Opening of BIDEC 2017 first edition of Bahrain defense Exhibition.

Today, October 16, 207, opening of BIDEC 2017, the first edition of the Bahrain International Defense Exhibition and Conference which takes place in the capital of the country, Manama, from the 16 to 18 October 2017.

The Royal Guard Commander, BIDEC High Organising Committee, His Highness Sheikh Nasser bin Hamad Al-Khalifa (Left) on the booth of Leonardo during the official opening of BIDEC 2017, Bahrain International Defense Exhibition and Conference in Manama.

During the official ceremony, the first tri service exhibition in Bahrain, was officially opened by the Royal Guard Commander, BIDEC High Organising Committee, His Highness Sheikh Nasser bin Hamad Al-Khalifa. The event was organized of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al-Khalifa, the Supreme Commander.

For this first edition of BIDEC, the organizers announced the participation of 180 exhibitors from 39 countries. Sheikh Nasser bin Hamad Al-Khalifa has said that the BIDEC exhibition and conference could become one of the most important defense exhibition in the region to share latest technologies and innovations for the international defense and security industries.

"The BIDEC exhibition is considered as one of the first comprehensive international defence exhibitions and conferences in the region, covering land, sea and air, will bring together top leaders and military experts and representatives of major manufacturers of military defence equipment and systems in one location. The exhibition acts as a regional platform that will bring together the world's best defence and security organizations to network with governments and military personnel, and to showcase the latest technology and equipment", added Sheikh Nasser bin Hamad Al-Khalifa.

Bahrain, in conjunction with its GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council ) partners has moved to upgrade its defenses in response to the threat posed by the Iran-Iraq and Persian Gulf wars.

In 1982, the GCC gave Bahrain $1.7 billion to help improve its defenses. Bahrain's defense spending since 1999 has been steady. The government spends around $320 million annually on their military.

Bahrain has doubled its spending on defences amid intensified terror attacks in the GCC and Middle East. The country has ordered defence imports estimated at $80 million in 2016, compared with $30 million in 2015.

Bahrain has been supporting the fight against terrorist group Islamic State through the United States’ Operation Inherent Resolve military intervention, which takes place mostly in Iraq and Syria.

In 2015, it also joined Saudi Arabia-led military intervention Operation Decisive Storm which targets Houthi militia in Yemen.