Defence & Security Middle East

In a pioneering initiative aimed at enhancing naval capacity, naval architecture giant Gibbs & Cox has unveiled a plan to repurpose ageing oil rigs into advanced missile defence platforms and logistical support bases. The proposal, disclosed at the Sea Air Space 2024 trade show, introduces the Mobile Defense/Depot Platform (MODEP) Concept, which would see old rigs transformed into floating islands capable of ballistic missile defence and providing resupply to naval vessels and aircraft.

Across the world, the advent of cloud technology has facilitated faster, easier physical security deployments. According to a recent research conducted by Genetec, 33% of respondents state that their physical security systems were on-premises and 67% were cloud or hybrid-cloud. As businesses in the Middle East rationalise their costs, concerns, and approach to migrating to the cloud, hybrid-cloud deployments are gaining traction across the physical security industry.

In an exclusive interview, Estonia’s Defence Minister, HE Hanno Pevkur, outlines the country’s forward-thinking approach to national security. As global threats grow more sophisticated, Estonia is doubling down on cyber resilience, advanced military technology, and strategic partnerships. Pevkur discusses how the nation is leveraging innovation to counter emerging risks, from digital warfare to geopolitical tensions.

Critical Communications World (CCW) is gearing up for its forthcoming edition from 14th to 16th May 2024 at the Dubai World Trade Centre. With Defence & Security Middle East as media partners, CCW continues its tradition of bringing together mission-critical and business-critical end-users with manufacturers and suppliers for three days of knowledge-sharing and networking. The upcoming event promises attendees a comprehensive program filled with insightful sessions led by industry experts.

Axis Communications, a leading provider of network video solutions, has announced the launch of a versatile dome camera designed to revolutionise surveillance capabilities. The cutting-edge AXIS Q9307-LV Dome Camera integrates advanced features such as high-definition video, two-way audio communication, actionable analytics, and LED indicators, aimed at enhancing safety, security, and operational efficiency across various sectors.

A recent study conducted by Cisco has noted an upsurge in the utilisation of AI technologies within cybersecurity strategies among organisations in the UAE. The findings underscore a proactive response to evolving threats, with 91% of surveyed companies integrating AI into their security defences, primarily focusing on threat detection, response, and recovery.

We live digitally. Much of our professional work is digital, as is much of our leisure time. Our commercial activity – shopping, service subscription, banking, and more – is digital. And our government is digital. No doubt governance itself requires the wisdom of individuals. But the transactional part – filing, requesting, registering, licencing, and so on – is digital.

A paradigm shift in aerospace and defence logistics is on the horizon as 3D printing technology emerges as a transformative solution, forecasts GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company. This innovation enables on-demand production of mission-critical components, tackling longstanding challenges in spare parts accessibility and standardization.

In the realm of satellite technology, ICEYE stands at the forefront, spearheading radar satellite persistent monitoring with its impressive fleet of synthetic aperture radar (SAR) satellites. As Jamil Kawar, Vice President for Missions in the Middle East and North Africa, elaborates, ICEYE’s 31 satellites enable unparalleled Earth surface monitoring, offering invaluable insights for myriad applications.

Saab, the Swedish aerospace and defence firm, has further cemented its partnership with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) with the delivery of the fourth GlobalEye aircraft, which took place on April 18, 2024. This follows the successful delivery of three GlobalEye aircraft in 2020 and 2021, underscoring a robust collaboration between the two countries. Micael Johansson, President and CEO of Saab, expressed his pride in the company’s ongoing contributions to the UAE’s defence infrastructure.