BAE Systems Unveils Vehicle Armor Solutions And Components For The Middle East Market

ABU DHABI, UAE – BAE Systems is unveiling for the first time in the Middle East the armored Toyota HiLux and a Gunner Protection Kit demonstrator, at the International Defence Exhibition & Conference (IDEX) from February 23-26. The displays highlight BAE Systems’ armor integration and survivability capabilities.

"We invest in the research and development of innovative armor solutions that address the latest threats faced by our customers in the governmental, defense and commercial sectors,” said Tony Russell, president of BAE Systems’ Security & Survivability Systems. “The global need for light-weight, cost-effective, ultra-reliable armor solutions is ever increasing and we are committed to fulfilling this need.”

The Toyota HiLux is just one of the commercial vehicle models BAE Systems armors to provide protection from various levels of ballistic and IED threats. Commercial armored vehicles utilize many of the same technologies and systems as those incorporated in the armored military vehicles. These products are designed to be inconspicuous and cannot be distinguished from their unarmored counterparts, providing extra security to the occupants. BAE Systems has a rich heritage in commercial armored vehicles that dates back to the 1940s when the company designed its first armored vehicle for President Harry S. Truman. The company is now the largest commercial armored vehicle supplier to the U.S. Government and has produced more than 13,000 of these vehicles.

BAE Systems’ Gunner Protection Kits are an example of BAE Systems’ ability to provide various survivability components, such as turrets, Battery Powered Motorized Traversing Units and door assist systems for a range of ground-vehicles. These systems, and many others, are used on many of BAE Systems’ vehicles and products and are also sold to other defense contractors and Original Equipment Manufacturers. This capability is showcased by the component demonstrator on display.

BAE Systems’ expertise in vehicle armoring expands to a wide range of commercial and military platforms, including light, medium and heavy tactical vehicles, combat vehicles and even construction equipment. The company has provided protection for more than 20,000 Up-Armored High Mobility Multi-Purpose Wheeled Vehicles, more than 4,000 Family of Medium Tactical Vehicles and more than 3,600 Mine Resistant Ambush Protected Vehicles currently in operation in Iraq and Afghanistan.

BAE Systems is vertically integrated to provide its own light-weight material solutions in the areas of composite, ceramic and transparent armor technologies which are currently being integrated on BAE Systems’ vehicle platforms and on platforms of other global defense contractors.

BAE Systems is the premier global defence, security and aerospace company delivering a full range of products and services for air, land and naval forces, as well as advanced electronics, security, information technology solutions and customer support services. With approximately 105,000 employees worldwide, BAE Systems’ sales exceeded £18.5 billion (US $34.4 billion) in 2008.