World Defense Show (WDS) concluded its first edition last month in Riyadh recording SR29.7 billion ($7.9 billion) in deals following four trade days that brought together 600 defence exhibitors from 42 countries.

Founded by the General Authority for Military Industries (GAMI), the world’s first show focused on defence interoperability received 80 military delegations, 65,000 visits and representation from 85 countries from east to west.

Ahmad Al-Ohali, Governor of GAMI said: “From its first edition, World Defense Show established itself as one of the top defence and security shows in the world, which reflects the Kingdom’s position as a global driver of collaboration, innovation and business opportunities.”

“The networking, knowledge sharing and commercial relationships established through the World Defense Show platform will spur a new era of investment and growth for Saudi Arabia’s defence and security industry bringing us closer to achieving our target of localising more than 50 per cent of the Kingdom’s military expenditure by 2030.

“We thank all exhibitors, visitors and partners for being part of this promising journey and we look forward to bolstering ties with them in the coming period, while we prepare for the show’s second edition set to take place between 3rd and 6th of March 2024,” Al-Ohali added. 

As the regulator, enabler and licensor of Saudi Arabia’s defence sector, GAMI worked with partners to review contracts announced at the show, with detailed evaluation of technical specifications in line with international standards, ensuring spending efficiency and operational readiness.

The 2022 edition of WDS was packed with networking programmes and demonstrations. From creating business opportunities through the “Meet the buyer” programme to thought-provoking programmes such as International Women in Defense and Future Talent, the show paved the way for further collaboration, sector growth and human capital development.

23 DEALSWORTH $3.5BN

Of this, the Saudi Ministry of Defense (MoD) closed 23 deals worth more than SR13 billion ($3.46 billion) with local and international companies on the fourth day of the  WDS 2022.

The MoD signed five deals with the Saudi Arabian Military Industries (SAMI), two of which were closed with the Royal Saudi Land Forces (RSLF) and three with the Royal Saudi Naval Forces (RSNF), reported Saudi Press Agency (SPA).

The SR6 billion deal with SAMI includes providing advanced communication systems, armoured vehicles, ammunition, and maritime systems. The Ministry also signed an SR1 billion contract with Military Industries Corporation to acquire defence systems, technical and logistic support, as well as training for the Royal Saudi Air Forces.

The four-day event also witnessed the signing of two contracts worth SR2 billion between MoD and Raytheon to support the defence capabilities of the Royal Saudi Air Defense Forces (RSADF).

The MoD signed an SR1 billion contract with Lockheed Martin Global, which will allow RSAF to acquire sensing systems, including localisation and sustainment programmes. The deal was signed by Dr Al-Biyari and Lockheed Martin’s Chief Executive for Lockheed Martine KSA and Africa BG (Ret.) Joseph Rank.

The MoD signed another SR370 million contract with Poly Technologies to obtain air defence systems for the RSADF. The Ministry signed SR1.5 billion worth of two contracts with Thales International, a French company, for the RSADF. The contracts allow the RSADF to obtain defence systems and technical support.

The Ministry signed three contracts worth SR250 million for the Royal Saudi Air Forces (RSAF) with the Advanced Electronics Company (AEC). The contracts will benefit RSAF in further development, technical support, and maintenance of training systems for the F15 simulators. Al Suwayed and AEC Chief Executive Officer Eng Ziad Al-Musallam signed the agreements.

Furthermore, the MoD signed two contracts worth SR400 million with Aircraft Accessories and Components Company (AAC) to provide supply chain services to the RSAF. The Ministry also signed another SR260 million contract with the Swiss firm Rheinmetall to provide RSADF with support supply services and technical support for air defence systems.