French naval experts coming to BRIDEX 2009

THE Brunei International Defence Exhibition and Conference (BRIDEX 2009) will be playing host to top defence companies from all over the world showcasing their high-tech products and expertise that range from data and intelligence systems, missiles and weapon systems, command and control systems and software right up to warships and aircrafts.

BRIDEX 2009, organised by Royal Brunei Technical Services (RBTS) with the full support of the Ministry of Defence (MinDef), is considered as one of the region's premier defence and security events.

The event is scheduled to be held from August 12 to 15, at the new exhibition and convention centre located not far from the Royal Brunei Polo & Riding Club, Jerudong.

RBTS said that the four-day BRIDEX 2009 is expected to attract more than 400 delegates from over 60 countries and over 15,000 trade and public visitors. Countries such as Australia, Brazil, Bangladesh, Cambodia, France, Germany, India, Japan, Jordan, Kuwait, Malaysia, Myanmar, New Zealand, Pakistan, Papua New Guinea, People's Republic of China, Qatar, Laos, Indonesia, Philippines, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Russia, South Korea, Sweden, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Timor-Leste, United Kingdom, United States of America and Vietnam, have indicated that they will be sending their delegates to BRIDEX 2009, the region's premier and not-to-be-missed defence and security exhibition.

One of the companies that will be participating in BRIDEX 2009 is Défense Conseil International (DCI) of France.

Working in close cooperation with the French armed forces and the General Delegation for Armament (DGA) and French defence industrialists, DCI provides the transfer of French defence expertise to friendly armed forces. DCI is 50 per cent owned by the French Ministry of Defence (MoD) and its subsidiaries include COFRAS, NAVFCO, AIRCO and DEFCO.

COFRAS, NAVFCO, AIRCO provide technical assistance for land, naval, and air armament customers; and DEFCO essentially functions as a risk-management consultancy. DCI's activities include training, advice and technical assistance, operational support and assistance to prime contracting authorities or project managers.

With close collaboration with the French Navy, NAVFCO provides the transfer of the French Navy's know-how to friendly foreign navies that buy French naval products. More than 13,000 officers, petty officers, seamen and specialists from 30 navies worldwide have undergone training with NAVFCO. One such customer is the Royal Malaysian Navy.

Another important player is the French Naval Industry Group (GICAN), which was created in 1992 by companies involved in the naval industrial sector, under the sponsorship of French MoD.

GICAN's scope now encompasses maritime safety and security and commercial shipbuilding.

GICAN has a membership comprising more than 130 companies that represent the widest range of activities in French naval defence and armaments, naval and maritime equipment, and maritime security and safety.

Among them there are not only key prime contractors, system integrators and equipment providers but also small and medium industries (SMI) involved in naval, cruise or mercantile shipbuilding and surveillance activities.

RBTS says that the staging of BRIDEX 2009 is expected to serve as a platform for the exhibitors to display the operational capability of their equipment to the Royal Brunei Armed Forces (RBAF), Royal Brunei Police Force (RBPF), Royal Customs and Excise, Immigration and National Registration and other government enforcement agencies. (ALA)

The Brunei Times