Today, December 10, 2019, opening of GDA 2019, the International Gulf Defense - Aerospace - Homeland Security Exhibition that takes place in Kuwait from the 10 to 12 December 2019. The editorial team of Army Recognition, online Defense and Security magazine, a subdivision of Army Recognition Group, will cover this event on-site with its Online Show Daily News and Web TV.
GDA 2019 International Gulf Defense, Aerospace and Homeland Security Exhibition takes place in Kuwait from 10 to 12 December 2019. (Picture source Army Recognition)
GDA is the leading bi-annual show for industry professionals and business people from all over the world. Since our first show in 2011, the show has attracted top companies who, together with a fantastic line-up of events, make it all huge success with every edition.
The 5th edition of the International tri-service Defense Exhibition and Conference dedicated to Defense, Aerospace, Homeland Security and Safety & Security, will be held under the Official Patronage of the Kuwait First Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister, H.E. Sheikh Naser Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah.
According to the organizing committee, more than 200 leading international defense and armament companies from around 31 countries and regions will participate in the three-day exhibition.
Kuwait maintains one of the highest military spending ratios per capita in the world driven by the country's desire to have an important role to play in international affairs and bilateral relations. Kuwait consistently increased its military and security expenditure over 2015-2019 - following a dip in the year 2014 - aided by revenue generated from oil exports. The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) member states together are forecast to spend over US$100 billion on their defense capabilities for the first time during 2019.
The capital expenditure allocation, which stood at an average of 19.2% during the historical period, is projected to increase at an average of 20.7% during 2020-2024, primarily due to the procurement of missile defense systems, military aircraft, and naval ships. Moreover, the protection of vital infrastructure, territorial disputes with Iraq, and ongoing domestic defense industry building initiatives are expected to drive the country's future defense expenditure.
Kuwait has no domestic defense production firms and the Kuwaiti Ministry of Defense (MoD) relies on many foreign firms to meet its defense needs. Air defense systems accounted for the largest share of imports during 2014-2018, for which the US was the biggest supplier. The country also acquired F-18 Hornet fighters, M1A2 main battle tank (MBT), ADVS Desert Chameleon armored personnel carriers (APC), PAC-3 Patriot anti-missiles, and 10 Mark V patrol boats.
