Spectacular BRIDEX launch

JORDAN King joins His Majesty to help kick off premier defence exhibition. IT WAS a spectacular start for the second edition of Brunei Darussalam's premier defence and security exhibition — the Brunei International Defence Exhibition (BRIDEX) 2009 — yesterday. His Majesty Sultan Hj Hassanal Bolkiah Mu'izzaddin Waddaulah, the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam, was joined by King Abdullah II bin Al Hussein of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan in officiating at the opening.

His Majesty, who is also the Minister of Defence and Supreme Commander of the Royal Brunei Armed Forces (RBAF), also launched the new BRIDEX building with King Abdullah II with both monarchs signing commemorative plaques. They then viewed a short video on the exhibition centre features and design.

His Royal Highness Prince General Hj Al-Muhtadee Billah, the Crown Prince and Senior Minister at the Prime Minister's Office and RBAF General; His Royal Highness Prince Haji 'Abdul 'Azim; His Royal Highness Prince 'Abdul Malik and His Royal Highness Prince 'Abdul Mateen were also present at the launch.

Arriving under the glass dome of the BRIDEX building in Jerudong, the leaders were greeted by Deputy Minister of Defence Pehin Datu Singamanteri Colonel (Rtd) Dato Seri Paduka Hj Mohammad Yasmin Hj Umar as well as an entourage of senior military officials and visiting delegates.

Using state-of-the-art recognition technology, Their Majesties had their palms scanned, which launched BRIDEX 2009 and activated a workstation console showcasing visual displays.

Eyes were then directed to the sky as a series of aerobatics were performed by various aircraft from the Singapore and Malaysian air forces. Thundering into the sky first was a Singapore Air Forces F-16 fighter jet, with the pilot pushing the limits of his plane with tight twist-and-turn manoeuvres.

A Bell 412 came onto the scene next, followed by Royal Malaysian Airforce's Sukhoi SU-30 MKM strike fighter aircraft.

From the Viewing Gallery, located on the edge of the beach, Their Majesties had a front-row view of the sea and land-based insurgency scenario simulations.

The mock operations included subduing an enemy checkpoint using a sea-to-land approach. Special forces also showcased their hostage retraction skills as they disabled a bus carrying terrorists and hostages.

Military vehicles also rolled onto the sandy beaches, showing their capabilities in traversing difficult terrain.

At the West and East Wings of the exhibition centre, Their Majesties toured the booths of the exhibition that displayed a host of modern-day warfare technologies, ranging from weapons and software to support and logistics.

About 250 companies from 25 participating countries are exhibiting their products at this year's BRIDEX. The next BRIDEX in 2011 is predicted to draw a much larger participation of 320 exhibiting companies with 500 VIP delegates. BRIDEX 2009 will be held until Saturday. It will be open to the public on Friday and Saturday. The Brunei Times