Broad spectrum
Günter Endres
One of Europe’s leading suppliers of defence technology systems, Rheinmetall Defence, has a robust presence in the Middle East, and this is reflected in a wide array of products and services on show here at IDEX. “We see IDEX as an opportunity to give our customers a clearer idea of what we can do to bolster their military security,” said Andres Haller, head of sales for Rheinmetall Middle East.
Haller still sees plenty of potential for networked air defence systems that include an intelligent battle management system, where Rheinmetall’s product spectrum enables it to respond to most customer requirements. “We are currently involved in talks on all types of projects, including a bid to modernise the Al Hamra firing range,” Haller said. “In co-operation with Theissen Training Systems, Rheinmetall has proposed a comprehensive concept carefully tailored to the customer’s needs. We hope to be able to implement it in the near future.” Another strength of the company is the range of armoured vehicles. One of these, the Condor, has been in service in Kuwait for many years, and the Fuchs 2 armoured NBC reconnaissance vehicle is being delivered to a Gulf state. But Rheinmetall has more. “For the first time in the region, we are displaying the Gavial, Yak and Tokeh. These vehicles are ideally suited to the requirements of the modern military, offering an excellent balance of survivability, mobility and flexibility.” Haller emphasised the extreme mobility of Tokeh, which can be airlifted in an NH90 helicopter and has been designed specifically for special operations forces; the protective ability of Gavial against a variety of threats; and the multi-role capability of Yak.
Haller further added the MLG 27 light naval gun, the MA SS multiammunition softkill system, the high-tech simulation system for military operations in urban terrain (MOUT), the intelligent sensor-fused round SMArt and more to Rheinmetall’s capabilities. The company is also working on effective concepts for civil defence, which has become an extremely important concern in the Middle East. “We are convinced that we can play a leading role in thisdomain, too,” Haller concluded.
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