A major defense exhibition opened in the United Arab Emirates on Monday, with Russian firms participating in the maritime section, despite Western pressure on Gulf states to help isolate Moscow and the strong presence of Israeli companies, Reuters writes.

Anti-missile defense system “Iron Dome”.Photo: Vadim Lerner, Dreamstime.com

Russian firms, including Kalashnikov and Rosoboronexport, displayed assault rifles, missiles and drones at the Naval Defense and Maritime Security Exhibition (NAVDEX), which is part of the biennial International Defense Exhibition (IDEX).

Men dressed in the traditional clothing of the United Arab Emirates, known as thobe, as well as men in military uniforms from India, Pakistan and other countries were seen in contact with delegates of Russian firms. At least three Russian companies contacted by Reuters declined to comment.

The United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia, which have rejected Western sanctions imposed on Russia over its invasion of Ukraine, have resisted US pressure to cut ties with Russia, with which they have energy and economic ties.

The chief executive of BrahMos Aerospace, an India-Russia joint venture, said the firm was making progress in talks launched five years ago with the UAE on the firm’s sea-, land- and air-launched supersonic cruise missiles.

“Of course we are in talks with the UAE and other neighboring countries,” Atul D. Rane told Reuters, describing talks with the UAE as progressing after slowing down during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Many arms-producing countries are competing for influence and contracts with wealthy Gulf Arab states, including the UAE and Saudi Arabia, which are trying to diversify their defense partners and want to develop their own industries.

The United Arab Emirates and Bahrain have forged ties with Israel in 2020, partly over shared concerns about Iran, whose missiles and drones are seen as a threat by Gulf Arab states.

Israeli companies were present at IDEX, including the producer of the Iron Dome anti-missile system Rafael.

Israel Aerospace Industries held a demonstration of an unmanned ship with Abu Dhabi Ship Building and defense conglomerate EDGE, the first joint display of military equipment between the two countries.

Photo: Dreamstime