The 17th edition of the International Defence Exhibition (IDEX) and the 8th edition of the Naval Defence and Maritime Security Exhibition (NAVDEX) were held from 17 to 21 February 2025 held at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre. (ADNEC) Centre in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates (UAE) under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE.
- It was organized by ADNEC Group in collaboration with the Ministry of Defence, UAE and Tawazun Council, UAE.
- The exhibitions featured 1,565 exhibitors from 65 countries, fostering international cooperation and technological advancements.
Note: The 18th edition, IDEX 2027, was scheduled for 25–29 January 2027 at the ADNEC Centre in Abu Dhabi.
Highlights:
India Demonstrates Advanced Defence Capabilities at IDEX and NAVDEX 2025
India actively participated in IDEX and NAVDEX 2025, reaffirming its commitment to defence innovation and global partnerships.
- Defence Public Sector Undertakings (DPSUs) like Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) based in Hyderabad, Telangana and Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) based in Bengaluru, Karnataka operating under Ministry of Defence (MoD) participated alongside startups under the iDEX initiative, showcasing indigenous innovations
TASL Unveils NATO-Standard Light Armoured Multi-Role Vehicle (LAMV):
Hyderabad based Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL) introduced its indigenously developed Light Armoured Multi-role Vehicle (LAMV), compliant with North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) standards, at IDEX 2025.
i.The LAMV 4×4 is air-transportable, adaptable for global defence needs, and comes in two variants, including a reconnaissance variant with high-level protection for a driver and three crew members.
ii.The vehicle is designed for desert and high-altitude operations, reaching speeds of up to 100 kilometre per hour (kmph), as per TASL sources.
- It offers Stanag Level 3 ballistic protection, making it resistant to machine gun and sniper fire, including 7.62millimetre (mm) steel-core rounds. Additionally, its Health and Usage Monitoring System (HUMS) enables early issue detection for better maintenance and mission efficiency.
KSSL Unveils MArG 45 Mobile Gun System at IDEX 2025
Pune (Maharashtra) -based Kalyani Strategic Systems Limited (KSSL), a defence subsidiary of Bharat Forge Limited, introduced the MArG 45, a mobile gun system on a 4×4 all-terrain platform, at IDEX 2025.
- The launch was led by Sunjay Sudhir, India’s Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
The MArG 45 fires beyond 36 km, features an in-house chassis for agility, supports NATO-standard ammunition, weighs 23.5 tons, and carries 18 rounds with Zone 6 for sustained operations
KSSL Signs LOI with AM General for First-Ever Indian Artillery Supply to USA
Kalyani Strategic Systems Limited signed a Letter of Intent (LOI) with AM General, a heavy vehicle manufacturer based in the United States of America (USA), at IDEX 2025 to supply Made-in-India advanced artillery cannons.
- This marks the first time an Indian defence manufacturer will supply cannons to the USA.
GSL Showcases FPVs and OPVs at NAVDEX 2025
Goa Shipyard Ltd (GSL) based in Goa presented its locally designed Fast Patrol Vessels (FPVs) and Offshore Patrol Vessels (OPVs) at NAVDEX 2025 in Abu Dhabi.
- GSL has delivered seven FPVs to the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) which played a crucial role in disaster response. Two FPVs were exported to Mauritius,
i.The 50-meter (m) FPV reaches 35 knots and is built for patrolling, anti-smuggling, and coastal security. Powered by three 2,720 kilowatt (kW) engines, it offers high maneuverability and accommodates 35 personnel for long missions.
ii.The OPV showcased at NAVDEX 2025 is built for stability and multi-role missions, including combat, law enforcement, anti-piracy, and rescue operations. Its strong steel hull ensures durability in rough seas.
Other Key Points:
i.Indian Coast Guard Ship (ICGS) Shoor, an advanced Offshore Patrol Vessel, represented India’s maritime strength at NAVDEX 2025.
ii.At the IDEX 2025, artificial intelligence (AI)-powered technologies took center stage. Defence companies introduced advanced systems designed to improve targeting accuracy and communication, making military operations more efficient.
iii Aselsan, a defence company based in Ankara, Turkey, presented a variety of land and naval defence technologies.At IDEX 2025,it introduced advanced weaponry and detection systems, including modern mortar systems, smart munitions, and ground-penetrating radar. At NAVDEX, it displayed naval combat systems, electronic warfare solutions, and maritime surveillance technologies.
iv.Aselsan signed an agreement with UAE defence company Calidus Aerospace for cockpit display units (CDUs) and related technologies for Calidus airborne platforms, expanding its collaborations in aviation technology.
About United Arab Emirates (UAE):
President– Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan
Prime Minister(PM)– Maktoum bin Rashid Al Maktoum
Capital– Abu Dhabi
Currency– UAE Dirham (AED)
