Dubai, April 12, 2005 (Khaleej Times)

Boeing has launched its Integrated Defence Systems (IDS) unit in the UAE, which will offer Middle Eastern customers the best solutions, systems, services and innovation in aircraft, satellites, launch systems and services.

This was announced by James F. Albaugh, executive vice-president of the Boeing company and president and chief executive officer of Integrated Defence Systems while addressing a Press conference yesterday.

He said $30.5 billion business unit was created in July 2002. The unit includes the company's total space, defence, government, intelligence and communications capabilities.

"These solutions will enable customers to operate effectively in a future where new technologies and their applications will play a pivotal role," he added.

According to him, Boeing integrated Defence System captured more than $30 billion orders. Out of this, around 10 per cent was from outside US.

The Middle East is also a significant market with sophisticated customers focused on national security and there is lot of potential growth in this sector. The UAE also needs homeland security, network sensors and airport sensors, which can be provided by Boeing according to the requirements.

With relationships in the Middle East spanning more than 60 years, Boeing is strongly committed to developing and expanding a wide range of complementary business opportunities with partners, customers and suppliers.

Regarding investments in the UAE, he said: "In the UAE, Boeing has made investments in companies such as Fibrex, a maker of fibre-reinforced concrete structures, to create job opportunities and help expand the UAE economy beyond the oil industry."

"Boeing Satellite Systems is also a service provider to Thuraya offering new services. The company built the complete turnkey system under a contract signed in 1997," he said adding that the Thuraya-1 was manufactured and launched in October 2000.

"The system began commercial operations in mid-2001. Sea Launch successfully orbited Thuraya-2 on June 10, 2003, which led to Thuraya's procurement of a third geomobile satellite," he maintained.

The vice-president also revealed that Integrated Defence Systems is a provider of solutions, joining network-centric information with integrated military air, land, sea and space based platforms for defence organisations around the world.

Currently, about one-quarter of company revenues come from international sales, a key area for continued growth. At present, Boeing is organised into four major business units namely Boeing Capital Corporation, Boeing Commercial Airplanes, Connexion by BoeingSM, and Boeing Integrated Defence Systems.

From Morocco to the UAE, Boeing is working in partnership to strengthen ties and business in the region and prepare for a future where new technologies and their applications will play a pivotal role.