Mohamed bin Zayed unveils new 8x8m Armoured Modular Fighting Vehicle "Enigma

ABU DHABI, 23rd February, 2015 (WAM) -- His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, has affirmed that International Defence Exhibition (IDEX) and its associated events and conferences provide a fitting platform to bring the spotlight on our national defence industries, which have been gaining increasing recognition and trust worldwide. This international reputation, Sheikh Mohamed said, would not have been built without the tremendous efforts made by the UAE under the leadership of President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, to develop and modernise its defence industry, create proper conditions to enable it to thrive and possess highly competitive strength in order to compete with major international companies and build well-trained and qualified national professionals capable of dealing with advanced technology industries. Applauding the sharp competition and excellence that the national defence industries have, H.H. urged them to maximise their efforts when it comes to international best standards and quality so as to consolidate their foothold on the world's advanced defence industries landscape. Sheikh Mohammed made his statement following a tour of IDEX, which opened yesterday at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre. A key international platform for showcasing the latest technologies in defence manufacturing, IDEX will see this year participation of 1,200 exhibitors from 55 countries, including more than 170 UAE companies. During his tour, Sheikh Mohamed viewed the latest defence technology and services and heard from UAE exhibitors about their participation. Starting his tour with the Emirates Defence Technology’s stand, Sheikh Mohamed unveiled its new 8x8m Armoured Modular Fighting Vehicle "Enigma." H.H. Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs , and other senior officials attended the inauguration. The EDT officials briefed Sheikh Mohamed on the technical specifications of Enigma. The Enigma 8x8, which will be displayed on the Emirates Defence Technology’s stand for the duration of IDEX, provides high levels of protection, heavy weapons systems, amphibious capabilities, an unrivalled spacious interior that can accommodate 11 personnel, all without compromising the 28-ton vehicle’s mobility. The production of the Enigma will be at the EDT’s facility in Abu Dhabi, where it has already undertaken stringent tests ahead of its official introduction at IDEX. It will further support the UAE in developing an indigenous defence industry and enhance the EDT’s global reputation as a modern and progressive defence company. Enigma is designed to be compatible with a variety of weapon systems, which makes the Armoured Modular Fighting Vehicle (AMFV) suitable to armed forces around the world. The Enigma’s compatibility reflects the EDT’s defined strategy to partner with the world’s most renowned defence providers, which enables the EDT to provide the latest technologies and integration through knowledge sharing, product optimisation and process improvement. The launch of the Enigma further enhances the EDT’s strong portfolio of products and defence solutions, which includes the highly successful Nimr vehicles that are also produced in the UAE in partnership with Tawazun holding. – Emirates News Agency, WAM – http://www.wam.ae/en/news/idex/1395276943029.html