Organised by ADNEC Group in strategic partnership with the Ministry of Defence and in collaboration with the Tawazun Council, IDEX and NAVDEX serves as a global platform bringing together key decision makers, experts, and leaders from around the world. The two events were aimed to promote collaboration among nations, institutions, and defence companies by discussing key global issues and threats and presenting innovative solutions to overcome future challenges.
On the sidelines of the two exhibitions, the International Defence Conference discussed key current issues related to space and defence, focusing on emerging threats to space systems, opportunities to enhance resilience, developments in new technologies, the crucial role of the private sector, and the need for space alliances.
Featuring high-level international participation, IDC hosted prominent international figures in defence, economics, and technology, including Dr Yossi Sheffi, Director of the MIT Centre for Transportation and Logistics, along with senior military leaders from various nations. The event will conclude with a dedicated session presenting strategic recommendations to shape the framework for future defence programs.
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% increase compared to the previous edition. These agreements, signed with local and international defence firms, underscore the UAE’s commitment to enhancing its defence capabilities and fostering global industrial partnerships.
IDEX and NAVDEX were aimed to promote collaboration among nations, institutions, and defence companies by discussing key global issues and threats and presenting innovative solutions to overcome future challenges
Principally, IDEX and NAVDEX 2025 serve as incubators for developing national talent, a sector that forms a key pillar of the UAE’s future economic development plans. Moreover, the exhibitions play a crucial role in transferring and localising advanced knowledge within the country, preparing future generations through direct interaction with industry leaders. This equips them with the skills needed to lead these vital sectors, increasing both direct and indirect contributions to the national economy while ensuring sustainable growth across various economic and knowledge-based sectors, in line with the aspirations of the nation’s leadership.
Additionally, participants explored a wide array of advanced technologies and programmes showcased in the Innovation Trail over five days. They also gained insights into the programmes, and initiatives offered by a diverse range of national institutions across the public and private sectors, which provide support for research and development initiatives. These efforts contribute to the growth of start-ups, enhance their competitiveness and open new regional and international market opportunities.
In fact, the IDEX 2025, has become a focal point for unveiling advanced artificial intelligence technologies poised to redefine modern warfare. Leading defence firms from around the globe have introduced cutting-edge AI-powered systems, emphasising the transformative impact of AI on defence strategies and capabilities.
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
At both the exhibitions, besides many UAE companies which have started manufacturing defence and defence-related products, under the UAE’s Make It In The Emirates-MIITE programme, which fosters local production in the UAE, a number of Indian defence equipment manufacturing companies were also present at the exhibitions. More than 1500 companies participated and more than 3 lakh visitors attended the exhibition.
At IDEX 2025, one of the prominent exhibitors, TAG Dynamics, a UAE-based defence manufacturer, presented a suite of advanced armoured vehicles and defence solutions. Their lineup included the Terrier X, ARX NS-II, SAIF ST-III, ROBUR LT-300, and BATT UMG ST-II, each designed to enhance battlefield effectiveness through AI integration. Notably, TAG Dynamics unveiled the AI-Enabled Agentic Guard Tower, an armoured surveillance platform equipped with sophisticated threat detection systems, 360-degree cameras, and a remote weapon station, offering comprehensive situational awareness and autonomous response capabilities.
In a significant development, EDGE, an advanced technology group based in the UAE, launched a next-generation AI-powered geospatial intelligence platform at IDEX 2025. This platform is engineered to provide real-time analytics and situational awareness, enabling military forces to make informed decisions rapidly. By harnessing AI, the system can process vast amounts of geospatial data, delivering precise target tracking and enhanced operational planning.
The exhibition also highlighted the growing trend of AI integration in unmanned systems. Companies showcased autonomous drones and ground robots capable of executing complex missions without human intervention. These systems are designed to operate in high-risk environments, reducing the need for personnel deployment in hazardous zones. The AI-driven capabilities of these unmanned systems include obstacle navigation, target recognition, and adaptive mission planning, marking a significant leap in autonomous military operations.
In loitering munitions, AI-powered drones are designed to identify and track moving targets, such as soldiers and armoured vehicles, by processing real-time data. Equipped with advanced optics, these drones distinguish between friend and foe, detect potential threats, and execute high-precision strikes with minimal collateral damage.
Indian Presence at IDEX 25
Many Indian defence companies like, Bharat Forge, BrahMos, Mahindra, Zeus Numerix and Optimised Electrotech were also present at IDEX and NAVDEX.
In a pioneering move for India’s defence sector, Kalyani Strategic Systems Ltd (KSSL), a subsidiary of Bharat Forge Ltd, signed a Letter of Intent (LOI) with AM General, USA, to supply advanced artillery cannons. This marks the first-ever supply of artillery from an Indian defence manufacturer to the United States, a monumental step in strengthening the defence cooperation between the two nations. The deal was unveiled at the IDEX 2025 defence exhibition in Abu Dhabi, further solidifying India’s growing presence in the global defence market.
IDEX 2025, has become a focal point for unveiling advanced artificial intelligence technologies poised to redefine modern warfare. Leading defence firms from around the globe have introduced cutting-edge AI-powered systems, emphasising the transformative impact of AI on defence strategies and capabilities
Speaking at IDEX 2025, Baba Kalyani, Chairman and Managing Director of Bharat Forge Ltd, expressed his pride in the historic agreement, saying, “Supply of made in India critical defence systems to the United States is pathbreaking! We at KSSL are proud to be the first Indian company to supply cannons to U.S. It is a testament to our capabilities and a major advancement in our mission to be a world leading Artillery Solutions provider.”
Kalyani Strategic Systems, also unveiled the 155 mm Mobile Artillery Gun (MArG) 45 at the IDEX. Following the development of the MArG 39, the 45 is indicative of a longer 45 calibre gun – extending the combat range of the system.
The MArG 45 is crewed by up to six personnel, seated in a two plus four configuration in an armoured cabin at the front of the vehicle. The driver and commander are seated facing forwards, while the rear four personnel are seated back-to-back with a pair on either side of the cabin. When the vehicle is stationary and needs to become combat-capable, a large stabiliser mounted to the rear of the vehicle is lowered onto the ground. This primarily dissipates the significant forces that are transferred onto the vehicle as the gun recoils and also provides a platform for the loader and space for housing a spare wheel.
Türkiye’s KAAN Fighter Jet
Meanwhile, Turkish defence firms also attracted considerable attention at the IDEX 2025, with a key interested party reportedly being the Emiratis and their defence companies.
Mehmet Demiroglu, the CEO of state-backed Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI), confirmed the UAE’s interest, particularly in regard to Türkiye’s KAAN fighter jet project. Stating that Ankara is already working and collaborating closely with international partners to advance the project, such as Saudi Arabia, Demiroglu revealed that others could be added to that list of partners, including the UAE.
Industry experts at IDEX 2025 emphasised the strategic importance of AI in modern defence. As the integration of AI into defence systems is not merely a technological advancement but a strategic imperative, enhancing operational efficiency and decision-making speed
With the second KAAN prototype set for completion by the end of the year, and the third in early 2026, the Turkish fighter jet project has been gaining international attention in recent years, securing partnership and joint production deals with numerous countries and their defence companies. The UAE may be the latest on that list.
Demiroglu also revealed a number of other projects that Abu Dhabi is interested in collaborating on, including Türkiye’s ATAK 1 helicopter, and the Hurkus training aircraft.
Industry experts at IDEX 2025 emphasised the strategic importance of AI in modern defence. As the integration of AI into defence systems is not merely a technological advancement but a strategic imperative, enhancing operational efficiency and decision-making speed. As AI continues to evolve, its applications in defence are expected to expand, encompassing areas such as cybersecurity, logistics, and intelligence analysis.
-The writer is a New Delhi-based senior commentator on international and strategic affairs, environmental issues, an interfaith practitioner, and a media consultant. The views expressed are personal and do not necessarily carry the views of Raksha Anirveda
