According to Jane's Defence, a 20% increase in GCC defence spending is expected from 2010 to 2014 (from US$ 52.4Bn to US$ 62.9Bn). Proportionally the strongest growth will be in the UAE and Kuwait, with a 23% increase expected in defence spends for both countries. Strong economic growth, continuing regional security concerns and the desire to develop indigenous capabilities through the use of offset are the driving factors behind such strong growth projections.

Regular IDEX attendees such as India, China and the GCC nations are expected to become increasingly important consumers for advance land defence systems. These nations are increasing defence budgets to modernise their ground forces particularly in key areas such as armoured vehicles, battle tanks, anti-armour and anti-air missile system and are promising to be the fastest growing markets among emerging economies.

The 900+ exhibitors who are expected at IDEX 2011 will represent over 50 countries from around the world. 31 country pavilions have confirmed their participation at the 2011 anniversary edition.

So who can we expect to see there and what will these exhibitors have to offer to the growing land defence industry?

From the UAE we will see a strong showing by Tawazun, the headline sponsor of IDEX, a government-owned company designed to diversify the national economy into a wide range of industrial and commercial ventures. Subsidiaries of Tawazun such as Caracal International, the first arms manufacturer in the country, and Tawazun Advanced Defence Systems will have a significant presence at the event.

In 2009, Caracal unveiled the innovative SC Sub-Compact 9mm at IDEX. The gun has sold well as a primary weapon for government professionals who must conceal a handgun for job-related situations and as a secondary back up pistol. In addition to continued sales for their existing product line, we are likely to see more exciting new offerings from this emerging company.

Jordanian Company Jordan Light Vehicle Manufacturing (JLVM) will be exhibiting its range of light combat and transport vehicles. Established in 2003 as a joint venture between King Abdullah II Design and Development Bureau (KADDB) and the United Kingdom’s Jankel Group, JLVM provides a line of military products specifically tailored to the needs of the region’s climates and landscapes.

The Indian defence heavyweight Integrated Defence Products LLC will be bringing along their strong brands of advanced ballistic materials. With consistent innovation in armour, hard armour, ballistic shields and bomb disposal units, IDP has evolved over the past five decades into a leading manufacturer of defence related products. IDP now has a strong market share within the Indian military forces and abroad.

For Chinese company Poly Technologies, this will be their fourth consecutive IDEX participation. As a state supervised organisation directed towards advancing the Chinese military infrastructure, Poly Technologies is sure to present the latest generation of land defence military hardware that their nation has to offer.

Having historically forged large deals with UAE forces at IDEX, General Dynamics (GD) will be a strong exhibitor at the event this year. As a global leader in producing, supporting and sustaining land and expeditionary combat systems, GD presents a strong range of defence hardware including light and heavy combat vehicles, advanced armour systems and industry-leading ammunition and ordinance.

Among Northrop Grumman’s cutting-edge product line are their geospatial intelligence architectures. With advanced applications in intelligence gathering and mission planning as well as routing, logistics and execution monitoring, variations of these systems could be in-demand for growing military infrastructures in the region. The potential competition between Northrop Grumman and Rheinmetall AG in the area of advanced C2 systems is very much of note, as it would add significant purchasing incentive among interested parties.

Again appearing from Rockwell Collins in this year’s product line is Firestorm, a system enabling coordination between land and air forces in the execution of close combat air strikes. This offering will pair well for both air and land delegations attending the exhibition.

Commenting on behalf of The Association of the U.S. Army, (AUSA), organiser of the USA Pavilion since 1999, Lieutenant General Roger G. Thompson said: “Over the years we have grown over 300 percent and were honoured in 2007 to be the largest indoor national pavilion. This is a tribute to supportive organisers, the development of a magnificent venue and the Government of Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates. The new facility has given us tremendous opportunities to attract the very best defence companies. Moreover, we have found that this is an ideal event for growing our new-to-market companies to make profitable contact with thousands of interested buyers. We are delighted to be a long time participant and are excited about the upcoming event. IDEX 2011 is the place to be in the Middle East for defence companies providing both products and services.”