United Arab Emirates (UAE) is seeking overseas markets for its locally built unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) by displaying them for the first time at the International Defense Exhibition (IDEX) 2007, the Gulf News reported on Thursday.

According to the report, the UAV project was launched in the UAE five years ago and has been in production for 18 months at the Dhafra military base.

"We plan to introduce and market this product overseas," Ali M. Al Shehi, ground station manager of the UAV manufacturer Space Reconnaissance, was quoted as saying.

The main purposes of the vehicle are surveillance and patrolling, which "can reach a height of 18,000 feet (about 5,455 meters), and a range of 100 km, and can remain airborne for six hours," Al Shehi said.

"There are also new advanced sensors installed to meet specific needs of the UAE armed forces. We will also install a radar system," he added.

Twelve UAVs are being operated by the UAE armed forces, the report said.

IDEX 2007, the eighth edition of the largest arms fair in the Middle East, opened on Feb. 18 and will conclude on Feb. 22.

Source: Xinhua