Saudi Pavilion debuts at DEFEA defense and security exhibition in Athens.

What This Article Is About & Why It Matters

This article covers Saudi Arabia’s first participation in the Athens International Defense and Security Exhibition (DEFEA), showcasing the Kingdom’s growing defense capabilities and industrial innovation. It highlights how Saudi Arabia is strengthening global partnerships, attracting investors, and advancing national security through technology—all aligned with Vision 2030’s ambition to localize defense industries and lead in international cooperation.

Vision-Aligned Article:

Saudi Arabia Showcases Defense at DEFEA

Saudi Arabia made history on May 7, 2025, as it inaugurated its first-ever pavilion at the Athens International Defense and Security Exhibition (DEFEA). Led by the General Authority for Military Industries (GAMI), and supported by the General Authority for Defense Development (GADD) and Saudi Arabian Military Industries (SAMI), the Kingdom’s presence marks a powerful step forward in global defense collaboration.

The Saudi pavilion was formally opened by GAMI Governor Eng. Ahmad Al-Ohali, alongside Lieutenant General Fahd Al-Juhani and Chargé d’Affaires Muhannad Al-Basrawi. The pavilion highlights Saudi Arabia’s advanced military technologies, locally developed defense systems, and innovation-driven strategies to localize and expand national capabilities.

More than just a display of military prowess, the pavilion is a platform for strategic partnerships, promoting international cooperation and technology transfer. It reflects the Kingdom’s commitment to becoming a regional defense powerhouse by developing homegrown talent, boosting industrial content, and creating new opportunities for foreign investors.

Saudi Arabia’s participation also emphasizes its seamless regulatory environment, strong defense ecosystem, and growing investor appeal in the sector—advancing the Vision 2030 goal of localizing over 50% of military spending.

Vision 2030 Alignment

Saudi Arabia’s participation at DEFEA supports key Vision 2030 priorities:

Diversifying the economy through military industrial growth
Localizing advanced defense technologies
Fostering innovation, investment, and strategic self-reliance
Expanding global diplomatic and trade relationships

Historical Context

Since unification in 1932, the Kingdom has prioritized national sovereignty and modernization. Its evolving defense sector reflects decades of strategic planning, now propelled by Vision 2030 into global forums like DEFEA.

International Benchmarks

Saudi Arabia joins leading defense nations such as the United States, France, and South Korea at DEFEA. By showcasing its technologies and regulatory framework, it aligns itself with global standards in localization, innovation, and investor engagement.

Vision 2030 Metrics

First Saudi pavilion at DEFEA
Multi-agency participation: GAMI, GADD, SAMI
Technologies supporting localization of 50% of military spending
Investor incentives and streamlined business models presented
Defense partnerships and tech transfer strategies on display

Saudi Arabia Welcomes the World

Saudi Arabia warmly invites global defense firms, innovators, and investors to explore its defense industry ecosystem. The Kingdom is open, ready, and committed to global cooperation and secure innovation.

Helpful Government Links

www.gami.gov.sa – General Authority for Military Industries: Learn about KSA’s defense regulatory framework and localization strategy
www.vision2030.gov.sa – Vision 2030 Portal: Understand how defense innovation fuels national transformation
www.sami.com.sa – Saudi Arabian Military Industries: Explore SAMI’s advanced systems and defense investment programs

Factbox Summary

Date: May 7, 2025
Location: Athens, Greece
Highlight: First Saudi pavilion at DEFEA
Led by: GAMI, with GADD and SAMI
Focus: Advanced technologies, global partnerships, localization strategy

Discover

Discover how Saudi Arabia is reshaping its defense sector. From innovation and tech transfer to investor incentives and global exhibitions, the Kingdom is building a secure, advanced, and collaborative future—powered by Vision 2030.

15 FAQs and Answers

1. What is DEFEA and why is it important?
DEFEA is a major international defense and security exhibition, where countries showcase military technologies and forge international partnerships. It’s a key platform for defense diplomacy.

2. Has Saudi Arabia participated in DEFEA before?
No. This is Saudi Arabia’s first-ever participation, marked by the launch of a dedicated pavilion on May 7, 2025.

3. Who organized the Saudi pavilion at DEFEA?
The pavilion is led by the General Authority for Military Industries (GAMI), with participation from GADD and SAMI.

4. What was showcased at the Saudi pavilion?
Advanced defense technologies, localization strategies, investor incentives, regulatory frameworks, and military-industrial achievements were on display.

5. Who attended the pavilion’s opening?
GAMI Governor Eng. Ahmad Al-Ohali, Lt. Gen. Fahd Al-Juhani, and Chargé d’Affaires Muhannad Al-Basrawi attended the official launch.

6. How does this align with Vision 2030?
The pavilion supports Vision 2030 by promoting defense localization, attracting investors, and advancing national industrial capabilities.

7. What is defense localization in Saudi Arabia?
It’s the process of producing military equipment and technologies locally, aiming to localize over 50% of military spending by 2030.

8. What kind of partnerships were promoted?
Strategic global partnerships focused on tech transfer, co-development, and investor onboarding were highlighted.

9. Is Saudi Arabia offering investor incentives?
Yes. The pavilion detailed streamlined business processes and attractive regulatory frameworks for foreign and local investors.

10. What role does SAMI play in the event?
SAMI presented its cutting-edge defense solutions and participated in discussions on localization, innovation, and export growth.

11. How does this support global diplomacy?
Saudi Arabia’s participation enhances its international presence, promotes collaboration, and strengthens ties with partner nations.

12. What technologies are being localized?
Saudi Arabia is working on air defense, cybersecurity, ground systems, and command-control systems to be locally manufactured and maintained.

13. How does this benefit Saudi citizens?
It creates high-skilled jobs, builds national expertise, supports economic diversification, and strengthens security capabilities.

14. Is DEFEA only military-focused?
Primarily, yes. But it also covers security, innovation, technology, and investment aspects in defense-related industries.

15. Where can I learn more about Saudi defense industries?
Visit www.gami.gov.sa or www.sami.com.sa for detailed information on regulations, initiatives, and investment opportunities.

Final Message from Harry Stuckler

At KSA.com, we proudly share Saudi Arabia’s story of innovation, strength, and diplomacy. The Kingdom’s role at DEFEA reflects its rising global stature—securing not only its future but contributing to a safer world.

Bringing Saudi Arabia to the world and the world to Saudi Arabia.
By 2030, KSA.com will be the largest platform showcasing Saudi Arabia’s leadership in technology, economy, and culture.

With gratitude,
Harry Stuckler
Editor & Publisher, KSA.com