This was the second biannual Gulf Defense & Aerospace show held in Kuwait City, Kuwait. It’s always difficult starting a new show, and the promoter has to have enough vision to choose not only the right place, but the right venue and the right time of year. The GDA first edition show in December 2011, like all first time shows, had its bugs to work out. There were surprisingly few, however, and the professionalism of the organizers and their staff shown through. The biggest issue at that first show was the Kuwait government was in a bit of chaos, and many people did not attend any events at all that year. Most of the exhibitors had enough quality meetings as well as the experience to understand being a “Plankholder” at a show like this was important for future business. It’s also important to remember that most foreign companies need a Kuwaiti partner to bid on projects in Kuwait.

The promoter’s attention to detail appears to have paid off very well for many at this second show. The promoters brought in a very strong showing of Kuwaiti government decision makers, and all together, the 2013 edition of GDA went very, very well. This is a regional show and there were 106 exhibitors from 21 countries. Total visitors were 2,589, with Embassy/Military attaches from 24 countries, and visitors from a total of 50 countries.

General Directorate of Border Security, Kuwait had a variety of their weapons on display including an M4 carbine and a Saco Defense manufactured M60 GPMG.

December 10, 2013. Kuwait Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense, Sheikh Khalid Al- Jarrah Al-Sabah, along with the Undersecretary of Defense, and the Chief of Staff at the opening of the GDA 2013 exhibition.

Al Sada General Trading & Contracting, a Kuwaiti firm started in 1985, represents a number of foreign brands including PWS, Laser Devices, and Camelback to name a few. SADJ Editor-in-Chief Dan Shea (right) met with them and discussed Al Sada’s regional plans for expansion and their connections with the Kuwait Military. (www.alsada-gen.com)

In the Kuwait Commandos Brigade 25 display, there was a Russian OTS-03 SVU bullpup style sniper rifle in 7.62x54R caliber, and we were able to photograph the reticle in its optic. The integral “suppressor” is actually a flash hider system, although it undoubtedly has some effect.

The General Directorate of Security Forces of Kuwait had a threat display that showcased weapons, mines, bombs, and improvised devices encountered in the First Gulf War and actions since that time.

The General Directorate of Security Forces of Kuwait had a threat display that showcased weapons, mines, bombs, and improvised devices encountered in the First Gulf War and actions since that time.

The General Directorate of Security Forces of Kuwait had a threat display that showcased weapons, mines, bombs, and improvised devices encountered in the First Gulf War and actions since that time.

The General Directorate of Security Forces of Kuwait had a threat display that showcased weapons, mines, bombs, and improvised devices encountered in the First Gulf War and actions since that time.

The General Directorate of Security Forces of Kuwait had a threat display that showcased weapons, mines, bombs, and improvised devices encountered in the First Gulf War and actions since that time.