Defence events in 2028

Tied directly to Saudi localisation (Vision 2030) targets and large procurement budgets. Localisation and joint-venture commitments are often the price of entry.

The gateway to Asia-Pacific aerospace and defence procurement. Strong fit for firms targeting Southeast Asian and broader Indo-Pacific buyers.

UMEX is the primary procurement and partnership gateway for unmanned systems in the MENA region, attracting hundreds of military delegations and government buyers with real acquisition authority. For SMEs and startups, the dedicated 'Elevate' investor summit and commercial zone provide direct access to venture capital and regional government customers in one of the world's fastest-growing UAS markets. The Tawazun Council's on-site deal-signing (AED 3.6 billion in 2026) makes it a high-stakes commercial event where contracts are actually concluded on the floor.

FIDAE is the dominant gateway to the Latin American aerospace and defence market, attracting hundreds of official and professional delegations from across the Americas and beyond, giving suppliers direct access to regional procurement decision-makers. Its biennial cadence and broad government backing make it the primary venue for announcing platform sales, MRO contracts, and technology partnerships in the Southern Hemisphere. SMEs and startups benefit from dedicated innovation forums and the concentrated presence of prime contractors, investors, and air force commanders from across the continent.

ISNR is the primary procurement and business-development gateway for the GCC national-security market, giving exhibitors direct access to government buyers, ministry delegations, and law-enforcement decision-makers who shape multi-year security budgets. The event's rapid growth — 49% visitor increase and 19% more exhibitors in 2026 — signals accelerating regional security spending, particularly in AI, surveillance, and cyber. SMEs make up 20% of exhibitors, making it one of the few MENA security platforms where emerging companies can compete alongside primes for government contracts.