Dubai 2011: Typhoon spearheads UK efforts in Dubai

The UK has mounted a major ‘push’ here at the Dubai Airshow, with a delegation led by Gerald Howarth, the UK’s Minister for International Security Strategy, supported by Richard Paniguian; head of the UK Trade and Investment Defence and Security Organisation (UKTI DSO), and Air Chief Marshal Kevin Leeson Chief of Materiel (Air) in the UK Ministry of Defence.

Paniguian said: “We are here to encourage UK and Emirati companies to network and identify areas of joint industrial and technological co-operation. The UK has a significant range of world class products across the air, land, maritime and security sectors and UK industry is keen to establish enduring and mutually beneficial partnerships with the very capable industrial and technological base in the UAE.”

The UK is a major partner in the four-nation Eurofighter Typhoon programme and the aircraft is being used as an emblem of the UK participation at Dubai. Howarth said: “The presence of Royal Air Force Typhoons reflects the important relationship between the UK and the UAE – a relationship we very much value. The United Arab Emirates is an important ally of the UK and has been an impressive host and participant in recent joint exercises.” 

An RAF front-line Typhoon will be flown by BAE test pilot Nat Makepeace in the daily flying display and Wing Commander Dicky Patounas, CO of No3 (Fighter) Squadron, RAF, will give a presentation describing the RAF Typhoon’s participation in recent operations over Libya.