Riyadh, February 05, 2024, The World Defense Show 2024, graciously patronized by the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud, witnessed an impressive influx of visitors on the second day of its public opening, marking a pivotal moment in this globally significant event. A highlight among the attractions was the debut of the Defense Space Arena, comprising the innovative Space Theatre and the Defense Space Domain.
Spearheaded by the Ministry of Defense in Saudi Arabia (MoD), the Defense Space Domain emerged as a central focal point of the exhibition. This immersive space provides an interactive introduction to the advancements in space defense development. Video screens showcase the expansive potential of space capabilities, technologies, and solutions, featuring captivating digital content from major industry players such as BAE Systems, Boeing Space, Leo Labs, and Lockheed Martin. Both physical and digital space assets from industry and institutions are prominently displayed, illustrating the evolutionary trajectory of space technology.
Visitors can engage in a walkthrough of a Space Station simulation, where digital screens elucidate the pivotal role and significance of the space domain, elucidating its critical impact on shaping future global military capabilities.
The inaugural day of the Space Theatre featured two insightful sessions. The first, titled "The Interface between Space and Defense in Saudi Arabia," brought together panelists Dr. Mohammed Ali Alghamdi and Eng. Abdulrahman Nasser Alkhalaf from GAMI, along with Brigadier General (retired) Abdullah Alajmi, Business Development Director at Lockheed Martin Space, KSA. Amy Hopkins, Vice President at Peraton, adeptly moderated the discussion. The second session, "Space - The Challenges and Need for Collaboration," included panelists Dan Tenney from Lockheed Martin, Morena Bernardini, General Secretary at MBDA, and Elias Montanari, a Global Space Programme and Ecosystem Expert. The session was moderated by Ben Baseley-Walker, Founder of Andart Global.
The Space Theatre is slated to continue for the next three days, featuring industry leaders providing professional insights into innovations and pioneering technologies that will shape the future of space. Topics will include the challenges of governance in space, the imperative for international collaboration, the potential for defense and space interoperability, and the advantages of diversity in the space sector, among other exciting discussions.
Andrew Pearcey, the Chief Executive Officer of the World Defense Show, expressed, "The success of the Defense Space Arena underscores World Defense Show's pivotal role in fostering international collaboration in crucial areas of defense and security. The show stands as a dynamic platform for sharing insights and strategies within the global defense community, significantly contributing to the advancement of worldwide defense and space capabilities."
For more detailed information on the events of day two and upcoming programs at the World Defense Show 2024, interested parties can visit www.worlddefenseshow.com.