AK-47 SOUVENIR PICTURES ARE ALL PART OF THE FINE ART OF DEFENCE DIPLOMACY
▶ The popularity of Idex shows that speaking softly and carrying a big stick is as important today as it ever was
The pavilion was overflowing with enthusiasts snapping selfies with one of the most famous Russian products: the AK-47, popularly known as the Kalashnikov.
A representative explained to the curious how to use the weapon of choice for militaries and militias around the world, while a marketing man handed out branded flags. Rosoboronexport is among hundreds of companies that descend on Abu Dhabi every other year for the International Defence Exhibition.
As well as attracting lucrative contracts from countries shopping for state-of-the-art missiles, drones, rifles, tanks and fighter jets, they are projecting defence diplomacy in one of the most attractive markets: the Middle East, a region sometimes called a “rough neighbourhood” with a wide spectrum of security threats.
“It’s enough for us to have a Kalashnikov on the flags or national symbols of some countries which fought for independence. This is the best military diplomacy for Russia,” Alexander Mikheev, director general of Rosoboronexport, told The National.
The state corporation brings together all the major producers of defence and high-tech products in Russia.
Mr Mikheev was referring to countries like Mozambique, East Timor and formerly Burkina Faso, which adopted the world’s most-used firearm in their emblems.
“We are not in the process of outmatching American F-35s or submarines, but we have our own technical expertise to develop armed forces and they are on offer,” Mr Mikheev said.
US sanctions against his country might be an obstacle for attracting business from American allies in the region, but some show continuous interest in Russian military know-how.
Not too far from the Russian stand, a young man took the wheel of a US armoured vehicle, while a couple took a souvenir photo with ammunition, landmine clearing robots and the famous M16, the US’s answer to the Kalashnikov.
Shows such as Idex provide countries with an opportunity to exhibit their military capabilities for the purposes of bolstering national pride and military deterrence, alongside diplomacy.
“They are sending a message that I could be a friend or I could be an enemy,” said a delegate from a European drone producer.
It was hard to miss the displays of small countries like Armenia that are keen to provide competitive, cost-effective alternatives to the sophisticated American, European and Israeli products. The US, Russia and Israel are not alone in courting potential customers in the Middle East.
The visiting Defence Minister of Greece, Nikolaos Panagiotopoulos, explained the benefits.
“It paves the way for stronger relations,” he said.
“In the past two years, we have reached out through our military capabilities to countries in the region with the aim of maintaining stability and collective security.
“That was reflected in more military exercises and more interoperability between armed forces.
“Strong diplomatic efforts should support a strong deterrent element by a country’s armed forces. The use of force isn’t an end, but backs up the diplomatic effort.”
Israel is at Idex for the first time after normalising relations with the UAE, Bahrain, Morocco and Sudan in recent months.
The Israeli pavilion features a range of technology and innovation, much of it suited to operations carried out in harsh conditions.
“We are engaging with like-minded countries to face common threats. We are not talking about wars here, we are talking about defence, co-operation and protecting ourselves,” Israel’s Ambassador to the UAE Eitan Naeh told The National.
“The Romans said a long time ago, ‘if you want to make peace, prepare for war’. You have to be strong and deter your enemies.
“Military diplomacy is also about helping disaster-stricken countries and Israel did that in countries like Thailand after the tsunami in 2004.
“I myself participated in two search-and-rescue missions in Turkey and one in Greece. We also offered humanitarian assistance to Lebanon after the Beirut blast. Israel always extends its hands for peace.”
The Israeli Army’s aid offer to Lebanon in August last year after the deadly port explosion in Beirut came despite the countries still technically being at war.
With conflicts raging in Yemen, Libya, Syria and insecurity across much of the region, the very sight of tanks, missiles and armoured vehicles can conjure up thoughts of shattered communities, bereaved families and displaced civilians.
But the senior official at the drone company said that technology was changing warfare.
“Our missiles detect the exact door, window and location to avoid collateral damage. You make surgical operations. That’s the world today,” he said.