Tawazun Council – the government authority responsible for managing acquisitions, procurement, and contracts on behalf of the Ministry of Defense and security agencies – announced the signing of 5 deals worth a total of AED 5.8 billion with local and international companies on the second day of IDEX and NAVDEX 2025.

With these agreements, the total value of contracts signed during the first two days of the exhibitions has reached AED 9.77 billion across 18 deals. The announcement was made during a press conference attended by Majed Ahmed Al Jaberi, Mohammed Saif Al Zaabi, and Mahra Bilal Al Dhaheri, the official spokespersons for Tawazun Council.

The press briefing detailed the council’s contracts for the Ministry of Defense at IDEX and NAVDEX 2025, held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, and organized by ADNEC Group in collaboration with the Ministry of Defense and Tawazun Council.

Mahra Bilal Al Dhaheri stated that the second day’s local deals amounted to three contracts worth AED 5.57 billion. These included a contract with “Calidus Aerospace” to Procure HEDA Missile System (Phase 1) worth AED 3.76 billion, a contract with “International Golden Group” for the procurement of ammunition worth AED 492 million, and an agreement with “DTEC Industries Limited” to purchase 50 meter marine traffic boats worth AED 1.38 billion.

Meanwhile, Mohammed Saif Al Zaabi announced that international contracts for the second day of IDEX and NAVDEX 2025 amounted to two deals worth AED 213 million. These included an agreement with the French company “MBDA” to provide spare parts, maintenance, repairs, and technical support for naval equipment, valued at AED 32 million. Additionally, a contract was signed with “Augusta Westland Aviation Services “of Italy to provide technical, engineering, and logistics support, along with aircraft spare parts, worth AED 181 million.

Majed Ahmed Al Jaberi highlighted Tawazun Council’s commitment to enhancing cooperation between leading local and international defense companies. He pointed out that IDEX and NAVDEX 2025 serve as pivotal platforms for showcasing the latest technologies and innovations. Al Jaberi further remarked that these contracts play a key role in supporting the nation’s strategy to bolster its defense capabilities and expand its local manufacturing base—efforts that contribute to sustainable development and stimulate investment in advanced technologies.

EDGE, one of the world’s leading advanced technology and defence groups, is unveiling a next-level range of new electronic warfare (EW), radar, and electro-optical/infrared (EO/IR) systems at the International Defence Exhibition & Conference 2025 (IDEX 2025). These cutting-edge systems mark a significant expansion of EDGE’s portfolio, reinforcing its position at the forefront of high-performance sensor and electromagnetic technologies that are critical for modern operational theatres.

EDGE is unveiling its most advanced suite of radars and electro-optical/infrared (EO/IR) systems, seamlessly expanding its all-domain portfolio. In the radar category, EDGE is introducing the NEMUS family, multi-threat active electronically scanned array (AESA) radars engineered for a broad range of intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition, and reconnaissance (ISTAR) operations. Additionally, EDGE is launching next-generation 3D radars – the next generation TAWAQ family of ground radars, with advanced artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities.

EDGE is also showcasing its MIRSAD family of advanced EO/IR systems, designed for high-precision surveillance and targeting across air, naval, and ground domains. Equipped with cutting-edge imaging, tracking, and laser designation technologies, the MIRSAD family enhances situational awareness and operational effectiveness, delivering superior performance in complex environments.

In the EW domain, EDGE is unveiling two new variants of the GPS PROTECT GNSS anti-jamming system, the GPS PROTECT-4 and GPS PROTECT-8. Utilising advanced digital signal processing and array antenna technology, the new systems effectively protect users’ GNSS receivers from radio-frequency (RF) interference signals. EDGE is also unveiling two new variants of the SKYSHIELD counter-unmanned aerial system (C-UAS), the SKYSHIELD-N (Naval) and SKYSHIELD-T (Trailer-mounted), designed to identify UAS and jam their command-and-control (C2) channels within the full range of the GNSS spectrum.

Making its debut at IDEX 2025, BORDERSHIELD is EDGE’s new end-to-end surveillance system, designed for superior border security operations. Featuring AI-driven automatic detection of UAS, personnel, and vehicles up to 15km, BORDERSHIELD integrates a high-power cellular system (operating across GMS, UTMS, LTE, and 5G NSA frequency bands), a thermal optical camera, a high-resolution radar, and a C2 system to provide real-time, persistent situational awareness.

EDGE’s expansion into critical electronic warfare, radar, and EO/IR technologies is underpinned by the strategic consolidation of expertise within its newly established Technology & Innovation (T&I) cluster. This cluster is designed to accelerate innovation, optimise production through dedicated Centres of Excellence, and transform advanced research into deployable solutions. As a strategic initiative, it enhances efficiency, sovereignty, and technological leadership, reinforcing EDGE’s position as a global leader in defence technology.

World Defense Show (WDS), founded by the General Authority for Military Industries (GAMI) in Saudi Arabia, today revealed several new features to be implemented at its upcoming third edition in 2026, under the theme, ‘The Future of Defense Integration.’ The details of the show, including the expansion of the venue space, were announced today at IDEX 2025 in Abu Dhabi.

To be held from 8-12 February 2026 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, WDS will showcase the latest advancements in defense technologies across all five defense domains — air, land, sea, space, and security. Building on the success of its two prior editions, WDS 2026 will bring together global defense stakeholders to further foster collaboration, innovation, and international partnerships to strengthen global defense capabilities. WDS contributes to Saudi Arabia’s growth in the defense sector and is aligned with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030 to localize 50 percent of defense spending in the Kingdom.

World Defense Show 2026 will span 273,000 sqm of exhibition space, including a new fourth hall. Since its inception in 2022, the area of exhibition stands has seen a considerable 58% growth. WDS 2026, in its third edition, is set to be even bigger and has received global participation with 65% of exhibition stands already sold. Attendees can experience several world-class features, take part in strategic networking opportunities, engage in discussions on crucial topics transforming the defense landscape, and view dynamic live and static displays at the expanded 2026 venue.

Andrew Pearcey, CEO, said, “We are excited to announce that WDS 2026 is surpassing the success of the previous edition. The 2026 show will be larger in size and expanded in scope, with increased international and local participation, expanded exhibition space, and a stronger focus on technological advancements, zooming in on unmanned systems and naval. WDS has introduced a range of important new features to promote further integration across the full spectrum of defense operations and deliver attendees another unmatched experience.”

WDS 2026 has announced new groundbreaking show features in addition to the successful programs from the previous edition. In 2024, these will contribute to an even more inclusive environment, bring the most cutting-edge technologies, and ensure wider industry coverage.

Among the highlights is Future Defense Lab, a revolutionary platform showcasing a new era of innovators, from startups to global primes, presenting never-before-seen cutting-edge technologies. In addition, the Unmanned Systems Zone brings the latest advancements in autonomous technology to the forefront, offering attendees the opportunity to experience the next phase of unmanned developments across all defense domains. Further, the new Naval Zone offers a comprehensive look at the future of maritime defense, underscoring the integral role of naval capabilities in maintaining global stability and securing economic interests.

A key new feature that reflects the Kingdom’s growing defense sector capabilities is the Saudi Supply Chain Zone, which enables small- and medium-sized Saudi enterprises the opportunity to connect with key players in the global defense supply chain, thereby strengthening local and international partnerships.

Pearcey added, “We’ve received resounding positive feedback from the previous two editions, with 2024 exceeding our expectations across the board. In response, we’ve set even more ambitious goals for 2026. By extending the show to offer more networking opportunities, greater deal-making potential, and enhanced collaboration between startups, local SMEs, and global industry leaders, we are committed to strengthening industry connections across the entire supply chain.”