IISS Manama Dialogue Spotlight on International Experts and Senior Fellows: Dr Tim Huxley and Douglas Barrie

In preparation for the forthcoming IISS Regional Security Summit, The Manama Dialogue, spotlights on IISS Senior Fellows and Experts will be distributed weekly. The IISS Manama Dialogue will be held in Bahrain from 3 to 5 December 2010.

This week, we are pleased to feature Dr Tim Huxley and Douglas Barrie. Tim Huxley and Douglas Barrie are available for interviews now regarding the IISS Manama Dialogue. Please see below for information on these two gentlemen and also to spend ‘1 Minute’ with each of them.  To request an interview or receive accreditation to attend the IISS Manama Dialogue security summit, email manama-press@iiss.org.

Additional information on the IISS Manama Dialogue can be found at: http://www.iiss.org/manama-dialogue/

Dr Tim Huxley

Executive Director, IISS-Asia; Editor, Adelphi Books; Director for Defence and Military Analysis

Expertise: Asia-Pacific security and defence, Southeast Asia, particularly Indonesia

1 Minute with Dr Huxley:

My research focuses on the security and defence policies of Asia-Pacific states, and on developments in the capabilities of armed forces worldwide. With a number of Asia-Pacific states including Australia, China, India, Japan and Singapore participating, debates at the IISS Manama Dialogue promise to underline the significance of the diverse security relationships between the Middle East and Asia, particularly in the sphere of maritime security. The Dialogue will also provide important insights into the defence policies of key Middle Eastern states, including their arms procurement and the rationales for their efforts to improve their military capabilities.

Read more about Tim Huxley

Douglas Barrie

Senior Fellow for Military Aerospace

Expertise: Air power capabilities, Russian and Chinese air power, guided weaponry

1 Minute with Douglas Barrie:

Air power remains a key element of military capability in the region with several states recapitalizing core elements of their inventories. By far the largest is Saudi Arabia’s plan to acquire 84 Boeing F-15SA multi-role fighters, while also upgrading 70 F-15S to the SA standard. The deal includes the provision of the Raytheon APG-63(V)3 electronically scanned array radar. The Saudi air force is also continuing to take delivery of the Eurofighter Typhoon, as well as upgrading its Tornado strike aircraft. Oman is acquiring additional Lockheed Martin F-16s, with the intent to purchase 18 F-16 Block 50/52 aircraft.  The possible sale of the Typhoon to Oman has also been discussed. The United Arab Emirates and Kuwait also continue to consider combat aircraft procurements. The IISS Manama Dialogue will provide a platform to discuss the development of regional air power and its implications.

Read more about Douglas Barrie