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.

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.”

With a core focus on innovation and thought leadership, the exhibitions will see the return of key features such as IDEX NEXT_GEN, a dedicated platform for global startups, and IDEX THINK_TANK, which will convene leading defence and security experts from around the world for high-level discussions on critical topics. The IDEX Talks and NAVDEX Talks will also return to host thought leaders, policymakers, influencers, researchers, and futurists to exchange insights on the new products and disruptive technologies that will shape the future of the sector.

As a leading provider of advanced defence systems and expertise for more than thirty-two years, STREIT Group has built a global presence at the forefront of innovation in the industry across land, sea, and air domains. With a highly skilled workforce of over 1,200 professionals worldwide, the Group specialises in the production of armoured personnel carriers, MRAPs, MAVs, and LAMVs, along with fortified boats and integrated marine technologies that ensure comprehensive defence solutions. These platforms are complemented by advanced systems such as UAVs, UGVs, and robotics developed according to the highest global industry standards.

Saeed Al Mansoori, Advisor of Military & Defence Shows at ADNEC Group, said: “ADNEC Group is very proud to announce our prestigious partnership with STREIT Group as a Diamond Sponsor. The IDEX and NAVIDEX 2025 exhibitions are set to be the largest so far and will offer an unparalleled opportunity to engage with ground-breaking technologies, seal new business partnerships, and joining enriching discussions shaping the future of the defence and security industry. With STREIT Group being a shining example of how UAE companies are leading global innovation in the sector, our new partnership is committed to serving our leadership’s vision of embracing cutting-edge technologies to bolster national security and foster sustainable growth to benefit the generations to come.”

Guerman Goutorov, The Chairman of STREIT Group, said: “STREIT Group is proud to be a Diamond Sponsor of IDEX and NAVDEX 2025, the events that exemplify global excellence in the defence and security sectors. Over the past three decades, we have remained steadfast in our commitment to innovation, advancing technologies, and quality products that address the evolving challenges of modern protection.

We are extremely proud to be headquartered here in the UAE and partnering with ADNEC Group aligns perfectly with our aim to support the country. Our mission for this year’s landmark exhibitions is to deliver cutting-edge solutions while fostering collaboration and knowledge sharing on a global stage. We look forward to showcasing our latest advancements and forging meaningful partnerships at these world-class events.”

The hugely successful 16th edition of IDEX and 7th edition of NAVDEX in 2023 welcomed 132,507 attendees to ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi. Across the platforms offered by both events, 41 international pavilions were hosted and total of 1,353 exhibitors from 65 countries took part. New features included the inaugural edition of IDEX NEXT_GEN, which provided a platform for more than 100 startups drawn from around the world, and the IDEX THINK_TANK with a series of sessions moderated by exclusive partners that generated exclusive strategic white papers.

Highly modular in design, SKYSHIELD can be configured for fixed installation in key areas to safeguard critical infrastructure, as well as being packaged as a rapidly deployable solution for a broad range of civilian and military vehicles, trucks, and ships. Featuring automated 360° detect and defeat capabilities for anti-drone protection, the comprehensive system is aimed at military, law enforcement, security, and VIP protection markets.

Omar Al Zaabi, Senior Vice President – Trading and Mission Support, EDGE, said, “As the demand for counter-drone protection is rapidly rising, we are proud to launch SKYSHIELD to the UAE and international markets. Responding to drones and the threat they pose requires a comprehensive approach, which is why this C-UAS solution employs an impressive variety of detection and interception techniques and can be configured for permanent implementation or as a rapidly deployable system. Strengthening sovereign capabilities is a strategic priority for EDGE and SIGN4L, and launching a robust solution such as SKYSHIELD reflects our steadfast commitment to securing the nation with cutting-edge UAE-manufactured equipment.”

To ensure system performance and reliability in hot, humid, and dusty weather, the C-UAS solution has been extensively tested in the region’s natural environment and climate, and has proven to perform optimally in the most challenging conditions. Attendees of IDEX can visit EDGE and its portfolio of companies at Hall 5, stand A05 – C10 at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC) until 24 February, 2023.