Abu Dhabi, Dec 6 (IANS/WAM) The second edition of the Middle East Missile and Air Defence Symposium (MEMAD) is being organised here.
Diplomats, political and military leaders from the Gulf region and abroad attended the opening day of the Dec 5-6 event at the Armed Forces Officers' Club in Abu Dhabi.
The Institute of Near East and Gulf Military Analysis (Inegma) is organising it.
In his opening address, Inegma CEO Riad Kahwaji said the missiles constitute a real threat to the stability of the GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council) nations.
Deputy chief of staff of the UAE Armed Forces Maj. Gen. Ali Mohammed Subaih Al Ka'abi said an integrated missile defence centre has become essential with rising threats from weapons of mass destruction (WMD).
General Mattis of the US Central Command (Centcom) said Centcom has robust missile defence and is eager to engage in countering ballistic and cruise missiles.