HALCON, a regional leader in the production and supply of precision-guided weapons, today unveiled SkyKnight - the first UAE designed and manufactured counter-rocket, artillery, and mortar (C-RAM) missile system, at the International Defence and Exhibition Conference (IDEX) 2021.

EDGE, the parent company of HALCON, has been developing a short-range air defence system, as has Germany-based Rheinmetall AG, which was actively seeking a missile system to form part of its Skynex air defence system. The companies decided to jointly offer a solution, with HALCON providing SkyKnight, the missile system to the highly regarded Oerlikon Skynex Air Defence System, which sets new standards with its unique open architecture.

HALCON’s SkyKnight was purposely designed to counter the full spectrum of modern threats, providing early warning signals and precise surface-to-air intercept capabilities targeting of rotary-wing aircraft, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) rockets, artillery, mortar, and other fixed-wing aircraft at a range of up to 10Km.

Commenting on this landmark international elevation of a UAE-manufactured missile, H.E. Faisal Al Bannai, EDGE Group CEO and Managing Director said: “SkyKnight is the UAE’s first, but will not be the last air defence missile developed by HALCON. We are pleased to team up with Rheinmetall, a leading player in the defence industry, for us to jointly offer the world’s most advanced and comprehensive C-RAM solution leveraging our SkyKnight missile and Rheinmetall’s Skynex solution. This collaboration is a clear message that EDGE is open to teaming up with various players to offer joint advance solutions.”

The Oerlikon Skynex air defence system comprises the Oerlikon Skynex control node, multi-sensor units (MSU) featuring active electronically scanned multi-mode radars (AMMR), multiple 35mm revolver guns RG Mk3 and HALCON’s SkyKnight C-RAM missiles and missile launchers, each of which has a capacity of 60 missiles. HALCON’s C-RAM missile is capable of tracking and neutralising numerous, multi-directional incoming targets at one time, providing protection for static assets, as well as for mobile and mechanised forces. Transportable and mobile, the system can be deployed fixed on land, sea and moving land platform.

Rheinmetall AG, through its Swiss subsidiary, Rheinmetall Air Defence, has deployed the Skyguard system in numerous countries, which can bring down fast, small targets, and is used as the inner tier of layered air defence of vital points and critical military infrastructure. Countries that have rolled out Skyguard systems will ultimately upgrade to Skynex, placing HALCON, its SkyKnight C-RAM missile system, and the UAE at the forefront of air defence system innovation. 

HALCON is part of the Missiles & Weapons cluster within EDGE, an advanced technology group for defence that ranks among the top 25 military suppliers in the world. AetosWire

• Investment of USD 3 billion in tourism infrastructure and attractions to create a world-class mountain destination, in the Asir region.
• Planned developments include 2,700 hotel rooms, 1,300 residential units, and 30 unique commercial and entertainment attractions by 2030.
• The company aims to attract over 2 million visitors annually and create 8,000 direct and indirect permanent jobs by 2030.
  

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, (AETOSWire): His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince, Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of the Public Investment Fund (PIF), has announced the launch of Soudah Development Company (SDC) in the Asir region in Saudi Arabia.

The new entity, fully owned by the Public Investment Fund (PIF), will lead the development of a luxury mountain destination with immersive cultural experiences and celebration of the natural assets empowering the local and national economies.

Launched to be a key driver of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 ambitions, SDC will infuse USD 3 billion into infrastructure and tourism projects, aimed at enhancing the visitor experience in Soudah and parts of Rijal Alma'a Governorate in the Asir region of Saudi Arabia. The planned developments include 2,700 hotel rooms, 1,300 residential units, and 30 unique commercial and entertainment attractions.

SDC aims to develop the project area into a repeat, year-long sustainable destination for residents and visitors that will contribute an estimate of USD 8 billion to the Kingdom’s cumulative GDP by 2030. SDC intends to partner with the local community and investors to build a robust and diverse network of offerings across the hospitality, residential, commercial and entertainment sectors. It aims to attract over 2 million visitors annually and create 8,000 direct and indirect permanent jobs by 2030.

HE Yasir Othman Al-Rumayyan, Governor for the Public Investment Fund, said: “Our investment in the Asir region reflects our confidence in the character of the location, which is a rich amalgamation of identity, heritage and experience. Through careful and considerate development, (SDC) will provide yet another remarkable destination in the diverse and growing portfolio of Saudi Arabia’s experiences capturing the imagination of a broad range of investors and travelers.”

The Public Investment Fund (PIF) will inject at least USD 40 billion a year into the local economy and aims to grow assets under management to over USD 2 trillion by 2030. The destination adds another dimension to Saudi Arabia’s ambitious tourism goals and complements destinations being created on the Red Sea coast and around the capital city of Riyadh.

SDC aims to create a roadmap to transform the region’s vast public areas to highlight the region’s distinct culture, geography and its verdant nature. Preserving the environmental integrity of the destination will be a priority and the development will follow a rigorous regulatory framework and urban planning code. AETOSWire