Boeing is exhibiting its diverse, and advanced range of defense technologies, products, and service capabilities at the first edition of the Saudi World Defense Show (WDS 2022) in Riyadh.

Held under the patronage of His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Crown prince, Deputy Prime Minister and the Minister of Defense, the show is held from March 6 to 9 at the newly inaugurated WDS center.

WDS is a key international platform for Boeing to highlight its products and services that support and advance Saudi Arabia and the wider region’s defense and services requirements. Boeing continues to work with the Kingdom and regional governments to ensure future advancements in their defense and services capabilities.

“WDS is an important event for Boeing, as it presents an ideal opportunity to showcase our commitment to the Kingdom and the wider region. I am proud to say that Boeing shares a partnership of 77+ years with the Kingdom. At WDS 2022, Boeing will demonstrate its latest technology in defense, and our capabilities in the advancement of the services sector,” said Ahmed Jazzar, President of Boeing Saudi Arabia.

Boeing Defense Space & Security (BDS) backlog now stands at $60 billion with 33% of that coming from outside the United States. The 2021 Boeing Market Outlook also projects the defense and space market opportunity will remain consistent with last year's forecast at $2.6 trillion during the next decade. This spending projection continues to reflect the ongoing importance of military aircraft, autonomous systems, satellites, spacecraft and other products for national and international defense, with 40 percent of expenditures expected to originate outside of the United States.

Boeing expects the market for support and services to be worth $3.2 trillion in the 10-year period between 2021 and 2030.  However, regional Covid-19 case growth and new variants may continue to bring volatility to the market. Commercial services represent $1.7 trillion of the forecast and include the services to support the growing business and general aviation markets. Government services are forecasted to be worth $1.5 trillion. The support and services functions are diverse in terms of sales, activity scope, capital intensity, and competitive environment.

At WDS, Boeing is showcasing advanced platforms and capabilities including:

• The AH-64 Apache (photo), the primary attack helicopter for 17 partner nations around the globe, including Egypt, with a reputation as the most proven attack helicopter in the world. There are more than 1,200 Apache aircraft in operation at present. The U.S. Army fleet has accumulated over 4 million flight hours and more than 1.3 million combat hours.
• The CH-47F Chinook is the most advanced, affordable, battle-tested heavy-lift helicopter in the world. The tandem rotor design allows the Chinook to devote all of its power to lift, and provides unmatched tactical and combat support mission capabilities.
• The F-15EX is an indispensable asset to global force structures with affordability, speed, range, heavy-weapon payload and rapid technology paths. With its contemporary sensors, high-speed open mission systems architecture and electronic warfare suite, the F-15EX delivers complementary and interoperable capabilities ready to take on the missions of today and adapt to meet the missions of tomorrow.
• The Wave Glider designed and manufactured by Liquid Robotics, is the world’s most experienced, long-duration un-crewed surface vehicle (USV). It supports a wide range of sensors and payloads to collect and transmit data in real-time from seabed to space, and is used by defense organizations around the world for anti-submarine warfare (ASW), and intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) missions.
• The T-7A Red Hawk is an all-new advanced pilot training system designed for the US Air Force that will train the next generation of fighter and bomber pilots for decades to come. Designed using a digital thread, the T-7A aligns with the U.S. Air Force’s Digital Century Series strategy by enabling the integration of new concepts and capabilities faster and more affordably through virtual testing.
• The Airpower Teaming System is a new uncrewed aircraft using artificial intelligence to be that force multiplier. It’s designed to work as a smart team with existing military aircraft to complement and extend airborne missions.

Boeing is also showcasing solutions and capabilities from the Boeing Global Services portfolio, which includes sustainment, modifications and modernization, upgrades, training and maintenance services, many of which are deployed in support of governments in the region today.

Boeing expects the government support and services 10-year market (between 2021 and 2030) to be worth $1.5 trillion. The Middle East represents $200 billion of the services market, the company said.