RIYADH: The World Defense Show 2024 opened its doors to visitors on Monday who took keen interest in the state-of-the art equipment and defense technology on display.

The Defense Space Arena, incorporating the Space Theater and the Defense Space Domain, caught the attention of the visitors to the show. Sponsored by the Saudi Defense Ministry, the immersive area offers an engaging and interactive introduction to space defense development.

The vast potential of space capabilities, technologies, and solutions is highlighted on video screens, with exciting digital content from major industry players including BAE Systems, Boeing Space, Leo Labs and Lockheed Martin.

Physical and digital space assets from both industry and institutions are also on display, demonstrating the evolution of the technology.

Visitors can also experience a walkthrough of a Space Station simulation, where digital screens provide information on the role and importance of the space domain, illustrating the critical role of space in shaping future global military capabilities.

Andrew Pearcey, chief executive officer of World Defense Show, said: “The success of the Defense Space Arena is a testament to World Defense Show’s pivotal role in fostering international collaboration in the most crucial areas of defense and security. The show serves as a dynamic platform for sharing insights and strategies among the global defense community, contributing significantly to the advancement of worldwide defense and space capabilities.”

The Space Theater’s opening day featured two insightful sessions. The first titled “The Interface between Space and Defense in Saudi Arabia” included panelists Dr. Mohammed Ali Al-Ghamdi and Abdulrahman Nasser Al-Khalaf from GAMI, along with Brig. Gen. (retired) Abdullah Al-Ajmi, Business Development Director at Lockheed Martin Space, KSA.

Peraton Vice President Amy Hopkins moderated the discussion.

The second session titled “Space - The Challenges and Need for Collaboration” featured panelists Dan Tenney from Lockheed Martin, Morena Bernardini, general secretary at MBDA, and Elias Montanari, a global space Program and ecosystem expert, with moderation by Ben Baseley-Walker, founder of Andart Global.

The Space Theater will continue for the next three days, with industry leaders giving insights into the innovations and pioneering technologies defining the future of space; the challenges of governance in space and the need for international collaboration; the potential for defense and space interoperability; and the advantages of diversity in the space sector, among other exciting topics.