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Ammon News - AMMONNEWS - The awesome killing power on reflects the substance of the above quote displayed at SOFEX 2014. In general, exhibitors distinguished themselves by being either "Sellers" or "Recyclers." The role of the latter was to proudly parade the machinery they previously bought and currently use as part of their armaments.

In contrast, the "Sellers" showcased their manufactured high powered machine guns, drones, armored vehicles, camouflage attire and gear, communication equipment and other war related products. The United States and China had the largest share of exhibitors while Turkey had a prominent presence.

Business results were mixed. a number of US representatives were pleased with their sale volume, while a Chinese exhibitor expressed some disappointment. The early closing of the Exhibit did not help. Rain and poor water drainage resulted in flooding the exhibit area. Electricity was shut off for fear of electric hazards. The closure impacted business negatively and caused dissatisfaction among exhibitors. The organizer of the event "should have been better prepared for Jordan's rainy day," a participant commented. In addition, visitors were heard complaining about Porta-Pottis poor sanitation, the scarcity of bathrooms and the lack of drinking water stations to relief the heat.

KADDB
KADDB's spokesperson confirmed reaching an agreement with Paramount Group of South Africa to create, the new entity, Arabian Defence Industries (ADI). The goal is to integrate KADDB's systems to produce a final product that would best suit the region. Night vision equipment by ASELSAN-Middle East will be included in the deal.


Oshkosh Defense remains a main sponsor of SOFEX. The company had an impressive display of its armored vehicles. Orders for several thousands of its ATV's are in place, including
UAE's 750 All Terrain Vehicles (M-ATV) ordered in 2012. To achieve its goals, Oshkosh Corp partnered with Plasan, an Israeli company known for its "combat-proven armor solution." As the sub contractor, Plasan provides Oshkosh Corp. with armor components (kits) for the M-ATV to be applied to vehicles at the assembly line. In 2011, a media report revealed that 85% of a US Marine's contract went to Israel. The discloser caused a public outcry and questions "Why, when the US is need of jobs, will 85% of the work on this contract for Oshkosh be done in Israel?"

Market researchers predicted that the drawing down of military operations in Afghanistan and Iraq will decrease sales by one billion $US over the next decade. In 2008, Oshkosh Corp. stock plummeted from a high of around $49 to $7.5. The Stock rebounded the following year to $41 after securing a controversial contract with the US army for 23,000 trucks. Oshkosh Corp. was accused of " low-balling" its bid for this profitable contract. In addition, the Corporation was criticized for the inappropriate mixing of money and politics to cultivate congressional allies. One staunch defender of Oshkosh Corp. was Representative Petri (R-WI), who received thousands of dollars in campaign contributions and is a stock holder. According to USA Today, "The value of.. Rep.Tom Petri's shares in Oshkosh Corp. increases by 30% as he sought to help the company retain a $3 billion military contract and escape Pentagon cuts." Rep Petri's advocacy was in contradiction with US house ethics rule that prohibits Members of the Congress from profiting from their position.

Oshkosh Corp is known to financially support politicians who in turn use their influence to defend the company's tactics in acquiring government contracts. The US Government Accountability Office (GAO) found flaws in the process of the contract, but ended up upholding it. OSHKOSH tactics raises natural concerns among conscientious citizens. In less democratic countries the public have very few safeguards against corrupt politicians who would put personal gain ahead of national interest.

Oshkosh Corp. marketing strategy is paying off. Sales to Middle-Eastern and African governments is seen as central in revitalizing the corporations's growth. Today, Oshkosh stock is priced around $55.


UNMANNED: is The Name of The Game

Unmanned ground vehicles (UGV), Reconnaissance robots and Drones are expected to more prominently at SOFEX 2016.


UPCOMING DEFENCE EXHIBITION

UAE's International Defence Exhibition and Conference (IDEX). February, 2015.

Kuwait's International Defence Exhibition & Conference (KIDEC), November, 2015.