Egypt exhibits tanks, armored vehicles in IDEX2019

CAIRO - 19 February 2019: Egypt is exhibiting M1-A1 and M88-A2 tanks, and ST100 and ST500 armored vehicles in IDEX2019 held in Abu Dhabi on February 17-21.

On the sidelines of IDEX2019, Minister of State for Military Production Mohamed al-Assar met with Emirati Minister of State for Defense Affairs Mohamed bin Hamad al-Bawardy, Emirati Chief of Staff Hamad Mohammed Thani Al Rumaithi, and Emirati Chairman of the National and Reserve Service Authority Ahmed bin Tahnoon.

The Emirati officials affirmed the necessity to cooperate in the sector of military production.

They said that the M1-A1 and M88-A2 tanks as well as the other Egyptian-made defense products that were exhibited in EDEX 2018 reflect technological advancement in Egypt’s defense industry.

They also expressed their appreciation for Egypt’s selection of the UAE to exhibit the aforementioned tanks for the first time in a foreign country.

On his side, Assar lauded the technological advancement of the Emirati defense industry, and the outstanding organization of the exhibition. The minister added that Egypt will take part in IDEX2021, and that more Emirati firms will take part in EDEX2020.

Egyptian defense products exhibited in IDEX2019 were also praised by Director General of Saudi Border Guards Awwad Bin Eid Al-Aradi Al-Balawi, who asserted the need for Egyptian-Saudi cooperation in the sector of military production to combat terrorism.

Assar met with Senior Managing Director of OshKosh Defense in the Middle East, Africa and South Asia Michael Dishman. The company manufactures tactical vehicles, and has been a partner of the ministry in the production of heavy and medium tactical trucks. Dishman said he looked forward to expanding partnership with Egypt.

The minister also met with the representative of General Precision Machinery Dynamics who expressed interest to partner with Egypt.