RIYADH: The UAE’s arms acquisition authority, Tawazun Council, signed 4.7 billion dirhams ($1.2 billion) worth of deals on the first day of the Dubai Airshow. The government entity, collaborating with the UAE Ministry of Defense and security agencies, announced nine agreements with local and international entities, according to the Emirates News Agency or WAM. Four of these agreements were with domestic firms, totaling 2.7 billion dirhams. These include a 2.14 billion dirham ammunition procurement deal with Halcon. The authority also signed two agreements with the International Golden Group for technical aircraft support and aircraft engines and parts, valued at 338 million dirhams and 13 million dirhams, respectively. Another contract with Air Dynamics Solutions was finalized for 20 million dirhams to provide aircraft spare parts, repairs and technical support. On the international front, contracts amounted to 2 billion dirhams across five deals. These include a 1.62 billion dirham contract with China’s CATIC for an “airshow aircraft” and its accessories. Additionally, the council closed a 326 million dirham agreement with Thales LAS France SAS to purchase detection radars. A 3.5 million dirham deal was signed with US firm IOMAX for armament systems technical support and aircraft maintenance and repair. The authority also signed a contract with Chinese firm Poly Technologies for 23 million dirhams covering aircraft systems technical support. Lastly, it sealed a deal with Greek enterprise Sielman Defense Manufacturing Maintenance worth 3.67 million dirhams for Hawk Air defense system maintenance and technical support. Middle East carriers also revealed significant fleet expansion plans at the beginning of the Dubai Airshow, with Emirates and its sister airline flydubai announcing new aircraft orders from Boeing. According to an official press release, emirates committed to an additional 95 wide-body aircraft worth $52 billion from the American aviation giant, bringing the total order book to 295. The UAE flag carrier is set to acquire Boeing 777-9s, 777-8s, and 787s, aligning with its vision to connect even more cities globally and support Dubai’s economic agenda. It emphasized its commitment with firm orders for 55 additional 777-9s and 35 777-8s, expanding its 777-X order book to 205 units. The 2023 Dubai Airshow started on Nov. 13 and will continue till Nov. 17.