Astute Group, a global authorised distributor and supply chain partner to the aerospace and defense industry, will take part in World Defense Show, supporting the Kingdom’s focus on defense industrial capability, localisation, and global competitiveness.
With more than 35 years of experience supporting defense, aerospace and space programmes worldwide, Astute operates as a design-led partner to the defense industry. The company supports customers from early design through sustained production and long-term programme support, combining strict quality standards with deep supply chain expertise as a specialised defense distributor. Astute is also an authorised electronics distributor with more than 130 franchised lines, providing Saudi defense organisations with secure access to trusted, defense-ready technologies.
“Saudi Arabia’s defense ambitions depend on supply chains that can scale reliably and stand up to global scrutiny. Our focus is on providing the structure, assurance and long-term support that enables programmes to succeed.”
— Mark Shanley, Director of Sales & Marketing, Astute Group
Astute supports defense programmes across the region by managing complex electronics supply chains, addressing challenges such as component availability, obsolescence, counterfeit risk and compliance with international defense standards. This capability supports both local manufacturing initiatives and alignment with global defense primes.
Mark Shanley brings significant industry experience to World Defense Show. He sits on the UK Ministry of Defense Counterfeit Avoidance Working Group and has received two UK MoD awards for his contributions to strengthening defense supply chain integrity. He also works with international industry and government leaders across several recognised defense quality and distribution bodies.
Mark will participate as a panelist alongside esteemed industry experts at the World Defense Show’s Saudi Supply Chain Theater on 11 February, from 10:35 to 11:20, contributing to the session titled “Approaches to Localizing and Scaling-up Production to Compete Globally.”
At the exhibition, Astute will be joined by a wide range of defense-focused technology partners, covering mission-critical computing, secure communications, data storage, thermal and interconnect solutions, EMI mitigation, and AI edge inference capability. These technologies are selected for their proven defense heritage, long-term availability and suitability for operation in harsh regional environments.
By combining authorised technology access with disciplined supply chain management, Astute Group supports Saudi and GCC defense organisations as they build sustainable capability, scale production and compete confidently in global defense markets.
Visit Astute Group at Stand H4-G5 to find out more and listen to Mark Shanley in Approaches to Localizing and Scaling-up Production to Compete Globally in the Saudi Supply Chain Theater on 11 February, 10:35 – 11:20.
