RIYADH: The World Defense Show opened in Riyadh on Sunday, bringing together leading defence and military companies from around the world to showcase cutting-edge technologies and capabilities.
The event, organised by Saudi Arabia’s General Authority for Military Industries (GAMI), is being held from February 8 to 12 in the Saudi capital, according to the Saudi Press Agency.
It brings together official delegations, government entities, and major international firms operating across the defence and security sectors.
GAMI Governor Ahmad Al-Ohali said the exhibition features a comprehensive program that includes live air and land demonstrations, static displays, and newly developed zones, aimed at enhancing cooperation, partnerships, and integration between Saudi government entities and prominent national and global defense companies.
Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif arrived in Riyadh on Saturday at the official invitation of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to attend the event.
Pakistan is maintaining a strong presence at the exhibition, with a dedicated pavilion showcasing the advanced defense products, technologies, and capabilities of 15 to 20 leading institutions and companies from the country’s defense industry.
This is the third edition of the World Defence Show, which is being held under the patronage of King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud.
The event comes as part of Saudi Vision 2030, which aims to build a comprehensive national defense industry and localize more than 50 percent of military spending, while boosting operational readiness and strategic autonomy.
Andrew Pearcey, chief executive of the World Defense Show, said the event would feature a comprehensive program starting with an official delegations initiative linking senior officials with investors and industry leaders to support international industrial and technological cooperation.
Civil Defence showcases firefighting aircraft
Meanwhile, the Saudi General Directorate of Civil Defence is showcasing its firefighting aircraft to visitors at the Ministry of Interior’s pavilion during the expo, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
The aircraft is designed to carry out both direct and indirect aerial firefighting missions in challenging environments, including rugged terrain and remote areas.
It enables rapid access to hard-to-reach locations, significantly reduces response times with high precision, supports ground firefighting teams, and helps protect critical facilities and residential areas.
Built with a robust structure, the aircraft can carry large quantities of firefighting materials and is equipped with advanced operating systems that ensure mission continuity under critical conditions.
It also supports air command and control and field coordination, enhancing firefighting operations, containing fires more effectively, safeguarding lives and property, and strengthening national preparedness for natural disasters.
