Global Players Converge at 2026 World Defense Show
As global defense priorities continue to shift in response to new geopolitical realities, the industry’s most prominent players are preparing to showcase their latest technologies and strategic ambitions at the World Defense Show (WDS) in Riyadh. In a recent article titled “Defense’s Biggest Players Are Heading To The World Defense Show. Here’s What To Expect,” published by Breaking Defense, reporter Valerie Insinna outlines the high stakes and expansive scope of this fast-growing defense exhibition, now in its second iteration since its 2022 debut.
Organized under the auspices of Saudi Arabia’s General Authority for Military Industries (GAMI), the biennial event is strategically positioned not only to highlight the Kingdom’s ongoing military modernization but also to serve as a global stage for international defense companies seeking inroads in the Middle East and beyond. The 2026 show promises to be the largest to date, with over 750 exhibitors anticipated from more than 45 countries, including major defense exporters from the United States, Europe, and Asia.
According to Breaking Defense, the show’s layout is tailored to enhance cross-sector engagement. The theme for the upcoming event—connectivity and interoperability—reflects a growing emphasis in both tactical systems and strategic alliances. From integrated battle networks to multi-domain operations platforms, exhibitors are expected to focus on technologies that enable joint force effectiveness in a rapidly evolving threat landscape.
U.S. defense contractors, including Lockheed Martin, Boeing, and Raytheon, are expected to field sizable delegations, signaling continued interest in expanding partnerships with Gulf nations. The show also provides an opportunity for Saudi Arabia to demonstrate progress on its Vision 2030 goals, an initiative that includes ambitious defense localization targets. By promoting joint ventures and in-country manufacturing agreements, the government aims to have at least 50 percent of its military procurement rooted in domestic industry by the end of the decade.
European firms such as BAE Systems, Thales, and Leonardo are also expected to make significant appearances, underscoring the competitive nature of the regional market. With global defense spending on the rise and armed forces prioritizing modernization in light of threats ranging from drone warfare to hybrid cyber conflicts, the WDS is becoming a critical waypoint for future deals and collaborations.
In addition to its traditional exhibition halls, the event will host a live air and ground demonstration zone, allowing for dynamic displays of advanced platforms. The show’s organizers have included a planned focus on emerging domains, such as space-based surveillance and AI-driven defense solutions, reflecting broader trends in military innovation.
The World Defense Show’s rapid emergence as a key event on the global defense calendar marks a broader shift in where and how nations and companies pursue defense diplomacy, capability building, and market expansion. As detailed in the Breaking Defense article, the event is more than a trade show—it is a barometer of evolving strategic alignments in an increasingly multipolar defense landscape. With hundreds of billions of dollars in defense budgets flowing through the Middle East and rising interest in indigenous capability development, Riyadh’s exhibition is expected to serve as a high-profile nexus for dealmaking, dialogue, and diplomatic signaling.
