The United Arab Emirates has successfully concluded its participation in the 19th edition of the Asian Defence Services Exhibition (DSA 2026), held alongside the Asian National Security Exhibition (NATSEC 2026), which wrapped up on 23 April 2026 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
Spanning four days, the two events witnessed broad international participation from countries, major companies, and specialised institutions in the defence and security sectors. The exhibitions attracted a high volume of official delegations, experts, and decision-makers, in addition to a strong presence of advanced technology firms. Together, they provided a key platform for showcasing the latest defence solutions and systems, while fostering opportunities for cooperation and strategic partnerships among participating entities.
Distinguished UAE Participation
Leading UAE defence and security companies took part in the exhibition under the UAE National Pavilion, hosted at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC) in Kuala Lumpur.
Organised by ADNEC Group—part of Modon—and supported by the Ministry of Defence and Tawazun Council, the UAE pavilion attracted high-level delegations and key decision-makers from across the global defence industry. Over the course of the event, it hosted numerous meetings aimed at establishing new partnerships between UAE entities and their international counterparts, reinforcing the exhibition’s role in strengthening international collaboration in defence and security.
The UAE National Pavilion welcomed 6,645 visitors over four days, including government officials, military leaders, and senior executives from leading global companies. It also received official delegations from 21 countries and hosted a total of 285 meetings, reflecting a high level of strategic engagement and further consolidating the UAE’s position as a trusted partner in regional and global defence markets.
Participating Companies
The UAE pavilion featured several leading national companies, including EDGE Group, Calidus Holding, Resource Industries, and Asis Boats. These companies showcased a wide range of advanced defence products and services, including electronic warfare systems, armoured vehicles, unmanned aerial platforms, air defence systems, communications technologies, inflatable boats, and advanced training and simulation solutions.
EDGE Group
EDGE Group presented a comprehensive multi-domain portfolio of advanced, high-impact systems and solutions designed to support modern operations. Its display included field-proven precision-guided munitions, autonomous unmanned aerial systems, loitering munitions, AI-enhanced electro-optical and radar systems, high-performance firearms, multi-mission naval vessels, secure communications systems, and electronic warfare solutions, as well as versatile armoured vehicles.
The group also showcased advanced missile systems, including the extended-range anti-ship MANSUP-ER missile, capable of operating in various weather conditions, alongside the SKYKNIGHT air defence system, known for its rapid deployment and high readiness.
Calidus Holding
Calidus Holding highlighted a selection of its integrated defence solutions across land, sea, and air domains. Among the exhibits were models of the Bader 250-B aircraft, the “Mazeed 001” vehicle, advanced variants of the Al-Hedah missile systems, and a model of the PV38 patrol vessel. These systems are manufactured in the UAE in accordance with the highest international standards by highly qualified national talent.
Resource Industries
Resource Industries showcased products from its aviation, electronic warfare, and land systems divisions. The company presented two combat vehicles: the MOREB MRAP and the MOREB Light Strike Reconnaissance Vehicle, both equipped with remotely operated weapon stations (TRAKON30 and TRAKON LITE). The MRAP platform also features the UNI3008 long-range jamming system.
In the aviation domain, the company displayed the H500 unmanned helicopter, the V-15 VTOL aircraft, and a 3D model of the RI-MALE platform. Its electronic warfare portfolio included the Sky Sentry system and the PULSE50 anti-drone gun.
Asis Boats
Asis Boats presented its range of rigid inflatable boats (RIBs) designed for military and professional applications, with a focus on high-performance, custom-built platforms. The company also highlighted its maritime defence capabilities, including an integrated counter-drone interception system embedded within its vessels to enhance operational readiness.
Organisers and Media Participation
Capital Events, the event management arm of ADNEC Group, and Al Jundi Journal—the official publication of the UAE Ministry of Defence—participated as a media partner within the UAE pavilion.
Capital Events also showcased the UAE’s upcoming major defence exhibitions, including IDEX and NAVDEX 2027, ISNR 2026, and UMEX and SIMTEX 2028.
Strategic Platform for Global Engagement and Technology Transfer
The UAE’s participation in DSA 2026 reflects a broader national strategy to strengthen the global presence of its defence companies and reinforce its position as a reliable partner in the international defence industry. The exhibition provided an interactive environment that brought together decision-makers and industry leaders from around the world.
In this context, the UAE National Pavilion served as an advanced platform for direct engagement with industry leaders and experts, enabling the development of strategic partnerships and the exploration of new avenues for cooperation. It also offered an opportunity to showcase the UAE’s latest defence innovations to a rapidly growing Asian market characterised by continuous technological advancement.
Since its inception in 1988, DSA has been recognised as one of Asia’s leading defence and security events, attracting more than 1,200 companies from around 60 countries. The exhibition continues to serve as a vital hub for strategic engagement, technology exchange, and business development, reinforcing its role as a catalyst for international partnerships and knowledge transfer across the global defence sector.
Coverage by: Razi Izzeddin Elhadmi – Photography by: Badr Mohammed Khoroo
