2025-03-05
Record-Breaking IDEX & NAVDEX 2025 Wow the World
Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, the largest-ever editions of the International Defence Exhibition (IDEX) and the Naval Defence and Maritime Security Exhibition (NAVDEX) 2025 have successfully concluded.
The events, held from February 17 to 21 at ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi, set record-breaking participation and deal values over five days, with visitor numbers soaring by more than 55.5 per cent to reach 206,073 attendees from around the world.
Organised by ADNEC Group with the UAE Ministry of Defence and Tawazun Council, the exhibitions earned international acclaim from participants, visitors, leaders, and defence experts.
The Tawazun Council, the independent government entity responsible for acquisitions, procurement, and contracts for the Ministry of Defence and security agencies in the UAE, announced 55 new deals worth AED 25.15 billion over five days, reflecting a 10 per cent increase compared to the previous edition.
Strategic Success
HE Major General Pilot Faris Khalaf Al Mazrouei, Chairman of the Higher Organising Committee of IDEX and NAVDEX, stated that the strong participation in this year’s exhibitions underscores the UAE’s esteemed global standing.
HE Major General Staff Mubarak Saeed Ghafan Al Jabri, Deputy Chairman of the Higher Organising Committee of IDEX and NAVDEX, stated that national companies achieved remarkable success in this year’s edition of the exhibitions. He highlighted the rise in partnerships and deal values at this global event, with 68 per cent of Tawazun Council contracts awarded to national companies and 32 per cent to international firms, showcasing UAE companies’ technological growth.
Humaid Matar Al Dhaheri, Managing Director and Group CEO of ADNEC Group, stated that IDEX and NAVDEX are key to supporting national economic diversification by fostering industrial growth and hosting major global events.
The edition recorded a significant increase in the percentage of international visitors, reaching 57 per cent of the total attendees from 167 countries, while local visitors accounted for 43 per cent. The visitor demographics included 85 per cent male attendees and 15 per cent female attendees. The UAE ranked first in visitor numbers, followed by China, Turkey, the United States, India, France, Russia, South Korea, the United Kingdom, Saudi Arabia, Germany, and Ukraine.
Benchmark Breakthrough
The 2025 IDEX and NAVDEX editions saw record satisfaction levels. ADNEC Group, with GRS, conducted on-site surveys. Exhibitor NPS reached +34, far above the global +8 benchmark. ROI satisfaction hit 4.31, a nine per cent rise over the 3.97 global standard. Visitor satisfaction climbed to +63, exceeding the global +29 benchmark. The visitor engagement index rose to 4.38, an 11 per cent increase over the 4.00 global average, while overall visitor satisfaction stood at 4.31, surpassing the 4.02 global standard.
Defence Conference
The 2025 International Defence Conference, held alongside the exhibitions, attracted over 1,800 attendees, a 25 per cent increase from the previous edition. It featured participation from 55 military delegation heads, 40 CEOs of defence companies, 48 ambassadors, and 65 military attachés. Discussions centred on global security challenges, supply chain resilience, information warfare, and emerging threats in space.
First-Time Features
This year’s editions introduced several first-time features and initiatives. IDEX showcased advancements across 17 critical defence sectors, including land, air, and unmanned systems. Technologies such as navigation, radar, command and control, electronic warfare, and personal defence systems were displayed.
NAVDEX 2025, in its eighth edition, featured display of naval fleets from eight nations, including the UAE, Bahrain, Oman, Pakistan, Greece, South Korea, and India. Vessels and maritime systems were exhibited at ADNEC Marina and Zayed Port.
The current edition of the exhibition featured 1,565 companies from 65 countries, marking a 16 per cent increase compared to the previous edition. The total exhibition space expanded by 10 per cent, reaching 181,501 square metres. A total of 731 companies participated for the first time, representing an 82 per cent increase, alongside 213 Emirati companies, which accounted for 16 per cent of total exhibitors.
The exhibition featured more than 156 start-ups from around the world, representing 10 per cent of all exhibitors. These companies showcased a wide range of innovations and technologies to decision-makers and specialists.
Preparing Future Generations
The exhibitions and the conference welcomed the participation of over 6,000 university students, representing a wide range of higher education institutions and universities across the UAE, who made up three per cent of the exhibition visitors. These students attended the exhibition to explore the latest technologies and equipment in the defence industry. They engaged in discussion workshops featuring key decision-makers and experts from around the world.
IDEX and NAVDEX 2025 serve as incubators for developing national talent, broadening their horizons and guiding their interests towards future academic studies in the defence and security industries.
Contract Surge
Contracts worth AED 3.97 billion were signed on the first day, AED 5.80 billion on the second, AED 10.18 billion on the third, and AED 3.77 billion on the fourth day.
The announcement was made during a press conference attended by Majed Ahmed Al Jabri, Mohamed Saif Al Zaabi, and Mahra Bilal Al Dhaheri, the official spokespersons for Tawazun Council.
Mahra Bilal Al Dhaheri revealed that the total value of local deals on the fifth and final day of the exhibitions reached 11 deals worth AED 766.3 million. Among them were three contracts with International Golden Group: the first for purchasing ammunition valued at AED 145.3 million, the second for renewing licences and programmes for the Electronic Medical File System (HIS) infrastructure, worth AED 180 million, and the third for purchasing military uniforms and equipment valued at AED 136.8 million.
Other notable local deals included contracts with Al Jaber Land Systems for the provision of support services and spare parts for trailers worth AED 28 million, Itqan AL Khaleej Computers for the development of infrastructure for the Ministry of Defence’s Sheryan system valued at AED 74.1 million, and Al Taif for maintenance services of air defence systems worth AED 29 million.
A contract was awarded to e-Marine for maintenance and repair services of submarine cables for the Sharyan Network project, valued at AED 30 million. AED 25 million contract was signed with Trans Orient for technical support services for Armed Forces vehicles. Another agreement, worth AED 22.5 million, was secured with Al Aberah Electrical Works to provide technical support.
Fast Marine was contracted to supply inspection boats for AED 68.8 million, while the final deal involved Etimad Strategic Security Solutions, which secured an AED 26.8 million contract for the purchase of a specialised vehicle.
Mohamed Saif Al Zaabi highlighted that the total value of international deals on the fifth day of the IDEX and NAVDEX 2025 exhibitions amounted to four contracts worth AED 661.6 million. These included a contract with US-based Lockheed Martin for the alignment of new Sidewinder missiles, valued at AED 429.4 million, and a contract with US-based INSITU for maintenance, repair, and sustainment services for drone systems, valued at AED 55.1 million.
The deals included an agreement with French company Safran Helicopter Engines for technical and engineering support services, as well as the supply of spare parts for aircraft engines, valued at AED 23.6 million.
Key Collaborations
Here are some key collaborations forged by various companies at IDEX 2025:
EDGE’s IDEX Triumph
At IDEX 2025, EDGE Group, a leading advanced technology and defence conglomerate, reported remarkable achievements. The company secured new sales totalling USD 2.9 billion (AED 10.65 billion) and introduced 46 innovative solutions across air, land, sea, space, and cyber domains. Notably, Maestral, a joint venture between EDGE and Fincantieri, was awarded a €500 million contract for comprehensive in-service support of the UAE Navy’s fleet. The UAE Ministry of Defence awarded EDGE a contract worth USD 1.18 billion for the supply of aerial munitions and USD 61.8 million deal for advanced GPS Protect anti-jamming systems.
Thales, Milrem, EM&E Collaborate
Milrem Robotics, EM&E Group, and Thales in Belgium signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to collaborate on defence solutions tailored for the UAE. The partnership aims to integrate EM&E Group’s SECUTOR Remote Weapon Station and Thales’s 70mm rocket systems into Milrem Robotics’ THeMIS unmanned ground vehicle, enhancing its versatility for counter-unmanned aerial system operations. This integrated system was showcased by the EDGE Group at IDEX 2025. The MoU outlines future collaborative projects to advance defence technologies, leveraging the combined expertise of the three companies.
LIG Nex1’s Air Defence
South Korea’s leading defence technology company, unveiled its Integrated Air Defence Solution, offering comprehensive protection from low-altitude airspace to outer space. The system integrates a suite of missile systems, including M-SAM II, L-SAM, LAMD, SAAM, CIWS-II, and SHORAD/VSHORAD, providing layered defence coverage against evolving aerial threats. Notably, the M-SAM II, operational in the Middle East since 2022, features advanced tracking and multi-target engagement capabilities.
BAE, Bin Hilal Partner on ACV Support
BAE Systems and Bin Hilal Enterprises signed an MoU to support the Amphibious Combat Vehicle (ACV) in the Middle East. The partnership enhances local services, supply chain efficiency, and long-term sustainment. Rebecca McGrane of BAE highlighted their shared vision of boosting regional expertise and lifecycle support. James Smith of BHE-Land Systems emphasised localised support, expertise, and defence innovation.
Lockheed Marks 50 Years in UAE
Lockheed Martin Middle East is celebrating its 50-year partnership with the UAE, highlighting its commitment to human capital development through initiatives like the internship program at the Centre for Innovation and Security Solutions (CISS). General John Nicholson, Chief Executive of Lockheed Martin Middle East, expressed pride in participating in the largest-ever IDEX and reflected on the partnership’s origins with the first C-130 deployment to the UAE in 1975.
Centurion Body Armour
Abu Dhabi’s VentureOne and Caracal unveiled Centurion, an advanced body armour system designed by the Technology Innovation Institute (TII). It enhances safety, mobility, and comfort for defence forces. Caracal, part of EDGE, partnered with VentureOne to scale the innovation. Using advanced TII materials, Centurion reduces weight and improves mobility. It will first equip UAE troops before international deployment.
Assan Showcases Advanced Munitions
Assan Group, a prominent Turkish defence manufacturer, showcased its latest innovations, highlighting advanced munitions and strategic partnerships. Notably, the company has invested in 155 mm and 122 mm ammunition, FAB/OFAB series aircraft bombs, and the GEPAT Ammunition Production and Filling Facility in Bolu/Gerede. Ali Onen, Corporate Communications Manager, emphasised their collaboration with Lahab EDGE, producing munitions meeting international standards.
ST Engineering: OEM-Agnostic Tech
ST Engineering has evolved from producing licensed ammunition and M16 rifles to offering full defence solutions. BG (RET) Chua Jin Kiat, Executive Vice President, highlighted their OEM-agnostic approach for seamless system integration. Partnerships, notably with the UAE’s EDGE Group, boost defence capabilities. Recent deals with Helicopter Alliance expand helicopter Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul services, while an agreement with IGG Group enhances indirect fire solutions through the rapid-deployment GDAMS system.
EDGE, ELT Explore JV Potential
EDGE Group and ELT Group have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to explore a potential joint venture in the UAE. The partnership aims to enhance innovation in Electronic Warfare (EW) and Cyber Electromagnetic Activities (CEMA). If successful, the venture will focus on developing EW systems for air, land, maritime, and space operations, with possible integration into EDGE’s naval platforms, including those built by ADSB and MAESTRAL.
DCI-Tawazun Certification Partnership
DCI (Défense Conseil International) has signed a strategic partnership with Tawazun Quality and Conformity (TQC) to enhance testing and certification capabilities in the UAE. The collaboration aims to bring French expertise in testing and certification to TQC, ensuring high-quality standards for defence products. DCI, with over three decades of presence in the UAE, specialises in capability building through training and consultancy services.
Saab’s UAE-Made Coast Control Radar
Saab has launched its new Coast Control Radar, a next-generation, phased-array, non-rotating, software-defined system developed in the UAE. This radar is designed to safeguard territorial waterways and maritime traffic, crucial for national sovereignty and the global economy. It features a compact, modular design that ensures exceptional performance, including tracking smaller vessels in challenging environments. The radar integrates easily into infrastructure like buildings and bridges, offering 360-degree coverage and routine software upgrades.
Diehl Highlights IRIS-T SLM
Diehl Defence highlighted the IRIS-T SLM at IDEX, showcasing its effectiveness in air defence. The IRIS-T SLM system provides comprehensive protection against aircraft, helicopters, missiles, and drones, offering 360-degree coverage up to 40 km and 20 km altitude. It includes a missile launcher, multifunctional radar, and tactical operations centre, enabling simultaneous engagement of multiple targets.
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