Arab News, Wednesday, Feb 07, 2024 | Rajab 26, 1445
Defense Space Arena becomes key highlight of WDS
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.