Abu Dhabi, February 13, 2005, KSR Menon (PTI)

BrahMos, the Indo-Russian supersonic cruise missile, spearheaded the Indian participation at the International Defence Exhibition and Conference 2005 that began in Abu Dhabi on Sunday.

Ten Indian companies, including BrahMos, Bharat Earth Movers Limited, Ashok Leyland and Machinery Sales Corporation, are participating in the region's premier defence show, which will also feature the Indian Navy.

BrahMos, named after two rivers in India and Russia - Brahmaputra and Moskva - is touted to be superior to the US Tomahawk cruise missiles.

A Sivathanu Pillai, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of BrahMos and the Chief Controller (Research and Development) of the Defence Research & Development Organisation, will make presentations on the missile.

INS Brahmaputra of the Indian Navy is also participating in the show.

The United Arab Emirates announced a series of military equipment deals worth $ 345 million for its armed forces on the first day of the world's largest military show.

The two biggest deals went to Germany's Rohde and Schwarz Gmbh and Italy's Agusta SPA, UAE's military procurement chief Brigadier Obaid al-Ketbi said.