Gulf states for peaceful use of nuke energy

Gulf states seek to exploit the advantages of nuclear energy in the pursuit of peaceful projects, a Kuwaiti specialist said here yesterday.

Such projects are those useful in the generation of electric power and in the production of oil and gas, said Nader al-Awadhi, vice-president of the Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research (KISR).

Other applications for nuclear energy, he noted, were also of great benefit in the fields of agriculture, especially in livestock production, and water and in fighting diseases such as cancer and heart ailments.

Asked about the current extent of cooperation between the IAEA and Gulf states, al-Awadhi said it involved three areas. One being preparatory plans for the use of nuclear energy; another formulating legislature affecting the proper utilization of nuclear energy, and still another establishing effective programs to train Gulf citizens on harnessing the immense uses of nuclear energy for peaceful purposes.

Al-Awadhi, who acts as Kuwait's liaison with the IAEA, indicated that he had attended in Vienna a workshop last week -- sponsored by the IAEA -- for experts in nuclear energy from Asia, Arab and Gulf countries, aimed at chalking up a framework for nuclear cooperation among IAEA members for the upcoming ten-year period.

The workshop, he maintained, was useful for states like those of the Gulf region, with a modicum of knowledge in nuclear energy, to rub shoulders with much more experienced ones like Japan, India, and North Korea. To drive home what was learned in the workshop the IAEA is organizing another one in May, he said.

Message on the International Security Exhibition and Conference 2010

The Critical National Infrastructure Authority (CNIA) is proud to support the International Security and National Resilience (ISNR) Exhibition and Conference, the leading event in the Middle East which focuses on homeland security.

The event attracts the most important local, regional and international public and private organisations involved in the security sector and provides an opportunity to showcase a wide range of state-of-the-art security solutions and technologies. The event also allows participants time to network, exchange insights and source knowledge on this vitally important sector.

At CNIA, we believe that a high caliber event such as ISNR will bring unprecedented benefits to the UAE and the region, especially for those involved in the homeland security domain. Our sponsorship of ISNR Abu Dhabi 2010 is in line with our strategy to highlight Abu Dhabi’s credentials as a secure, safe and ideal venue to host leading international events, while also emphasising the role of CNIA in protecting the UAE’s infrastructure and facilities.

We are confident that ISNR Abu Dhabi has become a must-attend event for all involved in security, from both the government and private sectors. With governments in the Middle East investing extensively in combating international terrorism and protecting infrastructure, ISNR occurs at the right time as it addresses vital issues, such as measures to combat terrorism and protect national borders, and readiness to encounter threats from both natural and man-made disasters.

Second edition of ISNR Abu Dhabi Exhibition & Conference records 48 per cent increase in exhibitors

His Highness Lieutenant General Sheikh Saif Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Interior, will inaugurate the second edition of the International Security National Resilience (ISNR 2010) Abu Dhabi, organized by the Ministry of Interior in cooperation with Reed Exhibitions at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Center on March 1.

General Major Matar S. Bin Mesayed Al Neyadi, General Director of E-Services & Telecom, Chairman of Supreme Organizing Committee of ISNR Abu Dhabi, said that organising the event in the UAE, in the face of the challenges and growth witnessed in the Middle East in security issues, reflects the trust that the nation enjoys worldwide. He said that the country enjoys a great deal of stability and safety thanks to the policies of the wise leadership.
Gen. Maj. Al Neyadi was addressing a press conference held by the ISNR Abu Dhabi Supreme organizing committee at ADNEC in the presence of Major General Ahmed Nasser Al Raisi, Director General of Central Operations at Abu Dhabi Police and Vice Chairman of the Supreme Organizing Committee; Brigadier Saeed Salem Al Hanki, Head of the Police Judicial Council and Chairman of the Organizing Scientific Committee of ISNR; Mr. Frederic Theux, President of Reed Exhibitions Middle East; and Staff Colonel Ishaq Mohammed Al Besher, Director of the Operations Sector at CNIA; Mr. Saif Bin Ghelaita, Director Technologies and Standards at the TRA.
Major General Al Neyadi said that the event serves as a global platform focusing on the challenges faced by governments and the private sector in the region to uphold homeland security as well as issues related to national security such as security information, threat evaluation, border security, transport, counter terrorism activities, protection of vital infrastructure, crisis management and equipment used in emergency situations and the ways to respond to crises.
He expressed satisfaction over the high-level positioning of ISNR Abu Dhabi – today, regarded as one of the most important security events in the region in 2010. Leading security players at the local, regional, global levels are showcasing their latest equipment and systems that integrate state-of-the-art technologies.
Special sessions on homeland security organised on the sidelines of the exhibition. An elite group of renowned experts and researchers will come together to highlight their expertise in technical and security areas. The conference will also host workshops to identify global best practices in dealing with security challenges.
Brigadier Saeed Salem Al Hanki said: "This bi-annual conference comes in line with the UAE's commitment to strengthen the security concepts and enforce them to achieve more growth goals and foster community development. We are keen to have the best leaders, experts and security specialists, with a long experience in the field, at the event to highlight security events in light of developments and changes witnessed around the world."
He said that the conference covers several security-related issues including security information and its evaluation, borders and transports security, infrastructure protection, traffic safety, crisis and disasters and response requirements, counter terrorism, environment and energy crimes and means of communication crimes.
Brigadier Al Hanki said that the activities and recommendations of the conference will complement the UAE Leadership's aspirations in setting dependable standards for enforcing security and stability around the world.
Frederic Theux said ISNR Abu Dhabi exhibitor space has increased in its second edition by 17% to 15,800sqm and 218 exhibitors have confirmed their presence this year from 24 countries, recording a growth of 48.2% over the last edition despite the global economic crisis.
He said this achievement would not have been possible without the patronage of His Highness General Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, and the continuous support of High Highness Lt. General Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Interior, Major General Matar Al Neyadi, Chairman of the Supreme Organizing Committee of ISNR Abu Dhabi and the committee members.
Mr. Theux said that ISNR has grown into one of the most important events in the world for the homeland security industry as key global security companies will be participating to showcase their latest technological and solutions. He added: "Many innovative activities will be held this year including specialised workshops and conferences.”
He explained ISNR Abu Dhabi, this year, has unprecedented international presence, adding to the international dimension of the show and its growing importance globally. Countries such as Germany, the United Kingdom, Taiwan, Switzerland and the United States will have official pavilions at the event hosting leading security players showcasing their latest products and solutions.
Mr. Theux ended his speech by thanking ISNR Abu Dhabi supporters Critical National Infrastructure Authority (CNIA) and Northrop Grumman as Strategic Partners of the event, Official Sponsors are TRA and Advanced Integrated Systems; and Abu Dhabi Airport Company (ADAC) the Co-Sponsor.

UAE: Ministry of Defence organises race to mark World Run Day

Under the auspices of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, the Fourth World Run Race was organised yesterday afternoon by the UAE Ministry of Defense under the motto "Friendship through Sports" in line with the celebrations of the International Council of Military Sports (CISM) to mark the World Run Day, which was held at the same time in all countries.

The event aims to strengthen the bonds of friendship between all the member states.

Present at the closing ceremony of the race, which was held at Dubai Al Mamzar Corniche were His Excellency Major General Khamis Salem bin Hasher Mahrazi, director of operations and training, the Defense Ministry, Major General Khalifa Al Mazrouei, director of the ministry for supply, Brigadier Staff Mohammad Ali Abdullah, moral affairs director in the ministry and a number of senior defense and sports officials.

Deputy Supreme Commander of UAE Armed Forces receives Sudanese official

Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of UAE Armed Forces HH General Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan received yesterday the envoy of the First Vice-President of Sudan and Sudanese Minister of Foreign Trade James Kook and the delegation accompanying him.

During the meeting, which was held in the presence of Mohammed Mubarak Al Mazrouei, Undersecretary at the Diwan of the Crown Prince, they discussed ways to bolster bilateral relations between the UAE and Sudan. They also discussed wider areas of joint cooperation with particular emphasis on education and healthcare.

The Sudanese envoy hailed the UAE's noble stance on various issues as well as its support to Sudan and its unity, security, stability and development. The Sudanese official expressed his country's appreciation for the fraternal feelings of the UAE, its leadership, government and people that reflect the depth of the historical ties between the two countries and their peoples.

Garde Républicaine – Republican Guard of Algeria

Elite corps of the Gendarmerie, responsible among other duties for the protection of the President in a broad perspective, and for the protection of presidential resorts. Acts also as Honor Guard.

BMP-3 IFVs: UAE's built vehicle

UAE to redesign and rebuilt BMP-3 with a front-mounted engine.

The redesigned vehicle will have a front-mounted MTU V6 engine with automatic transmission. The driver will be relocated to the left and in the rear there will be room for 6 dismounts. To maintain the centre of gravity for amphibious operations, the turret will be moved further to the rear.

UAE's armored vehicle

This vehicle show in UAE"s IDEX 2007

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Qatar-Saudi expressed satisfaction over military cooperation

Qatar and Saudi Arabia discussed various aspects of their relationship, including political, military and economic ties, at the second session of the Qatari-Saudi Coordination Council held in Doha.

The meeting, held last Monday and yesterday, was chaired by the Heir Apparent H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani on the Qatari side and the Saudi Second Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister Prince Nayef bin Abdulaziz on the Saudi side. It was attended, among others, by the Prime Minister and Foreign Minister H E Sheikh Hamad bin Jassem bin Jabor Al Thani as the council’s deputy chairman, and Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Saud Al Faisal.

During the talks, the two sides affirmed their determination to cooperate and coordinate in all areas to preserve the security and stability of the two states. They also discussed regional and international issues of common concern and stressed the importance of continuing coordination and consultation about the latest developments at all bilateral and multilateral forums.

They also welcomed the signing of an agreement on diplomatic and consular cooperation between Qatar and Saudi Arabia.

The two sides expressed satisfaction over military cooperation between them and stressed continuous cooperation in this field as well as the enhancement of the exchange of information, visits, training courses and experience in specialised areas.

The two sides agreed to continue direct coordination between specialists from the interior ministries of the two countries in order to consult over the ways of revising and modernising an agreement on security cooperation and extradition between the interior ministries of Qatar and Saudi Arabia, effective since 1982, in the framework of the Qatar-Saudi Coordination Council and in light of the draft referred by Qatar.

They also expressed satisfaction over what has been reached with regard to a draft on cooperation between the governments of Qatar and Saudi Arabia in the field of civil defence and a draft agreement on cooperation in combating illicit trading in narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances and precursor chemicals and trafficking, in preparation for signing them during the third session of the Qatari-Saudi Coordination Council in Saudi Arabia next year.

The two sides also reviewed financial, economic and investment cooperation and expressed their satisfaction over the economic integration the two countries have achieved as part of the GCC. They agreed to enhance cooperation in the fields of economy, finance, taxes and zakat (charity).

The two sides also agreed to study the preparation of a draft memorandum of understanding to establish a joint investment fund designed to cover the agreed upon investment areas, including the development of investments according to the regulations adopted in both countries, and to refer what they reach to the Joint Preparatory Committee of the Qatari-Saudi Joint Co-ordination Council.

The two sides expressed satisfaction with the level of trade exchange between the two countries which rose from QR2,018m in 2003 to QR6,687m in 2008 and stressed the importance of continued support in appropriate ways, including the establishment of trade fairs and holding seminars and meetings between businessmen in both countries in order to provide a suitable environment to promote economic ties and benefit from the economies of both countries and the establishment of joint ventures.

The two sides welcomed the signing of the minutes of exchange of instruments of ratification of the Memorandum of Understanding for cooperation between the Ministry of Business and Trade in Qatar and the Ministry of Trade and Industry in Saudi Arabia signed in Riyadh on December 16, 2008.

They also welcomed the signing, during this session, of the implementing programme of the memorandum of understanding for co-operation between the Ministry of Business and Trade in Qatar and the Ministry of Trade and Industry in Saudi Arabia.

The two sides welcomed the signing of a memorandum of understanding on industrial cooperation between the Qatari Ministry of Energy and Industry and the Saudi Arabia Ministry of Trade and Industry during this session.

The Turkish M52T self-propelled howitzer

The Turkish M52T self-propelled howitzer is a Turkish made system based on an upgrade of US-built M52 artillery system.

Trials of upgraded vehicle were completed in 1994 and production commenced in 1995. A total of 365 vehicles were upgraded to the M52T standard. Turkish Army is the sole operator of this artillery system.

The original short-barrel 105-mm howitzer was replaced with a 155-mm / L39 weapon. The same manually-loaded howitzer was used to the German M109A3. This artillery system fires Turkish ammunition. Maximum range of fire is 18 km with standard projectile, 24 km with shaped projectile and 30 km with rocket assisted. Ammunition racks have been modified to accommodate larger rounds. A spade is lowered to the ground before firing. It absorbs some of the recoil.

The M52T SPH is fitted with Turkish digital command and fire control system.

Vehicle has a fully-enclosed armored hull and turret. Protection is against small arms fire and artillery shell splinters. An unusual feature of this artillery system is that the driver is seated in the turret. Turret can traverse 60 degrees left and right.

Original petrol engine of the M52 was replaced with new and more fuel efficient MTU diesel. It is worth mentioning, that operational range with the petrol engine was only 160 km.

UAE and Algeria to boost defence and industrial ties

General Shaikh Mohammad Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Abu Dhabi Crown Prince and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, yesterday concluded a successful visit to Algeria that resulted in a number of agreements and talks that is expected to widen bilateral ties between the UAE and Algeria.

The talks aimed at increased participation of the UAE companies in growing Algerian economy that wil help boost both the economies.

Officials from UAE companies and establishments in the defence sector, Tawazun Holding, First Gulf Bank, Maaber Holding and the Abu Dhabi Ship Building held meetings with Algerian counterparts for two days.

The Algerian officials expressed their keenness to make use of the UAE's experience in developing the economic and industrial sectors.

Khaldoun Al Mubarak, WAM's Executive Affairs director, said that Shaikh Mohammad's visit was very important and significant, especially as the cooperation between the two countries is vast especially in the industrial area, and that the two countries leaders laid down the practical foundations for the joint industrial collaboration.

Nasser Ahmad Al Suwaidi, head of Abu Dhabi's Planning and Economic Department said that the negotiations held by the delegation accompanying Shaikh Mohammad were fruitful and covered important economic and industrial aspects.

He said a number of vital projects were discussed in the area of energy, industry, and property development.

The economic delegation also discussed a number of projects with Algerian officials including opening a branch of the First Gulf Bank, a number of real estate projects.

The two sides also conducted extended bilateral meetings for the joint military industry committee, chaired by Lieutenant General Faris Mohammad Al Mazroui, and the Algerian Director of Military Industry, where discussions were centered on developing mutual cooperation in this area according to the needs of the Algerian side, for different kinds of weapons.

Saif Al Hajeri, CEO of the Economic Balance Program Bureau said the negotiations also led to the establishment of a joint economic committee to try out and observe the "Caracal Gun" which is manufactured by the International Caracal Company, affiliated to the bureau, through a visit by an Algerian delegation to the company's head quarters in Abu Dhabi, to reach a strategic agreement.

The two parties also agreed to hold meetings after the visit to the UAE military and technology industry factories to outline the needs of Algeria in this respect.

Yousuf Al Nouise, managing director of Maaber Holding said, his company will look for suitable location for mixed-use projects that will strengthen relations between the two countries.

Mohammad Salem Al Junaibi, General Director of the Abu Dhabi Ship Building Company also had productive talks with the Algerians who were keen on advancing cooperation in the area of ship building.

Abdul Hamid Saeed, the First Gulf Bank delegate member said the bank is ready to open a branch as soon as the Algerian Central Bank administrative procedures are complete.

The economic delegation also discussed a number of projects with Algerian officials including opening a branch of the First Gulf Bank, a number of real estate projects.

German, Emirate companies to set up military industry in Algeria

The Algerian Ministry of Defence and the Emirate group, Aabar, have signed an agreement to manufacture military vehicles according to a report by a body of the National Popular Army (ANP) published in the El Djeich newspaper.

Koubeissi Khadem, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Aabar, quoted by the Arab newspaper in its latest issue, said the contract totalled US$ 720 million, a share of which will be pumped into the Tiaret's plant in the centre of the country.

The Tiaret complex will spend 120 million euros to produce 10,000 vehicles in two years, while armored engines will also be produced at a cost of 200 million euros.

The site, taken back by the army, following a decision by President Abdelaziz Bouteflika in July, was expected to host, for about 20 years, the project of the assembly line of FIAT which never materialised.

The public investment funding of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, Aabar Investments, pa rtnered five German companies to produce about 10,000 vehicles per year. Director of Military Industries, Colonel Rachid Chouaki signed the agreement with the representatives of the Emirate and German companies.

The German companies, Man Ferrostaal, Daimler, Deutz MTU and Rheinmetall will handle the engineering aspects of the project.

To deliver on these projects, three joint stock companies have been created by Algerian, German and Emirate groups.

Besides the Tiaret complex, two other plants located in Constantine in the east were invited by the new partners of Algeria to manufacture light and armoured vehicles.

The Ministry of Industry is also involved in the project through the National Company of Commercial Vehicles (SNVI), which already manufactures trucks and buses in Rouiba, 30 km east of Algiers.

It is expected that these partnerships will boost the sub-contracting sector in Algeria, which generates four million euros, through SNVI's activities.

Algeria plans to adopt a policy of industrial clusters, aimed at gathering industries of the same purpose in the same place.

This is also advocated by the Union of Professionals in the Automobile and Engineering Industry, its chairman, Brahim Bendras, said in an interview.

Algeria has not yet embarked on the assembly of cars, despite contacts with Iranian, Korean and Chinese manufacturers.

The CEO of Man Ferrostaal, Mathias Michels and the officer in charge of the logistics of the armed forces of the United Arab Emirates, General Fares Mohamed Ahmed Mezroui in July attended the signing ceremony of the agreement in Algiers, along with the Deputy Minister in the Ministry of Defence, Abdelmalek Guenazia.

UAE's made Baynunah Class Corvettes

The UAE Armed Forces and Abu Dhabi Ship Building (ADSB) have finalized a contract amendment adding the Rolling Airframe Missile (Ram) Weapons Systems on all six Baynunah Class Corvettes already contracted to ADSB.

The RAM MK49 MOD3 Guided Missile Launching System (GMLS) is a state-of-the-art high firepower close in weapons system (CIWS) for anti-ship missile defense supplied by Raytheon Company.

This latest addition to the Baynunah Corvette Program represents a very significant change to the overall value of the contract and provides a major enhancement of the vessels capability.

The original contract for the Baynunah Corvette Program was signed between ADSB and the UAE Government at the end of year 2003 based on four ships with the option for two more. This option was exercised on 9th July 2005 bringing the total number of ships ordered on the contract to ADSB for this program to six.

The vessel is designed by French Company Constructions Mecaniques De Normandie (CMN). The first of class vessel is being built at CMN's Cherbourg Yard under sub-contract from ADSB and the remaining five will be built at ADSB's yard in Abu Dhabi.

The keel for the second vessel was laid in July 2006 and the vessel is currently under construction in the ADSB shipyard in Mussafah, Abu Dhabi, UAE.

ADSB's Chief Executive Officer, Bill Saltzer commented, "The addition of the RAM system adds even more capability to these highly advanced, 70m Naval Corvettes and ADSB is pleased to have finalized this complex configuration change through close cooperation with the UAE Navy and GHQ.

"A change of this magnitude, especially on a program where the design is well along and the ships are already under construction is certainly challenging, but the Rolling Airframe Missile is one of the most effective self-defense systems available today and we are excited about any enhancements that will make 'BAYNUNAH' the most well equipped vessel in its size range anywhere in the world."

The Baynunah Class vessels are highly sophisticated Multi-Mission Naval Corvettes. They have a cutting edge combat system with the capability to perform a wide range of military operations, including defense against both air and surface threats. The vessel's design also allows for additional equipment to support future underwater operations.

The ship will utilize the latest in electronic sensor technology, along with a combination of newly developed missiles and guns, to provide a degree of defensive firepower that is unprecedented for vessels of this size. This capability will be further enhanced by the latest in communications technology that facilitates both voice and data communications with the naval fleet, land based forces and supporting military aircraft.

ADSB is the only shipbuilder in the Gulf region with the capability to construct and repair complex naval warships. The company has already completed a number of highly complicated new building, refit and upgrading projects for the UAE Navy and Coast Guard, and has been increasingly successful in offering its capabilities to other navies throughout the GCC and Gulf region. Recently ADSB successfully delivered a 64m Naval Landing Craft to the Royal Navy of Oman.

IAF unveils massive ‘super-drone’: able to reach Iran, the whole Arabs as well as Europe

The air force unveiled a new drone as wide as a Boeing 737 on Sunday, at the Tel Nof air base near Rehovot, marking a new stage in Israel’s long-range operational and intelligence capabilities.

The Israel Aerospace Industries-made Heron TP (dubbed “Eitan” by the air force) is one of the largest unmanned aerial vehicles in the world.

It can fly at medium-to-high altitudes for more than 20 hours, while carrying a variety of payloads and advanced equipment weighing hundreds of kilograms for thousands of kilometers.

The Heron TP is capable of reaching Iran.

Individual drones are already in service; the Heron TP was used over Gaza during Operation Cast Lead last winter.

The air force expects a squadron of Heron TPs to be formed this year.

Despite its mammoth proportions, its engine is quiet, so it can be used in covert operations.

“The air force has marked another important milestone in the development of UAVs,” OC Air Force Maj.-Gen. Ido Nehushtan said on Sunday, at the Tel Nof base.

Israeli-made drones have come a long way over the past 30 years, “from the humble beginnings of small UAVs with operational outputs during the First Lebanon War, to the varied array of hi-tech and multi-operational UAVs that accompany almost operational aspect of the air force,” Nehushtan said.

Israel Aerospace Industries described the Heron TP as an all-weather multi-mission platform that can take off and land automatically.

The UAV comes equipped for satellite communications over an extended range.

Saudi Arabian National Guard

The Saudi Arabian National Guard or SANG (aka White Army) is one of five branches or services of the Saudi Arabian Defence Forces/military. It serves both as defence force against external threats but as a security force against internal threats. It duties include protecting the royal family , guarding against coups,and protecting the Holy Places of Mecca and Medina.

It is both a standing force of 25,000, with a reserve of 40,000 and a tribal militia of 25,000. The SANG is the King's private army consisting of personnel drawn from tribes loyal to the King and Royal Family. It is always commanded by a highranking member ofthe royal family, usually a Crown Prince. It consists of a mobile force of two mechanized brigades and four motorized infantry brigades. The militia portion consists of around 24 battalions of fowj, tribal warriors on "retainer". The force was extensively reorganized and retrained by the Vinnel Corporation (using over a thousand US Vietnam War veterans) in the 1980s and performed well in the Gulf War/ Operation Desert Storm especially in the battle for Hafar al Batin .
1 History

The SANG was founded as the successor to the Jamiat al-Ikhwan al-Muslimun or Ikhwan, the tribal army of Abdul al Aziz ibn SaudAbdul Aziz bin Abdul Rahman ibn Faisal Al Saud ( 1880 November 9, 1953), also known by several abbreviated forms of this name, or simply as Ibn Saud was first monarch of Saudi Arabia. He was born into the House of Saud (also Sa'ud), which had historically. The Ikhwan had helped Abd al Aziz conquer the Arabian penninsula and take it from Ottoman Turkey in World War One. However, the Ikhwan committed many excesses and atrocities not just on Turks but on other Arabs as well. The various tribal groups of the Ikhwan also had a tendency to go off and do their own things and thus needed to be brought under a more centralized control. The SANG was also known as the White Army during this time due to the wearing of traditional Arab dress unstead of uniforms.
2 Command

The SANG's communications and chain of Command is completely seperate from regular Saudi Arabian military channels with a senior member of the royal family as its head. Prince Amir Abd Allah commanded the SANG for three decades since 1962 and three of his sons held high positions within the organization. Its General Headquarters, located in RiyadhRiyadh Ar-Riyad Arabic:) is the capital of the kingdom of Saudi Arabia, located in the Nejd region. It is situated in the centre of the Arabian peninsula on a large plateau and is home to over 3,500,000 people (14% of the nation's population). Riyadh cove, directly controls the three regional sectors and the training facilities and the King Abdul Aziz Independent Mechanized Brigade of four battalions.

The three Regional ( Eastern, Central and Western)sectors each command one or more mechanized or motorized brigades, several independentSecurity and Military Police and logistical battalions, but also the irregular fowj battalions.
3 Equipment

The SANG is, by tradition, issued equipment not issued to the regular military, it doesn't possess any tanks but does possess several thousand wheeled armored fighting vehicles and Armoured personnel carrierEast German BRDMs on parade during celebrations of the 40th anniversary of East Germany in 1989 Armoured personnel carriers (APCs) are light armoured fighting vehicles for the transport of infantry. They usually have only a machine gun although variants cs. It does possess its own helicopters and light aircraft and all the remaining types of military hardware to include artillery. When in modern uniforms personnel wear a green beret, the MuslimA Muslim is a believer in or follower of Islam. The word Muslim means one who submits and implies complete submission to the will of God ( Allah). Muslims believe that nature is itself Islamic, since it follows natural laws placed by God. Thus, a Muslim s color for purity.

Arab victory over the invading Chinese armies in 750 in a battle at the Talas River

The Battle of Talas (怛羅斯會戰) in 751 AD was a conflict between the Arab Abbasid Caliphate and the Chinese Tang Dynasty for control of the Syr Darya. On July 751, The Abbasids started a massive attack against the Chinese on the banks of the Talas river; 200,000 Muslim troops (according to Chinese estimates) met the combined army of 10,000 Tang Chinese and 20,000 Karluks mercenary. Out of 10,000 Tang troops, only 2000 managed to return from Talas to their territory in Central Asia.

The defeat was due to the defection of Karluk mercenaries and the retreat of Ferghana allies who originally supported the Chinese. The Karluks forces, which composed two thirds of the Tang army, deserted the Chinese coalition and changed to the Muslim side while the battle was ongoing. With the Karluk troops attacking the Tang army from the rear and the Arab attacking from the front, the Tang troops were unable to hold their positions. The commander of the Tang forces, Gao Xianzhi, recognized that defeat was imminent and managed to escape with some of his Tang regulars with the help of Li Siye. Despite losing the battle, Li did inflict heavy losses on the pursuing Arab army after being reproached by Duan Xiushi. After the battle, Gao was prepared to organize another Tang army against the Arabs when the devastating An Shi Rebellion broke out in 755. When the Tang capital was taken by rebels, all Chinese armies stationed in Central Asia were ordered back to China proper to crush the rebellion.

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Saudi Arabia opens military supply to local firms

Saudi Arabia's defence ministry will for the first time allow local firms to bid to supply basic materials excluding arms with the long-term goal of encouraging a domestic military industry, officials said.

The move, which will open a field that was reserved for foreign manufacturers, will first involve some 15,000 items that range from plastic to pipes, covers for jet engines and batteries, Colonel Attiyah al-Maliki said at a meeting with businessmen in Riyadh's chamber of commerce late on Saturday.

Saudi authorities expect the move -- backed by assistant Defence Minister Khaled bin Sultan -- to encourage foreign suppliers to partner with Saudi peers and set up shop within the kingdom so that they can continue to qualify as suppliers.

The defence ministry created a Central Committee for Local Industrialization which comprises business leaders and defence officials to "develop local capabilities, ensure speedy deliveries and reduce costs", Colonel Maliki said.

Abdul-Rahman al-Zamil, a member of the committee and chairman of a large family-owned industrial group, welcomed the move.

"This is a breakthrough for local firms because before all purchases were internationally tendered or bought from abroad by local suppliers. We know that these products can be made locally," Zamil said at the meeting.

None of the items are weapons or heavy military gear.

"The defence ministry will gradually eliminate from international tenders all items that can be produced here ... We are working for the next 20 years," Zamil said.

"This is just the beginning ... So the field remains open," said Colonel Maliki. "We will gradually open up to more sophisticated industries. Nothing should prevent Saudi Arabia from making its own fighter jets."

LUCRATIVE MARKET

Saudi Arabia is among the most lucrative markets in the region for international arms makers. It spent 154.8 billion riyals in 2009 -- or 32.6 percent of its GDP -- on defence and national security, according to central bank data. This sum includes salaries of the military and security forces. [ID:nLI7689] [ID:nLM315528]

The announcement comes after Saudi forces fought their first war in more than 15 years against Yemeni Shi'ite rebels.

"At times of crises people understand better the importance of getting supplies locally ... At times of high need, exporters impose their price and you have to take it," said Zamil.

Saudi Arabia, like other Gulf Arab countries, is wary of a relatively prolific military industry developed locally by regional rival Iran.

Asked if the move was linked to these concerns, Zamil said: "The intention of the military establishment is to maximize military industrialization and localise as much as possible the needs ... such as maintenance of military equipment".

"We are a world leader in water desalination yet we import all of the desalination machinery," he added.