05/30/07
DEFENSE NEWS
Brunei Launches Inaugural BRIDEX 2007
By Wendell Minnick
The inaugural Brunei Darussalam International Defence Exhibition and Forum 2007 (BRIDEX 2007), scheduled to run from May 31 to June 2, expects representatives from at least 60 defense industries.
The exhibition, to be held at the International Convention Centre, Berakas, will include a static display of defense equipment, UAV demonstrations and a Global Forum.
The theme of the exhibition, “Investing in Technology,” will focus on homeland security, C4ISR and UAVs.
BRIDEX 07 will be held in conjunction with the 46th anniversary of the formation of the Royal Brunei Armed Forces.
According to a press release issued March 12, Yang Mulia Dato Paduka Haji Mustappa bin Haji Sirat, permanent secretary of the Ministry of Defence, “informed the audience that BRIDEX 2007 anticipates the participation of more than 60 leading defence manufacturers from around the world. It will also see the attendance of foreign delegates from global business entities, senior government defence and military officials, defence professionals, researchers, defence analysts, service personnel, local private companies and journalists. The presence of the high profile representatives opens up a valuable opportunity to establish networking between local and global counterparts, specifically in the defence industry business.”
U.S. exhibitors include L-3 Communications, Northrop Grumman and Raytheon. Other foreign exhibitors include the China Electronic Technology Group, U.K.-based BAE Systems, Sweden-based Gripen, France-based Thales and Singapore Technologies.
The Global Forum will bring together “private sector, end-users and suppliers of defence technologies in developing interaction and networking. This is hoped to create greater awareness and generate interest among the local, regional and international private sectors in reaping investment opportunities in defence industry,” said the press release.
Speakers include Alan Garwood, head of the United Kingdom’s Defence Export Services, Jan Magnusson, director of industrial cooperation for Saab, and Terrill Kim Grant, chief of engineering, General Dynamics.
