Gulf states to expand radar alert network

NICOSIA — The Gulf Cooperation Council plans to explore ways to expand its new early-warning alert system as the six-member alliance learns to become proficient in the regional radar network.

GCC officials said Gulf states will spend the next three years and nearly $300 million in absorbing the system throughout the region. They said GCC defense chiefs will explore expanded uses for the anti-aircraft network in forthcoming exercises.

One such use, they said would be the detection of a missile attack. The discussions will be headed by the new GCC military chief Omani Lt. Gen. Ali Bin Salim Al Amaari. Al Amaari is deputy chief of staff of the Omani military and he will formally enter office at GCC headquarters in Riyad on April 1.

Over the last two months, the GCC has launched operations of its aircraft identification and tracking system as well as its communications network. Both systems connect all six GCC members — Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.

The aircraft identification system, which cost $85 million, was developed by Raytheon and can track up to several hundred aircraft in real time. The communications project cost $70 million and was developed by the Swedish firm Ericsson.

The GCC systems will be discussed next week in Abu Dhabi during the first Gulf Defence Conference, held on the sidelines of the International Defence Exhibition. The exhibition is from March 18 to March 22.

The conference will include European, Gulf and U.S. defense experts. This includes members of the U.S. Congress and NATO officers.

GCC officials said the next step in developing regional security is the expansion of the Gulf force from the current 5,000 to 22,000. This would be accompanied by regional military exercises.

"Arab Gulf Cooperation Council member states believe that this force should be constantly developed and given full attention to maintain security and stability of the strategic Gulf region," Bahrain Defense Minister Khalifa Bin Ahmed Al Khalifa said.