Idex 2015: UAE companies snag big contracts at defence show — in pictures

Countries in the Mena region are pumping up their defence budgets amid the threat from ISIL with spending expected to touch US$150 billion this year, according to the defence consultancy IHS Jane’s. Silvia Razgova / The National

The defence consultancy IHS Jane said in December that the high dependency of the Gulf countries on energy revenue would impact defence spending in those countries. Silvia Razgova / The National

A total of 1,154 international and local exhibitors are attending Idex this year, up from 1,112 in 2013. Silvia Razgova / The National

The Eurofighter consortium is keen to reopen talks with the UAE in a new bid to sell its Typhoon fighter jets. Silvia Razgova / The National

A total of 1,154 international and local exhibitors are attending Idex this year, up from 1,112 in 2013. Silvia Razgova / The National

Countries in the Mena region are pumping up their defence budgets amid the threat from ISIL with spending expected to touch US$150 billion this year, according to the defence consultancy IHS Jane’s. Silvia Razgova / The National

The UAE armed forces show their skills during the opening day of Idex in Abu Dhabi. Silvia Razgova / The National

Liz Claus

A total of 1,154 international and local exhibitors are at the International Defence Exhibition and Conference this year, as Mena countries take a second look at the defence budgets amid a backdrop of falling oil revenues and the rise of ISIL militants.

Updated: February 23, 2015, 12:00 AM