2012-09-02 16:36:44 - Recently published research from Business Monitor International, "United Arab Emirates Defence & Security Report Q4 2012", is now available at Fast Market Research

BMI's latest UAE Defence & Security Report for Q4 2012 examines the country's strategic position in the Middle East and the wider world. It provides an overview of the contemporary geopolitical challenges facing the country, and the challenges it may face in the future, especially in the context of tensions with Iran and of the Arab Spring.

In addition, the report examines the trends occurring in the country's current and future defence procurement, and the order of battle across its armed forces. The general conclusion is that the UAE will continue to invest heavily in defence procurement, spending more than all the other countries in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) with the exception of Saudi Arabia and so giving itself a

capability edge over many of its neighbours in spite of the relatively modest size of its armed forces.

The UAE will also remain a key partner of the US as Washington sets out its vision of a post-Iraq, post- Afghanistan presence in the Middle East. While this will boost Emirati security in some respects, it will also antagonise some regional rivals, notably Iran. The recent stationing of US Air Force stealth fighters in the UAE was a case in point.


Full Report Details at
- www.fastmr.com/prod/451192_united_arab_emirates_defence_security ..


However, the opening of a new oil pipeline that bypasses the Strait of Hormuz - which Iran again recently threatened to block - greatly reduces the economic risk to the UAE should a conflict with Iran erupt. The country's military bases used by US forces remain potential Iranian targets, however. The rollout of advanced missile defence systems procured from the US should further reduce this risk also.

Over the last quarter BMI has revised the following forecasts/views:

* BMI has reviewed the UAE's latest military procurements. These include a significant order for armoured vehicles from US firm Oshkosh, and the launching of a new class of domestically developed missile boat.
* Tensions with Iran over its nuclear programme are discussed in detail, both in terms of the UAE's bilateral problems with Tehran, and also of its involvement in the wider standoff by virtue of its status as a GCC member and US ally.
* The UAE's alleged assistance to rebel fighters in Syria also appeared to have been substantiated when TV news footage showed a rebel fighter holding a hand grenade that Swiss firm RUAG had supplied to the UAE back in 2003. Switzerland said it was freezing arms sales to the UAE pending an investigation.

Report Table of Contents:

SWOT Analysis
- United Arab Emirates Security SWOT
- United Arab Emirates Defence Industry SWOT
- United Arab Emirates Political SWOT
- United Arab Emirates Economic SWOT
- United Arab Emirates Business Environment SWOT
Global Political Outlook
- No Respite From Political Risks
- Global Flashpoints: Eurozone, Iran, Syria, Afghanistan, Korea
- Table: Election Timetable
- Wild Cards To Watch
Middle East Security Overview
- The Strategic Outlook For The 2010s
- The Middle East In A Global Context
- Challenges And Threats To Stability And Security
- Regional Power Dynamics
- Nuclear Proliferation
- External Powers
- Scenarios For The Middle East
Security Risk Ratings
- Table: Middle East And Africa Defence & Security Ratings
- Table: Middle East And North Africa State Vulnerability To Terrorism Index
Political Overview
- Domestic Politics
- Domestic Islamists: A Delicate Balancing Act
- Long-Term Political Outlook
- Three Challenges For The Coming Decade
- Tests Ahead
- Foreign Relations
- Scenarios For Change
- Iran Nuclear Dispute Crib Sheet And FAQ
Security Overview
- Internal Security Situation
- Emirate Rivalry
- Insurgency And Terrorism
- External Security Situation
- Global Engagement
Armed Forces And Government Spending
- Armed Forces
- Army
- Navy
- Air Force
- International Deployments
- Weapons Of Mass Destruction
Market Overview
- Arms Trade Overview
- Industry Trends And Developments
Industry Forecast Scenario
- Armed Forces
- Table: The UAE's Armed Forces, 2000-2008 ('000 personnel, unless otherwise stated)
- Table: The UAE's Available Manpower For Military Services, 2009-2016 (aged 16-49, unless otherwise stated)
- Defence Expenditure
- Table: The UAE's Government Defence Expenditure, 2009-2016
- Table: The UAE's Defence Expenditure Scenario - Changing % Of GDP, 2009-2016 (US$mn)
- Defence Trade
- Table: The UAE's Defence Exports, 2009-2016 (US$mn)
- Table: The UAE's Defence Imports, 2009-2016 (US$mn)
- Table: The UAE's Defence Trade Balance, 2009-2016 (US$mn)
- Key Risks To BMI's Forecast Scenario
- Macroeconomic Outlook
- Economic Activity I
- Battling Through Global Headwinds
- Economic Activity II
- Is The Optimism Misplaced?
Company Profile
- Abu Dhabi Ship Building Company (ADSB)
Methodology
- How We Generate Our Industry Forecasts
- Defence Industry
- Sources

About Business Monitor International

Business Monitor International (BMI) offers a comprehensive range of products and services designed to help senior executives, analysts and researchers assess and better manage operating risks, and exploit business opportunities, across 175 markets. BMI offers three main areas of expertise: Country Risk BMI's country risk and macroeconomic forecast portfolio includes weekly financial market reports, monthly regional Monitors, and in-depth quarterly Business Forecast Reports. Industry Analysis BMI covers a total of 17 industry verticals through a portfolio of services, including in-depth quarterly Country Forecast Reports. View more research from Business Monitor International at www.fastmr.com/catalog/publishers.aspx?pubid=1010

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