Idex 2021: Hollywood star Steven Seagal on guns, armoured vehicles and making more films

The star of the early 90s is in Abu Dhabi as brand ambassador of the Streit Group

Hollywood star, martial artist, musician, Buddhist and Russia’s one-time special envoy to the US, Steven Seagal wears many hats.

One you may not have heard of is his role as brand ambassador for UAE-based Streit, a defence company that makes sophisticated armoured vehicles right here in Ras Al Khaimah.

Born in the US, the actor gained international fame for roles in the 1980s and 1990s in action films such as Under Siege and On Deadly Ground. He is a vocal supporter of Russian President, Vladimir Putin, and holds Russian and Serbian citizenship. But he only wanted to talk Streit at Idex in Abu Dhabi on Tuesday to help launch four new vehicles.

I'm going to try stick with being a diplomat and, with diplomatic work, to help bring nations and people together

“I’m interested in weapons, military history, tanks and armoured cars and I’d heard about Streit, I was very impressed. [These] armoured vehicles are probably the best in the world.”

When asked what sparked that interest, he said: “Why do people like purple instead of green? I was always interested in that since I was a child.”

One of the most striking of the vehicles launched on Tuesday was the Storm, a sleek UAE-manufactured electric behemoth. It was described as looking like a cross between a Lamborghini and stealth fighter and it wouldn’t look out of place in a Batman film. Streit would not reveal how much one cost.

“I’m a shooter. I have thousands of guns,” said Seagal, 68. “People ask me 'what is your favourite gun?' I’ll say 'for what?' Not one gun does everything and it is the same with the vehicles. But my favourite is the Storm. I love that vehicle,” he said.

Steven Seagal and Caroline Cresp at the Streit Group stand with the Storm armoured car. Victor Besa / The National

“It is gorgeous and does a lot of great things. It goes on water, goes on land – it is armoured and bomb proof. That thing is amazing. If I could have any one of those vehicles, I’d have that one.”

Streit was founded in Canada in 1992 and has been headquartered in the UAE since 2005. One of its six production plants is in Ras Al Khaimah where many of the vehicles are manufactured and put through their paces on a specially designed assault course. It produces armoured personnel carriers, luxury and security vehicles as well as armored boats. It says its vehicles are designed to save lives.

When asked about what it was like to have topped the box office for his action films and now worked with a military company. Seagal said it was not a military company but one that helped people.

“It provides armoured vehicles to countries that maybe get attacked so they could be protected.”

All clad in black, Seagal mirrored the Storm’s livery as he posed outside it at Idex. His frame is as imposing in the flesh as it is on the big screen. It’s not his first time in Abu Dhabi but was his first at Idex and it was clear he was impressed. “I’ve been here a thousand times. I love Abu Dhabi a lot. It looks like a lot of great stuff out here.”

Seagal is also a guitarist, involved in a line of energy drinks, an environmentalist and an animal rights activist. But many of his recent films have been direct to video. What does the future hold?  “I may make a few more movies,” he said.

“Like any other human being on earth and any other actor on earth everything has to evolve over time. Movies change, genres change, people change – after the pandemic Hollywood completely changed, America changed.

"I’m going to try stick with being a diplomat and, with diplomatic work, to help bring nations and people together.”

Day three of Idex 2021:

The Bahraini warship RBNS Al Muharraq on display on Idex and the Naval Defence and Maritime Security Exhibition, or Navdex Victor Besa / The National

A heavy-duty vehicle demonstration in the grandstand area. Idex runs until Thursday, February 25 Victor Besa / The National

Visitors tour exhibits on Tuesday, the third day of Idex Victor Besa / The National

More than 900 exhibitors are participating in this year's event Victor Besa / The National

A 50 calibre heavy machinegun mounted on the Chaser-980 speedboat manufactured by UAE company Aksum Marine. Victor Besa / The National

Local and international companies are launching dozens of products at Idex. An array of equipment and technologies is on display Victor Besa / The National

The Falcon 980 manufactured by UAE company Aksum Marine Victor Besa / The National

Contracts worth billions of dollars have already been signed at Idex and Navdex Victor Besa / The National

A Chaser speedboat made by Aksum Marine Victor Besa / The National

The Milkor MN Centurion high-speed interceptor craft Victor Besa / The National

A visitor looks at the Al-Tariq missile manufactured by UAE company Halcon Victor Besa / The National

Al Fursan air display at IDEX on day 3, at the ADNEC Grandstand. Victor Besa / The National

Al Fursan air display at IDEX on day 3, at the ADNEC Grandstand. Victor Besa / The National

Al Fursan air display at IDEX on day 3, at the ADNEC Grandstand. Victor Besa / The National

Al Fursan air display at IDEX on day 3, at the ADNEC Grandstand. Victor Besa / The National

Al Fursan air display at IDEX on day 3, at the ADNEC Grandstand. Victor Besa / The National

Al Fursan air display at IDEX on day 3, at the ADNEC Grandstand. Victor Besa / The National