Shaun Ormrod, CEO, World Defense Show,
The inaugural edition of World Defence Show (WDC), which will take place from March 6-9 2022 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, will highlight interoperable defense solutions, besides showcasing Saudi Arabia’s robust defense ecosystem and capabilities.
In addition to providing a platform for local defence companies to showcase their rapidly growing capabilities, World Defence Show will also feature latest technologies and products from major international defence contractors such as Lockheed Martin, Embraer, and General Dynamics.
“The inaugural event is the newest – and first truly integrated – entrant to the international defense show circuit,” says Shaun Ormrod, CEO, World Defense Show, in an interview. “ At World Defense Show, all five industry domains – air, land, sea, security and space – will be brought to life through virtual simulations, displays and live demonstrations”
World Defense Show has already generated plenty of interest among the international defense industry. Can you tell us more about the event?
World Defense Show is set to serve as the global stage for interoperability. From 6-9 March 2022, on the outskirts of the Saudi Arabian capital Riyadh, attendees will witness interoperable defense solutions in action and connect with stakeholders from across the global defense industry.
World Defence Show is ultimately a future-focused experience held at a purpose-built venue; a veritable ‘military metropolis’ doubling as a marketplace. Founded by the General Authority for Military Industries (GAMI), Saudi Arabia’s defense industry regulator, the show builds a bridge between the Kingdom’s national defense ecosystem and the global defense industry, introducing stakeholders to opportunities at every level of the Kingdom’s expanding value chains.
Over 80% of the event’s exhibition space has already been allocated. Who all are expected to attend the show?
As Saudi Arabia looks to open its indigenous defense sector to the global defense market, companies both large and small, from start-ups and SMEs to Primes and OEMs, continue to snap up exhibition space. International exhibitors include, Embraer, General Dynamics, Lockheed Martin, NORINCO and Rolls Royce. World Defense Show will also serve to showcase Saudi Arabia’s defense ecosystem and capabilities, featuring local entities like, Saudi Arabian Military Industries (SAMI), Ministry of Defense, Ministry of National Guard, Ministry of Interior and Presidency of State Security.
In addition to the key VIPs and global industry figures on the event’s invitation list, Saudi Arabia’s leadership, international military delegations, and prominent defense decision-makers will take part in World Defense Show’s tailored Meet the Buyer and Delegation programs – set to promote collaboration and business opportunities across all domains. Additional programs include the Investor-Investee Program, Meet the KSA government program, and Industry Hub 4.0.
World Defense Show aims to be a platform for the world’s defense industry. How will it achieve that objective?
Saudi Arabia connects three continents, making it a true gateway between the East and West. The Kingdom’s geographic accessibility has positioned it as a key player in the global supply chain, and consequently, a high-potential hub for defense trade and innovation. As a major event in the international defense event calendar, it is World Defense Show’s ambition to unlock this potential by connecting SMEs to primes, countries to regions, and regions to global markets.
A renowned driver of growth for the global defense industry over the past decade, Saudi Arabia’s ambition is in line with Vision 2030, seeking to harness the industry growth nationally by localizing 50% of its military expenditure. World Defense Show will demonstrate to international companies and investors that the Saudi market is open for business.
One of World Defense Show’s main focuses is interoperability, a topic of particular interest today with the emergence of disruptive defense technologies. How will the event help further interoperability?
Rapid technological developments continue to transform the 21st century threat landscape and highlight new challenges for the industry. In addition to keeping pace, defense manufacturers must work out how to meet the multi-faceted needs of newer and more complex systems. As war increasingly plays out in cross-domain theaters, the industry is shifting its focus to interoperable solutions.
Defense shows typically showcase the performance of domain-specific technologies in isolation, ignoring the “how they can” and “where they do” intersect. At World Defense Show, visualizing this interplay sits at the heart of the show’s concept. The event will bring attendees in full view of the impressive technological feat that is defense interoperability. Through simulations, displays and live demonstrations, attendees will witness air, land, sea, security, and space technologies speak to one another, interacting harmoniously to achieve battlefield objectives.
World Defense Show will be attending DSEI in London on 14-17 September. What are you expecting to achieve from your participation in the event?
World Defense Show’s participation in DSEI will yield positive outcomes for the defense industry at the national, regional, and international level. Prospective attendees and exhibitors will learn about the size of opportunity – both commercial and strategic – available at World Defense Show.
DSEI is a great opportunity to connect with our customers and finalize preparations for their participation at the show through exclusive meetings, tailored programs and priority service across all product displays and demonstrations. The event grants access to Saudi Arabia and the Middle East’s booming defense markets like never before. We also recognize DSEI as a premium forum to engage in the dialogues shaping the future of the defense industry alongside other major economies, industry thought leaders, and senior government decision-makers.
For more information on World Defense Show, visit www.worlddefenseshow.com
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