highlight significant developments within its Desert Sting (P2) family of precision guided munitions at IDEX 2021, showcasing how they have become among the most technologically advanced available.

The P2 family consists of different variants (distinguished by weight and warhead size) all based on the same technology building blocks. The weapons also employ GAINS guidance and semi-active lasers for accurate terminal guidance and moving target engagements. The weapons utilise a HALCON-designed stores interface unit (SIU) and can be deployed on multiple weapon (2 or 4) racks on aircraft and unmanned aerial vehicles - independent of the level of integration with the aircraft.

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Desert Sting- 35 (Picture source: Halcon)

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HALCON now boasts autonomous tech capabilities in areas including guidance and control, navigation, aerodynamic design, weapon flight control computers, and servo systems. Most significantly, it has boosted its capacity to manufacture warheads locally through leveraging its own warhead and fuze design. The newly designed fragmentation product enhances P2 engagement capabilities by offering a wider radius of effectiveness.

LAHAB, a sister EDGE Group company, is charged with filling the warhead, which is manufactured in the HALCON production facilities at Tawazun Industrial Park, in Abu Dhabi.

HALCON is part of the Missiles & Weapons cluster within EDGE, an advanced technology group for defence and beyond that ranks among the top 25 military suppliers in the world.

 

[ekemenirtu]

Interestingly Halcon developed 3 different engines with 400n, 750n, and 1000n thrust for their missiles.

Do you have any videos of those three engines undergoing static tests?