Saudi Arabia opened its national pavilion at the ongoing International Defense Industry Fair (IDEF) 2025, marking a significant step in its push to expand global defense partnerships and boost domestic military capabilities.
The pavilion, organized by the General Authority for Military Industries (GAMI), brings together over 10 public and private sector defense entities under one roof. GAMI Governor Eng. Ahmed bin Abdulaziz Al-Ohali inaugurated the pavilion, joined by several international defense officials and experts. The Saudi delegation is showcasing the Kingdom's latest defense systems and technologies, signaling both industrial progress and strategic intent to collaborate with leading global defense firms.
Speaking at the event, Eng. Al-Ohali emphasized that Saudi Arabia's participation at IDEF reflects its ambition to become a leading regional hub for defense production and innovation. He noted that the Kingdom's efforts are closely aligned with Vision 2030 — a national plan aimed at diversifying the economy and reducing reliance on oil. A key defense goal under the plan is to localize more than 50% of government spending on military equipment and services by 2030.
"This presence at IDEF is not only about showcasing Saudi capabilities," Al-Ohali said, "but also about strengthening international partnerships and attracting high-quality investments to support sustainable defense growth."
The Saudi pavilion will host a series of bilateral meetings throughout the exhibition to promote knowledge exchange and foster cooperation in areas such as R&D, manufacturing, and technology transfer. The participation also reflects Riyadh's increasing focus on building a robust domestic defense ecosystem capable of contributing to regional and global security.
Strengthening Saudi–Turkish Defense Ties
Saudi Arabia's active presence at IDEF 2025 also underscores growing defense engagement between Riyadh and Ankara. In recent years, Türkiye and Saudi Arabia have sought to improve bilateral relations, including increased cooperation in defense and military technologies. Turkish defense firms such as Baykar and Roketsan have shown interest in the Saudi market, while Saudi Arabia has expanded its investment in indigenous defense programs through collaborations with international partners.
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