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Abdullah urges enhanced output of military vehicles

ABU DHABI — King Abdullah of Jordan has emphasised the need for enhancing the production of NIMR military 4x4 vehicles, which are jointly manufactured by the UAE and the Kingdom of Jordan.

King Abdullah expressed his desire of beefing up the manufacturing of the military vehicles that has a versatile design for a wide variety of military, paramilitary, policing and peacekeeping roles. His comments came yesterday during his tour of the 7th International Defence Exhibition, Idex 2005, being organised by the General Exhibitors Corporation (GEC) to showcase defence equipment of 906 high-level exhibitors from 50 different countries.

King Abdullah also expressed his satisfaction about the high-performance, tactical wheeled vehicle that can be quickly and efficiently configured for a wide range of demanding missions. The military vehicle is manufactured jointly by the Bin Jabr Enterprises and a company owned by the Jordanian government, under the name of King Abdullah Design Bureau (KADB).

"King Abdullah has personally been following up the project since it was launched seven years back. KADB of His Majesty has been providing us with full support," Saeed Al Suwaidi, President of Bin Jabr Group Limited told Khaleej Times. He said a contract has been signed with the UAE for purchasing 5000 NIMR vehicles, noting that the UAE owns 80 per cent and Jordan has 20 per cent share of the joint venture, functioning under the umbrella of the Advanced Industries of Arabia (AIA).

Al Suwaidi mentioned that the capital of the project is around $35 million. Responding to a question about countries interested in the military equipment, Al Suwaidi said: "There are many countries concerned about this kind of vehicle. It is anticipated that in the next three to four years a total of 3,500 vehicles will be sold to Arab and non-Arab countries except Israel," said Al Suwaidi and claimed the capacity of manufacturing 250-300 vehicles per month. Facilities are excellent in Jordan where 2500 labourers are recruited, he added.