Latest news with #InternationalGoldenGroup
Business Insider
7 days ago
- Automotive
- Business Insider
DRC military secures over 100 armoured vehicles from UAE defence supplier
The Democratic Republic of the Congo's (DRC) military is set to significantly boost its ground capabilities with a large shipment of over 100 armoured vehicles from the United Arab Emirates. (UAE) DRC is enhancing its military capabilities with a major acquisition of armored vehicles from the United Arab Emirates. The procurement includes approximately 160 Kasser II mine-resistant vehicles designed to address security challenges in the region This partnership highlights the UAE's increasing involvement in African security measures and its ambitions as a military equipment supplier. More than 100 units of armoured vehicles, sourced from Abu Dhabi-based International Golden Group, are already en route to the DRC, representing one of Kinshasa's most substantial recent acquisitions of military hardware. This procurement comes as the Congolese armed forces face persistent security challenges, particularly in the conflict-ridden eastern provinces, where multiple armed groups continue to operate despite years of counterinsurgency efforts. According to Military Africa, among the vehicles being delivered is the Kasser II, a mine-resistant ambush-protected vehicle (MRAP) engineered to withstand the dangers prevalent in high-risk combat zones like eastern Congo. Manufactured under the auspices of the International Golden Group in the UAE, the Kasser II is tailored for multirole operations, functioning both as an armoured personnel carrier and as a platform capable of resisting blasts from mines, improvised explosive devices, and small-arms fire. The Congolese government has reportedly ordered around 160 of these vehicles in a deal valued at approximately $70 million, with some variants outfitted with heavier weaponry, including 20 mm cannons and 12.7 mm machine guns, to enhance battlefield effectiveness. Initial shipments brought in about 50 units, while subsequent deliveries including a batch of 30 that arrived at the port of Matadi in Kongo-Central province in May 2025, have further bolstered the fleet. UAE's controversial role in African military affairs The UAE, which has been steadily expanding its footprint in African security partnerships, is emerging as a notable supplier of advanced equipment to the DRC. DRC's recent arms deal with the United Arab Emirates comes at a time when Abu Dhabi's military role in Africa is under heightened scrutiny. While Kinshasa has framed the acquisition as part of its urgent push to modernise the army and secure volatile eastern regions against armed groups, the partnership inevitably inherits the shadow of broader geopolitical controversies surrounding the UAE's actions elsewhere on the continent. In Sudan, the UAE has been accused of funnelling weapons and logistical support to the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), the main rival to Sudan's army in the country's brutal civil conflict. Even though Abu Dhabi has denied these claims, evidence cited by the UN of arms shipments through Chad and Libya has fuelled perceptions that the UAE is willing to arm non-state actors when it serves its strategic interests. This history raises questions about whether the DRC's deal could be perceived as purely transactional or part of a wider Emirati security strategy in Africa. Critics warn that while the DRC is seeking legitimate means to strengthen its military, the optics of aligning with a partner accused of backing militias in other conflicts could complicate its diplomatic standing, especially with countries and institutions pushing for stricter oversight of arms flows into conflict zones. The DRC's leadership, however, appears to be prioritising immediate defence needs over reputational risk, banking on Abu Dhabi's willingness to deliver quickly where Western suppliers often move cautiously.
ARN News Center
22-02-2025
- Business
- ARN News Center
IDEX and NAVDEX conclude with over AED 25 billion in deals
Tawazun Council, the UAE's defence and security acquisitions authority, announced 15 new deals worth AED 1.43 billion with local and international companies on the final day of IDEX and NAVDEX exhibitions in Abu Dhabi. This brings the total number of deals signed during the five-day event to 55, valued at AED 25.15 billion, marking a 10% increase compared to the 2023 edition. On the final day, local deals reached AED 766.3 million, including three contracts with 'International Golden Group' for ammunition, military uniforms and renewing licences and programmes for the Electronic Medical File System (HIS) infrastructure. Other notable local deals included 'Al Jaber Land Systems' for the provision of support services and spare parts for trailers, 'Itqan Al Khaleej Computers' for the development of infrastructure for the Ministry of Defence's Sheryan system, and 'Al Taif' for maintenance services of air defence systems. A contract was awarded to 'e-Marine' for maintenance and repair services of submarine cables for the Sharyan Network project, while a contract was signed with 'Trans Orient' for technical support services for Armed Forces vehicles, and a deal was secured with 'Al Aberah Electrical Works' to provide technical support. Furthermore, 'Fast Marine' was contracted to supply inspection boats, while 'Etimad Strategic Security Solutions' secured a contract for the purchase of a specialized vehicle. International deals on the fifth day totalled AED 661.6 million, with major agreements including a contract with US-based 'Lockheed Martin' for Sidewinder missiles, valued at AED 429.4 million, and a deal with French company 'Safran Helicopter Engines' for technical support. Contracts were also signed with South Africa's 'GEW Technologies' for the purchase of a wireless jamming system worth AED 153.5 million, and with US-based 'INSITU' for maintenance, repair and sustainment services for drone systems, valued at AED 55.1 million. The announcements were made during a press conference attended by Tawazun Council's spokespersons, who shared details on these strategic contracts for the Ministry of Defence. شهد اليوم الخامس من معرضي #آيدكس و #نافدكس 2025 إعلان مجلس التوازن عن توقيع 15 صفقة بقيمة 1.43 مليار درهم مع شركات محلية ودولية، ليرتفع إجمالي قيمة الصفقات المبرمة خلال جميع أيام الحدث إلى 25.15 مليار درهم. Tawazun Council announced the signing of 15 agreements with local and… — IDEX (@IDEX_UAE) February 21, 2025
Gulf Today
21-02-2025
- Business
- Gulf Today
IDEX and NAVDEX conclude with total of Dhs25.15b in deals in Abu Dhabi
Tawazun Council announced 15 deals valued at Dhs1.43 billion with both local and international companies. This brought the total number of deals signed during the five-day exhibition to 55, with a total value of Dhs25.15 billion, marking a 10% growth compared to the 2023 edition. The total contracts signed amounted to Dhs3.97 billion on the first day, Dhs5.80 billion on the second day, Dhs10.18 billion on the third day, and Dhs3.77 billion on the fourth day. The announcement was made during a press conference attended by Majed Ahmed Al Jabri, Mohamed Saif Al Zaabi, and Mahra Bilal Al Dhaheri, the official spokespersons for Tawazun Council, who shared details about the council's agreements for the Ministry of Defence at the exhibitions. Mahra Bilal Al Dhaheri revealed that the total value of local deals on the fifth and final day of the exhibitions reached 11 deals worth Dhs766.3 million. Among them were three contracts with "International Golden Group': the first for purchasing ammunition valued at Dhs145.3 million, the second for renewing licenses and programs for the Electronic Medical File System (HIS) infrastructure, worth Dhs180 million, and the third for purchasing military uniforms and equipment valued at Dhs136.8 million. Other notable local deals included contracts with "Al Jaber Land Systems' for the provision of support services and spare parts for trailers worth Dhs28 million, "Itqan AL Khaleej Computers' for the development of infrastructure for the Ministry of Defence's " Sheryan" system valued at Dhs74.1 million, and "Al Taif' for maintenance services of air defence systems worth Dhs29 million. A contract was awarded to "e-Marine' for maintenance and repair services of submarine cables for the Sharyan Network project, valued at Dhs30 million. Additionally, an Dhs25 million contract was signed with "Trans Orient' for technical support services for Armed Forces vehicles. Another agreement, worth Dhs22.5 million, was secured with "Al Aberah Electrical' Works to provide technical support. Furthermore, "Fast Marine' was contracted to supply inspection boats for Dhs68.8 million, while the final deal involved "Etimad Strategic Security Solutions,' which secured an Dhs26.8 million contract for the purchase of a specialised vehicle. Mohamed Saif Al Zaabi highlighted that the total value of international deals on the fifth day of the "IDEX and NAVDEX 2025" exhibitions amounted to 4 contracts worth Dhs661.6 million. These included a contract with US-based "Lockheed Martin" for the alignment of new Sidewinder missiles, valued at Dhs429.4 million, and a contract with US-based' INSITU "for maintenance, repair, and sustainment services for drone systems, valued at Dhs55.1 million. The deals also included an agreement with French company "Safran Helicopter Engines" for technical and engineering support services, as well as the supply of spare parts for aircraft engines, valued at AED23.6 million. Additionally, a contract was signed with South Africa's "GEW Technologies" for the purchase of a wireless jamming system worth AED153.5 million. Majed Ahmed Al Jabri emphasised that the success of IDEX and NAVDEX 2025 highlights the UAE's prominent position as a global leader in the defence industry. He added that the increased confidence in the UAE's defence and security investment environment reflects the country's role as a key strategic partner in this vital sector. Tawazun Council remains committed to enhancing the competitiveness of the national industry, supporting innovation, and ensuring defense readiness by attracting the latest global technologies and solutions. He continued, "With the conclusion of the 17th edition of IDEX and the 8th edition of NAVDEX, we reaffirm Tawazun's role in achieving its goals of adding value through strategies that adopt the best practices in procurement and acquisition management, in close cooperation with our strategic partner, the Ministry of Defence, in line with the UAE's vision of developing a future-oriented defense sector.' Al Jabri concluded, "We take this opportunity to celebrate the immense success of this year's exhibitions and are confident that future editions will see further growth and progress, thanks to the visionary leadership of our wise leaders and the ongoing journey of comprehensive development toward a prosperous future.'
TAG 91.1
21-02-2025
- Business
- TAG 91.1
IDEX and NAVDEX conclude with over AED 25 billion in deals
Tawazun Council, the UAE's defence and security acquisitions authority, announced 15 new deals worth AED 1.43 billion with local and international companies on the final day of IDEX and NAVDEX exhibitions in Abu Dhabi. This brings the total number of deals signed during the five-day event to 55, valued at AED 25.15 billion, marking a 10% increase compared to the 2023 edition. On the final day, local deals reached AED 766.3 million, including three contracts with 'International Golden Group' for ammunition, military uniforms and renewing licences and programmes for the Electronic Medical File System (HIS) infrastructure. Other notable local deals included 'Al Jaber Land Systems' for the provision of support services and spare parts for trailers, 'Itqan Al Khaleej Computers' for the development of infrastructure for the Ministry of Defence's Sheryan system, and 'Al Taif' for maintenance services of air defence systems. A contract was awarded to 'e-Marine' for maintenance and repair services of submarine cables for the Sharyan Network project, while a contract was signed with 'Trans Orient' for technical support services for Armed Forces vehicles, and a deal was secured with 'Al Aberah Electrical Works' to provide technical support. Furthermore, 'Fast Marine' was contracted to supply inspection boats, while 'Etimad Strategic Security Solutions' secured a contract for the purchase of a specialized vehicle. International deals on the fifth day totalled AED 661.6 million, with major agreements including a contract with US-based 'Lockheed Martin' for Sidewinder missiles, valued at AED 429.4 million, and a deal with French company 'Safran Helicopter Engines' for technical support. Contracts were also signed with South Africa's 'GEW Technologies' for the purchase of a wireless jamming system worth AED 153.5 million, and with US-based 'INSITU' for maintenance, repair and sustainment services for drone systems, valued at AED 55.1 million. The announcements were made during a press conference attended by Tawazun Council's spokespersons, who shared details on these strategic contracts for the Ministry of Defence. شهد اليوم الخامس من معرضي #آيدكس و #نافدكس 2025 إعلان مجلس التوازن عن توقيع 15 صفقة بقيمة 1.43 مليار درهم مع شركات محلية ودولية، ليرتفع إجمالي قيمة الصفقات المبرمة خلال جميع أيام الحدث إلى 25.15 مليار درهم. — IDEX (@IDEX_UAE) February 21, 2025
Arabian Business
21-02-2025
- Business
- Arabian Business
UAE security deals hit $6.8bn at IDEX and NAVDEX 2025
The UAE's Tawazun Council announced 15 deals valued at AED1.43bn ($389m) with both local and international companies on the final day of IDEX and NAVDEX 2025. This brought the total number of deals signed during the five-day exhibition to 55, with a total value of AED25.15bn ($6.8bn), marking a 10 per cent growth compared to the 2023 edition. The total contracts signed amounted to: AED3.97bn ($1.1bn) on the first day AED5.8bn ($1.6bn) on the second day AED10.18bn ($2.8bn) on the third day AED3.77bn ($1bn) on the fourth day AED1.43bn ($389m) on the fifth day IDEX and NAVDEX 2025 in the UAE The announcement was made during a press conference attended by Majed Ahmed Al Jabri, Mohamed Saif Al Zaabi, and Mahra Bilal Al Dhaheri, the official spokespersons for Tawazun Council, who shared details about the council's agreements for the Ministry of Defense at the exhibitions. Mahra Bilal Al Dhaheri revealed that the total value of local deals on the fifth and final day of the exhibitions reached 11 deals worth AED766.3m ($209m). Among them were three contracts with 'International Golden Group': the first for purchasing ammunition valued at AED145.3m ($39.6m), the second for renewing licences and programs for the Electronic Medical File System (HIS) infrastructure, worth AED180m ($49m), and the third for purchasing military uniforms and equipment valued at AED136.8m ($37.2). Other notable local deals included contracts with 'Al Jaber Land Systems' for the provision of support services and spare parts for trailers worth AED28m ($7.6m), 'Itqan AL Khaleej Computers' for the development of infrastructure for the Ministry of Defence's ' Sheryan' system valued at AED74.1m ($20.2m), and 'Al Taif' for maintenance services of air defence systems worth AED29m ($7.9m). A contract was awarded to 'e-Marine' for maintenance and repair services of submarine cables for the Sharyan Network project, valued at AED30m ($8.2m). Additionally, an AED25m ($6.8m) contract was signed with 'Trans Orient' for technical support services for Armed Forces vehicles. Another agreement, worth AED22.5m ($6.1m), was secured with 'Al Aberah Electrical' Works to provide technical support. Furthermore, 'Fast Marine' was contracted to supply inspection boats for AED68.8m ($18.7m), while the final deal involved 'Etimad Strategic Security Solutions', which secured an AED26.8m ($7.3m) contract for the purchase of a specialised vehicle. Mohamed Saif Al Zaabi highlighted that the total value of international deals on the fifth day of the 'IDEX and NAVDEX 2025' exhibitions amounted to 4 contracts worth AED661.6m ($180.2m). These included a contract with US-based 'Lockheed Martin'for the alignment of new Sidewinder missiles, valued at AED429.4m ($117m), and a contract with US-based' INSITU 'for maintenance, repair, and sustainment services for drone systems, valued at AED55.1m ($15m). The deals also included an agreement with French company 'Safran Helicopter Engines' for technical and engineering support services, as well as the supply of spare parts for aircraft engines, valued at AED23.6m ($6.4m). Additionally, a contract was signed with South Africa's 'GEW Technologies' for the purchase of a wireless jamming system worth AED153.5m ($41.8m). Majed Ahmed Al Jabri emphasized that the success of IDEX and NAVDEX 2025 highlights the UAE's prominent position as a global leader in the defence industry. He added that the increased confidence in the UAE's defence and security investment environment reflects the country's role as a key strategic partner in this vital sector. Tawazun Council remains committed to enhancing the competitiveness of the national industry, supporting innovation, and ensuring defence readiness by attracting the latest global technologies and solutions. He continued: 'With the conclusion of the 17th edition of IDEX and the 8th edition of NAVDEX, we reaffirm Tawazun's role in achieving its goals of adding value through strategies that adopt the best practices in procurement and acquisition management, in close cooperation with our strategic partner, the Ministry of Defence, in line with the UAE's vision of developing a future-oriented defence sector. 'We take this opportunity to celebrate the immense success of this year's exhibitions and are confident that future editions will see further growth and progress, thanks to the visionary leadership of our wise leaders and the ongoing journey of comprehensive development toward a prosperous future.'
