Dozens of North American firms including industry giants Boeing, Lockheed Martin, Raytheon Technologies, L3Harris Technologies and General Dynamics are confirmed to participate at World Defense Show (WDA) in a dedicated North American Zone set to host American and Canadian defense industry from all key domains.
During the 2021 Dubai Airshow, Boeing was the latest US company to confirm its attendance at Saudi Arabia’s inaugural defense event. The firm will feature assets as part of World Defense Show’s live flying display and interoperability demonstration program in Riyadh from 6-9 March 2022.
Other firms taking space in the USA Pavilion include GE Aviation, Alaska Structures, Bell, Leonardo DRS, Oshkosh, PKL Services, S&K Aerospace and SAFE Boats.
With more than 95% of space sold, the event has attracted multinational firms and start-ups alike across air, land, sea, space and security. Event founder General Authority for Military Industries (GAMI) recently announced an expansion to one of the two exhibition halls, adding up to 14,500 additional sqm of exhibitor space and reaffirming the significant demand for participation at the inaugural event.
Also at last week’s Dubai Airshow, the General Authority for Military Industries (GAMI), founder of Saudi Arabia’s World Defense Show, has announced the expansion of Exhibition Hall 1 - adding more than 14,500 additional square meters for international defense companies looking to exhibit.
GAMI is the regulator, enabler and licensor for the kingdom’s military industry. GAMI is responsible for domestic defense sector development in line with KSA’s commitment to Vision 2030 and to localize 50% of military manufacturing by 2030.
Shaun Ormrod, CEO of the World Defense Show, commented: “As the global stage for defense interoperability, World Defense Show is thrilled to welcome representatives from 81 countries through exhibitors and invited delegations.”
“A major benefit of building our venue from the ground up is that we start with a blank canvas and can really listen to our customers, whether they are local start-ups or international OEMs. We can not only make sure there is enough space for all exhibitors, but we can also build bespoke facilities for integrated live demonstrations. This includes a 3km runway for military aircraft and a unique off-road desert zone for OEMs wishing to provide their customers with a real-life passenger experience,” Ormrod added.
Construction of the purpose-built 800,000 square meter site - featuring the world’s first dedicated runway for a defense event - is on track for completion by end of December 2021. The show will host more than 800 exhibitors including 100 local defense companies, with a series of senior military delegations and officials set to attend.
By that point the new hall will be completed along with a new access road, land forces demonstration area and courtyard, set to serve as a central point of access for 60 hospitality suites playing host to high-level meetings between suppliers and buyers.
Supported by Strategic Partner, Saudi Arabian Military Industries (SAMI), World Defense Show covers five major industry domains: land, air, sea, space and security. The world-class event will take place between 6-9 March 2022 and reoccur biennially in Saudi Arabia’s capital, Riyadh. As the Kingdom looks to localize 50% of its military expenditure under national Vision 2030 objectives, World Defense Show is unlocking opportunities for international exhibitors and visitors to be part of the national growth.
