The Minister of Defense inaugurates the World Defense Show: Leadership and localization of the industry
On behalf of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, may God protect him, His Royal Highness Prince Khalid bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, Minister of Defense and Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors of the General Authority for Military Industries, inaugurated the third edition of the World Defense Show in Riyadh. This prominent global event, organized by the General Authority for Military Industries, will continue until February 12, amidst wide international and local participation that reflects the Kingdom's growing stature in the defense industries sector.
A strategic event that aligns with Vision 2030
The World Defence Exhibition is a pivotal platform embodying the ambitions of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia within Vision 2030, which aims to localize more than 50% of the Kingdom's military spending. The exhibition is not merely a venue for displays, but rather a comprehensive environment for innovation and the exchange of expertise among industry, defense, and security leaders from around the world. This edition underscores the Kingdom's commitment to enhancing its strategic independence and building a sustainable local military industrial system capable of meeting the operational needs of the armed forces and security agencies.
Upon his arrival at the exhibition venue, His Highness the Minister of Defense was received by His Highness Prince Abdulrahman bin Mohammed bin Ayyaf, Deputy Minister of Defense, the Governor of the General Authority for Military Industries, Engineer Ahmed bin Abdulaziz Al-Ohali, the Chief of the General Staff, Lieutenant General Fayyad bin Hamed Al-Ruwaili, and a number of senior officials.
Launch of the latest defense technologies
The opening ceremony featured the playing of the national anthem, followed by a speech from the Governor of the General Authority for Military Industries, who expressed his gratitude to the wise leadership for its unwavering support of this vital sector. Following this, His Royal Highness the Minister of Defense toured the exhibition, which includes more than 1,486 exhibitors from 89 countries, reflecting international confidence in the Saudi market.
During the tour, His Highness inaugurated several key projects at the Saudi Arabian Military Industries (SAMI) pavilion, including SAMI Ground Systems Company, the SAMI Ground Systems Industrial Complex, and the HEAT armored vehicle project. The inauguration also included SAMI Unmanned Systems Company and the Rukun program, which is dedicated to supporting local content and supply chains, thereby enhancing national military manufacturing capabilities.
International partnerships and quality agreements
On the sidelines of the exhibition, Prince Khalid bin Salman witnessed the signing of a series of agreements and memoranda of understanding aimed at strengthening defense cooperation and technology transfer. These included a memorandum of understanding with South Korea in the field of defense research and development, and another with the Ministry of Defense of the Slovak Republic. The agreements also encompassed cooperation with the Malaysian Ministry of Defense and a memorandum of understanding with the Ministry of Defense of the Federal Republic of Somalia, highlighting the Kingdom's pivotal role in promoting regional and international peace and security.
Promising growth indicators for the national economy
The General Authority for Military Industries confirmed that the sector is moving steadily towards achieving its goals, as the localization rate of military spending has increased from 4% in 2018 to nearly 25% by the end of 2024. Projections indicate that the sector's contribution to the GDP will reach about 94 billion riyals by 2030, with the provision of nearly 100,000 direct and indirect job opportunities, making the World Defense Show an important economic and developmental driver that goes beyond its boundaries as a traditional military exhibition.
The opening events concluded with a live air show by the Saudi Falcons team, and a viewing of the static displays of aircraft and military equipment, in a scene that reflects the great development that the Saudi armed forces and the military sector in the Kingdom have reached.
