Mehmood Ul Hassan Khan
Azerbaijan International Defence Exhibition will be held on September 27-30 2016 at the Baku Expo Center in Baku. It will be 2nd edition of ADEX. The Ist edition was held in 2014. It will showcase so many defence products of Azerbaijan. The exhibition is held under the initiative and support of the Azerbaijani Ministries of Defence Industry and of Defence in partnership with companies “Iteca Caspian” and “Caspian Event Organisers” (CEO).
Aims & Importance
It will also share achievements of its Industrial Products industry. The aim of the exhibition is to expand Azerbaijan’s military and technical cooperation and to create conditions for new contracts. It represents an indicator for growth of the Azerbaijan’s prestige in the international arena, since similar exhibitions are held in the developed countries of the world. It will definitely arouse great interest among the participants.
Operational Capabilities of Azerbaijan Ministry of Defence Industry
The Azerbaijan Ministry of Defence Industry was established in 2005, and at present, Azerbaijan produces more than 1000 items of different products, including all kinds of ammunition, military vehicles and weapons. The exhibition 2016 will provide a new impetus for international cooperation in this area and will be a major contributor to the competitiveness of Azerbaijani military products to the world market.
Utility of ADEX-2016
It would strengthen cooperation in the military hardware sector. It would expand international partnership circles. It would present the latest achievements from Azerbaijani and international producers of military hardware. It would develop business contacts between producers and buyers of military hardware from around the world. It would showcase the achievements and potential of Azerbaijan’s defence industry to the domestic and international community.
Product Categories Details
Ground forces Armoured and non-armoured vehicles, Command and control systems
Ammunition and its component parts, Body armour and personal protection systems, Anti-aircraft defence systems, Anti-tank missile systems, Simulation and training systems
Air forces Military aircraft, helicopters and drones, Weapons and guidance, Missiles and air defence systems, Aircraft electronics and military exercise systems, Simulation and training systems
Navy Navy and coastguard, Command and control systems, Navy weapons systems, Navigation and radiolocation systems, Rescue systems, Port systems and port structure, Simulation and training systems
Internal forces Internal security systems, Intelligence equipment and technology, Equipment and technology for emergency situations, Special-purpose trucks, cars and vehicles, Police and security aircraft and helicopters, Shore security and technology, Search and rescue equipment and technology, Corporate and personal security systems
Source: Azerbaijan Defence Ministry (August, 2016)
Moreover, it will be demonstration of modern weaponry and technology, a show of the force and power of the national defence. It will provide a good opportunity to present the latest and unique developments of the defence industry to the professional community, and to exchange experiences. ADEX-2016 is also a unique dialogue platform for representatives of the defence authorities of various countries, inventors and experts.
Following world famous companies have already confirmed their participation in the ADEX-2016
a) Aselsan
b) CETC
c) Damen
d) MBDA
e) Norinco
f) IAI
g) Roketsan
h) Rosoboronexport
i) Thales
The domestic defence industry of Azerbaijan will be represented by a national pavilion of Azerbaijan, where the enterprises of the Ministry of Defence Industry of Azerbaijan will demonstrate different kinds of defence products and special-purpose weapons and ammunition.
Distinctive Feature
A distinctive feature of this exhibition project is a full-scale demonstration in the framework of a unified concept of a wide range of modern fire safety, rescue, protection and defence means, security technology systems, industrial and transportation security, protection of information and communication.
Main Theme
The main theme of which will be familiarity with global best practices and successful application of the latest technologies in the military-technical complex. The conference program includes reports by professionals, military experts and business representatives. It is hoped that more than 200 delegates will attend the said conference and ADEX-2016. Thus, the exhibition and conference will be an excellent platform to showcase the latest weapons and for the conclusion of new agreements in the field of international military-technical cooperation.
Azerbaijan & ADEX-2016
Azerbaijan is the only country in the Caucasus region which is able to acquire the latest military technologies in compliance with international standards. Azerbaijan is ranked as 15th in the world list of highest arms import countries. It has ability to create and supply modern equipment and other combat resources to its armed forces.
It has one of the most powerful ground armed forces in a region. It has one of the most powerful air forces in the region. Azerbaijan has the largest possibilities of ground forces and strong air defense system. Its Navy has been rated 2nd in the Caucasus region. It has institutionalized professional military education and application of NATO standards. It has been participating in so many UN sponsored peacekeeping operation in the world. Azerbaijan has unique geo-political and geo-strategic geographies due to which its armed forces have an important role to play.
So, ADEX-2016 is well conceived, timed, prepared and showcased international event. It would further enhance its defence and military production capabilities. It would increase chances of joint ventures. It would foster inflows of FDIs in its defence and military industries in the days to come. It would increase it defence and military operational preparedness.
The organizing committee on preparations for the exhibition is in full swing and taking care of all works. According to official figures (August, 2016) more than 200 companies from 34 countries have yet confirmed their participation at ADEX-2016
Today, more than 1000 defense products are being produced in the institutions/production plants of Azerbaijan’s Ministry of Defense Industry. Azerbaijan demonstrated 27 products at the exhibition in Istanbul in 2009. It displayed 132 products in Malaysia. It will demonstrate various ammunitions, engineering techniques, intelligence tools, protective equipment’s, air bombs that have not been previously showcased at foreign fairs. Azerbaijan has 50, 100, 250 and 500 kg-air bombs. It produced 107mm multiple-rocket launcher on “Ford” chassis. This system having a firing distance of 11 km will be demonstrated for the first time at ADEX exhibition. This system will be tested at the shooting range soon.
Latest Defence Products of Azerbaijan
Azerbaijan has already started the serial production of 40mm Multiple Grenade Launchers and their ammunition with a Serbian company. A production unit has been already established in this regard. It plans to open 7-8 plants this year. They will produce a variety of ammunition, weapons and other products. One of these plants will carry out serial production of 85 mm-155 mm caliber tank and artillery shells. Moreover, a serial production plant of ammunition for RPG-7 grenade launchers will be put into operation.
It will soon produce 4 types of ammunition for grenade throwers, as well as barrels for all types of weapons in size from 5.45 mm to 30 mm. The production of MP-5 submachine gun will be started under the license of the Turkish Mechanical and Chemical Industry Corporation in the short run. It is about to complete the tests of local-produced “Mubariz” and “Yalguzag” sniper rifles. It has already received technical terms from the Defense Ministry and both sniper rifles will be included in armament this year.
The ministry of defense industry of Azerbaijan will start the serial production of a new generation drone, called Zerbe (Strike), in the near future.
Moreover, last year, the Defense Industry Ministry accomplished work over the creation of night vision devices, prismatic binoculars with a compass, mine fuses of different types and organized their production.
“During a period from 2006 to 2015, more than 50 new industrial areas were created in the ministry’s enterprises. It includes the modernization of universal and tank guns, anti-tank hand grenade launchers, mortars of various calibers, and shells for them, armored vehicles such as BTR and BRDM,”. “Overall, in 2015, the volume of defense products, handed over to customers, increased 210 times compared to 2006. Azerbaijan is also mastering the production of shells for six types of artillery and tank guns, automatic weapons.
Azerbaijani Minister of Defense Industry Yaver Jamalov’s visit to Pakistan
The delegation headed by Azerbaijani Minister of Defense Industry Yaver Jamalov visited Pakistan on April 26-27, 2016 to participate in the 6th session of Azerbaijan-Pakistan Intergovernmental Commission on economic cooperation.
Meeting with Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif
At a meeting with the prime minister Nawaz Sharif Jamalov said Azerbaijan was keen to explore new opportunities to import defense products and raw material from Pakistan. He extended invitation for Pakistan’s participation in the International Defense Exhibition being organised by Azerbaijan in September, with special reference to the JF-17 Thunder.
Meeting with President Mamnoon Hussain
President Mamnoon Hussain sought greater cooperation between Pakistan and Azerbaijan in energy, defense and communication sectors for the mutual benefit of the two friendly countries. He said the two countries should make coordinated efforts to increase the bilateral trade.
Meeting with Defence Production Rana Tanveer Hussain
Azerbaijan’s Defence Minister also met with minister for Defence Production Rana Tanveer Hussain and showed great interest to purchase warheads from Pakistan. He asked for designing a special mechanism to avoid formalities that delay procurement. For this purpose, the Azerbaijani minister proposed appointing focal persons from the respective ministries of both the countries to speed up procurement process. Tanveer expressed readiness for transfer of technology and joint ventures with the friendly country. Azerbaijan purchased numerous weapons from foreign countries including Turkey, Russia and Israel, to modernise and upgrade its armed forces, and signed military contracts with over 20 countries which envisage a large-scale weapons supply.
Yavar Jamalov, Azerbaijan’s Minister of Defence Industry invited Pakistan to participate at the Azerbaijan International Defence Exhibition (ADEX 2016). The JF-17 has a reasonable chance in earning a place in the Azerbaijan Air Force (AzAF). At present, the AzAF operates 13 MiG-29s, 11 Su-25s, and five MiG-21s. PAC could position the JF-17 as the replacement for the AzAF’s MiG-21, but emphasize that the JF-17 is a fully capable multi-role asset.
The provision of the SD-10 active radar-homing (ARH) beyond-visual-range air-to-air missile (BVRAAM) and PL-5EII all-aspect within-visual-range air-to-air missile (WVRAAM) will offer assuredly good air-to-air capabilities, especially given Azerbaijan’s threat prospects, which center on Armenia.
Pakistan-Azerbaijan Defence Cooperation
The military cooperation is one of the main components of bilateral relations between Azerbaijan and Pakistan. The countries signed a defense agreement in 2013. Later, the naval forces of both countries held consultations on military-technical issues. Military and defence cooperation between Azerbaijan-Pakistan is signified by continuous dialogue in the form of high-level meetings, workgroups and other similar interactions between the respective bodies and institutions of both states.
Pakistan-Azerbaijan Defence Cooperation Details
Bilateral Military Cooperation Agreement It was signed in February 2014 during the fifth meeting of the Azerbaijan-Pakistan Working Group on Military Cooperation held in Islamabad. The same updated document was again signed on April 1, 2015 during the Working Group meeting in Baku.
ADEX 2014 Pakistan rigorously participated in ADEX 2014 held in Baku during September 2014. Afterwards, Azerbaijan’s high official visited Pakistan during November 2014. Defence cooperation and regional security were discussed during this visit.
President of Pakistan’s Visit to Azerbaijan 2015 President visited Azerbaijan in March 2015 during which both countries agreed to boost and work in the area of defence technology.
Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff
Committee of Pakistan He paid visit in October 2015 where military cooperation and regional security was thoroughly discussed.
Pakistan has also trained around a 100 units of military personnel in Azerbaijan over the past decade.53 Creation of the Pakistan-Azerbaijan Business Forum, with a special focus on defence equipment, is another example of mutual defence cooperation.
Future Prospects
Both countries share strong politico-military ties. Now, there is an urgent need to further strengthen military cooperation beyond the already customary military personnel trainings, ad hoc common military exercises and mutual visits and discussions. Annual regular meetings between Working Groups on military should now lead to a combined military and defence cooperation committee of equal participation to deal with all aspects of the security sectors‟ cooperation; and be able to implement strategic provisions of the proposed bilateral military cooperation agreement.
Moreover, a series of regular military exercises between the two countries should be conducted which could be extended to include land, air and naval forces, as well as air defence and strategic planning. Both countries should consider enlarging the scale of mutual exchange of military personnel for training and military education.