Exhibitor space for the Naval Defense Exhibition (NAVDEX) has been fully reserved, according to a meeting of the Higher Organizing Committee for the International Defense Exhibition and Conference (IDEX).

80 organizations have registered, taking up a collective 6000m2 of exhibition space dedicated to NAVDEX and unmanned systems. The high demand reflects the broader regional and international trends in naval defense.

“We are pleased to announce the exhibition has nearly doubled in size since the previous edition, with 80 companies registered representing 15 nations, and 5,000 attendees anticipated,” said Saleh Al Marzooqi, IDEX Director.

“Ensuring the exhibition has the facilities needed to meet growing demand, we have expanded the quay wall by 50% and installed escalators facilitating easier movement between IDEX and NAVDEX. Our new show components, such as the live demonstration area and maritime security zone, moreover, are specifically tailored to meet emerging industry trends,” Marzouqi added.

The expanded quay wall will allow capacity to host six visiting vessels from five nations, as opposed to the three on display in 2011. America, Italy, France, the UK and Pakistan will bring a range of mine hunters, missile corvettes and multi supply ships to help showcase technologies from the respective nations.  The visiting vessels will be joined by a collection UAE ships on rotation throughout the exhibition.

Amongst the 80 companies exhibiting are key sponsor Abu Dhabi Ship Building (ADSB), Northrop Grumman and DCNS.  ADSB will bring its industry-leading products and related services to navies, coast guards and other military and para-military vessel operators. Key highlights from ADSB’s line-up include the MRTP16 High Speed Interceptor, 27m Missile Boat and 72m Baynunah Corvette.

Northrop Grumman will display a range of defense hardware and logistical systems. Integrating with this year’s focused theme on unmanned systems, the organization will bring its range of autonomous naval vessels, designed to keep personnel out of harm’s way while performing valuable maritime security missions.

The DCNS stand will showcase surface combatants such as the Gowind OPV, the Gowind Combat multi-mission corvette and the FREMM Multimission Frigates. Also on display from DCNS will be submarines such as the Scorpene medium-size, and Andrasta, a compact submarine designed for navies needing a submarine optimized for littoral missions.

Organized by the ADNEC in coordination with the UAE Armed Forces GHQ, NAVDEX will take place at Abu Dhabi’s National Exhibition Centre from the 17th – 21st of February, 2013.