Deputy Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman

With the support of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman, the Ministry of Defense will host an Armed Forces Exhibition for Diversification of local manufacturing in February.

The event is designed to support the government strategy for localization of the defense industry, diversification of the economy, and to break the monopoly of international companies in the defense sector.

The Feb. 21-28 AFED exhibition will be inaugurated by Deputy Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman at the Riyadh International Convention and Exhibition Center.

Addressing a press conference on Tuesday, Brig. Gen. Attiya bin Saleh Al-Malki, spokesman for the AFED exhibition, said: “The defense expo aims to meet the requirements of the armed forces and ensure their preparedness through the establishment of a long-term relationship with the private sector…”

He added: “It aims to break the monopoly of the international companies which in turn will help further enhance the national security as well as allow the private sector, local factories and specialized labs to introduce their products and display their capabilities in local industrialization operations…”

Abdul Rahman Al-Zamil, chairman of the Council of Saudi Chambers, said the expo will enable the private sector specialized in the industrial field to display their products, potentials and contribution to local manufacturing and present their capability to the armed forces.

He hoped that it would support national industry and develop production in line with global standards and required quality needs.

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