Riyadh, Feb. 07, 2022, SPA -- The World Defense Show (WDS), a leading global event on defense and security, announced the completion of preparations for the launch of its first edition in Riyadh, scheduled to be held under the patronage of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud from March 6-9, 2022, it was reported here today. The World Defense Show will begin its first day with an opening ceremony that includes live demonstrations of the capabilities of interoperability between defense and security systems in all fields, with the participation of thousands of visitors and hundreds of industry giants, including Lockheed Martin, Boeing, General Dynamics, Navantia, BAE Systems, L3 Harris and Norinco. More than 450 companies from around 37 countries will participate in showcasing the latest defense and security industry technologies across land, sea, air, space and information security, in an ideal environment for communication, innovation and stimulating partnerships. A day before the start of the Show, organized by the General Authority for Military Industries, the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) will organize the “Riyadh Defense Forum” as a preparatory event for the first edition of the Show, which will host several military and political figures across the globe to discuss the latest trends in the sector which will shape the future of defense and security, followed by the "Riyadh Salute" event, where international military planes will overfly Riyadh to perform a dazzling air show. The Kingdom will also showcase its local capabilities in the security and defense industries, through the Saudi pavilion to be held on the sidelines of IDE, with wide participation of military and government agencies and local companies. The list of participants will include the Ministry of Defense, the main partner of the show, the Ministry of Interior, the Ministry of National Guard, the Presidency of State Security, the General Authority for Military Industries and other government companies, as well as a large number of national companies such as the Saudi Arabian Military Industries (SAMI), the strategic partner of the exhibition, offering great opportunities to connect with companies and investors from around the world to establish partnerships, transfer technology and develop local competencies, which supports the objectives of the Kingdom’s vision to localize more than 50 % of the Kingdom's military spending by 2030. --SPA 21:50 LOCAL TIME 18:50 GMT 0028 www.spa.gov.sa/w1688756