The IDEX Talks 2025, a prominent feature of the IDEX and NAVDEX 2025 defence exhibitions, have turned a sharp focus on the growing threat of chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, and explosive (CBRNE) hazards.
This high-level forum, held at the ADNEC Centre in Abu Dhabi, brought together a global assembly of defence leaders, policymakers, and industry specialists for in-depth discussions on the rapidly evolving security landscape.
Spanning five days, the event serves as a strategic platform for sharing knowledge and solutions on emerging and future threats to global security.
As the largest edition of IDEX in its history, this year’s event significantly highlighted CBRNE-related topics, underscoring the increasing need for advanced preparedness and rapid response mechanisms to address complex and fast-evolving security challenges.
The CBRNE theme was especially timely, reflecting the global recognition of the necessity for cutting-edge technologies and innovative strategies to tackle such threats.
The discussions at IDEX Talks 2025 revolved around the latest innovations in detection, protection, and decontamination, reinforcing IDEX's growing stature as a leading hub for global security solutions.
Organised by ADNEC Group in collaboration with the UAE Ministry of Defence and the Tawazun Council, the event saw the participation of esteemed speakers, including senior government officials, military leaders, and industry pioneers.
These discussions provided participants with invaluable insights into emerging threats, the development of new technologies, and collaborative defence strategies aimed at strengthening global security resilience.
The opening session of IDEX Talks set the tone for the conference, with a strong emphasis on the rising threat of CBRNE incidents.
Christophe Phan Kim, Sales Manager at Proengin, delivered the first presentation of the day, titled “Evolving Chemical and Biological Threats: Challenges in Protecting Critical Sites and Shelters.”
He explored the increasing range of threats to infrastructure across military, industrial, and pharmaceutical sectors, noting the limitations of traditional detection systems that focus primarily on gas-based threats, while biological attacks often present as aerosol-based hazards.
Phan Kim called for the development of advanced detection solutions capable of identifying solids and liquids, in addition to gaseous substances.
Phan Kim's presentation also highlighted the evolving nature of chemical threats, including the growing risks posed by industrial toxic substances, terrorist attacks involving agents like Novichok, and emerging dangers from Pharmaceutical-Based Agents (PBAs), Toxic Industrial Chemicals (TICs), and Toxic Industrial Materials (TIMs).
Phan Kim stressed that the US was particularly concerned with pharmaceutical-based threats and emphasised the urgent need for comprehensive and reliable detection systems.
Drawing on Proengin’s expertise, he presented the company’s advanced detection tools, known for their high sensitivity and reliability, even in extreme conditions.
His insights served as a powerful reminder of the importance of tailored solutions for safeguarding critical infrastructure and national security.
The day’s final presentation was delivered by Naktel Ben Fraj, Senior Sales Manager at Karcher Futuretech GmbH, a German company recognised as a pioneer in CBRNE decontamination technologies.
Ben Fraj focused on “CBRNE Decontamination Technologies” and shared the company's long-standing commitment to developing advanced decontamination solutions since its founding in 1959.
He highlighted that different types of contaminants require specialised solutions and explained how Karcher Futuretech has worked with NATO countries to ensure the most effective response to CBRNE threats.
“Our approach includes enhanced chemical formulations, innovative functional components, and improved decontamination scenarios. We offer a range of technologies, including wet chemical decontamination, hot gas technology, and vacuum-based solutions, ensuring comprehensive protection against CBRNE threats,” Ben Fraj said during his presentation.
His insights underlined the significance of advanced decontamination technology in mitigating the effects of chemical, biological, and radiological threats.
The discussions are set to continue for the next four days of the defence conference, with more sessions scheduled to explore the various dimensions of CBRNE defence.
By introducing CBRNE-themed discussions, IDEX and NAVDEX 2025 have taken a significant step in pushing the boundaries of defence dialogue, fostering greater collaboration, and facilitating knowledge exchange among defence professionals.
These efforts aim to enhance global resilience to CBRNE threats, reinforcing the importance of innovative solutions to ensure robust security in an increasingly volatile world.
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