Electric aircraft to 60-tonne tanks will be displayed at WDS

The air assets include established mission aircraft, fighter jets, helicopters, UAVs and the latest electric aircraft, while armoured vehicles and tanks, will be shown on the land side. This unique collection of manned and unmanned technology will form an effective showcase of the capabilities of future multi-domain operations.

The dynamic daily air display is led by the Saudi Hawks, the Royal Saudi Air Force aerobatic team, demonstrating their skills and capabilities in the distinctive green and white liveried two-seater trainers. In addition, the Chinese national aerobatic team, Ba Yi, will showcase their piloting expertise.

Other combat aircraft taking to the skies daily include the carbon fiber turboprop Calidus B250 light attack aircraft, the distinctive delta-winged Eurofighter Typhoon, the French Dassault Rafale C, and two roaring F-15s, while the Pakistan Air Force brings the thunder in the form of three JF-17 Thunder multirole combat aircraft. There will be daily displays of UAV capabilities, with the Red Cat Teal2, Firejet M180 and Skydio X10D all demonstrating their unique proficiencies.

Out on the apron, WDS 2024 features an incredible static display of more than 50 fixed wing and rotary aircraft, ranging from a Cessna Caravan to a Boeing Chinook. Other assets include the Airbus A320, A321, and Cougar helicopter, Sikorsky Seahawk and Blackhawk, Bombardier Global 6500, Embraer KC390 and the classic LM C130. Cutting edge electric aircraft are also on display including the Volocopter eVTOL air taxi. 

Calidus also appears in the daily land demonstrations with the 8 x 8 Wahash multi-role armoured vehicle, alongside the Humvee Saber Light Tactical Vehicle, SAMI’s Obaya and Storm II vehicles and the all-wheel drive off-road Tatra Tactic truck.

Among the 70 land assets on display in the show’s expansive courtyard area are a range of vehicles from Otokar, Terradyne, Chrystler, Oshkosh, Saab, GM and Nexter. 

Andrew Pearcey, CEO World Defense Show, said: “Our static and live display teams have gathered an amazing lineup of air, land and sea assets. The sheer number of exhibits, as well as the vast open air and land demonstration spaces, is a key separator for World Defense Show, allowing visitors to get hands on with the equipment, witness practical product demonstrations and really understand the immense capabilities of the innovative technology on display.”

The second edition will take place between 4-8 February 2024 in Saudi Arabia’s capital, Riyadh.