UMEX conference hears from military and industry on varied challenges and opportunities of unmanned systems sector

ABU DHABI, 7th March, 2016 (WAM) -- The specialist conference accompanying UMEX and the co-located Simulation and Training Exhibition 2016 took place yesterday at Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC) with delegates hearing how new unmanned technologies and accompanying simulation packages are dramatically changing the front-line. The conference focused on the theme ‘defining the future of innovation’, with the participation of senior members of various Armed Forces, the industry’s leading lights and the sector’s thought leaders from around the world, discussing how to leverage unmanned systems to serve defence, security and civil purposes in efficient, accurate and flexible ways. The conference also attempted to address the many issues, challenges, opportunities and unanswered questions, such as safety, regulations and personnel understanding, which are emerging around these technologies, as with any new sector, to ensure they can be successfully implemented in the field. Major General Pilot Ibrahim Nasser Al Alawi, Commander of UAE Air Force and UAE Air Defence Force, gave the conference’s opening speech where he explained the critical juncture of the rapidly emerging sectors which also represent a major area for defence spending as these technologies enable militaries to respond in new, agile and flexible ways to fast changing regional security challenges. In his remarks, Al Alawi discussed the need to deliver a ‘full spectrum’ of operations covering a diverse range of technologies, actors and partners for the most effective responses. "Simulation, modelling and training will also play a crucial role in ensuring these technologies, as well as other important emerging areas, can be utilised to their maximum effect," he said. – Emirates News Agency, WAM - http://www.wam.ae/en/news/emirates/1395292469873.html