BEIRUT — In just a few days, defense firms from around the world will flock to Riyadh for the third edition of the World Defense Show to show off their wares, make product announcements and sign contracts.
The host nation in particular is expected to have a slew of announcements. Defense firm Saudi Arabian Military Industries (SAMI) “will showcase more than 60 national products and capabilities across its various subsidiaries,” the firm said in a statement Wednesday. “These include advanced electronics, land systems, aerospace capabilities, command-and-control systems, and maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) solutions for various platforms, in addition to the unveiling of new national systems considered among the most prominent of their kind.”
Specifically, SAMI is expected to give an update on its concept of a “futuristic” unmanned aerial vehicle that CEO Walid Abukhaled spoke to Breaking Defense about at the last World Defense Show in 2024.
Private Saudi companies, like hardware manufacturer AIC Steel, are exhibiting their steel hardware this year. In 2024, AIC Steel displayed a Terminal High Altitude Air Defense (THAAD) system as a subcontractor of the platform. The show is expected to feature a number of Saudi startups as well, per the exhibition list.
“In line with Vision 2030, our all new Saudi Supply Chain Zone brings Saudi SMEs, startups, and entrepreneurs to the heart of the exhibition, giving local innovation a seat at the global table,” said World Defense Show’s CEO in a 2025 statement.
Also in the Middle East, UAE defense conglomerate EDGE Group will be present in Riyadh. It is unclear the size of the company’s display and whether EDGE leadership will attend WDS after the Saudi-Emirati incidents in Yemen in January.
China And Russia
China and Russia will also be on the show floor. The exhibitors list shows more than 50 Chinese defense firms are participating in WDS 2026, including giants like CATIC and NORINCO. Since the first edition of the show in 2022, China has always had a large presence on the floor.
In 2024, Chinese firms had a considerably large space on the show floor indoors and displayed full-sized Wing Loong drones, precision guided bombs and surface to air missiles.
Meanwhile, Russian state-owned Rosoboronexport announced that it is making its international debut at the show, displaying its full-scale multiple rocket launcher Sarma, remote controlled weapon station Ballista, loitering munition RUS-PE and grenade launcher RPG-29M. Rostec, a state-owned sister company for Rosoboronexport, will unveil its 30mm shrapnel shell, which is detonated with remote control designed specifically to destroy drones.
“The World Defense Show is one of the largest arms and military equipment exhibitions in the world. For Rosoboronexport it has become a platform for showcasing the latest developments in the Russian defense industry to partners in the Middle East and other key regions of our operation,” said Alexander Mikheev, director general of Rosoboronexport, said in a statement.
Western Presence At The Show
The US and Europe are also planning to show up in a big way in Riyadh.
Lockheed Martin will highlight its F-35 fighter jet. It’s also planning to display air and missile defense capabilities such as the THAAD system and PAC-3 missiles, both of which are used by Saudi Arabia.
Meanwhile, L3Harris will show off its electronic and autonomy platforms such as Vampire counter UAS systems and the electronic warfare platform Viper Shield, according to a company statement. Boeing said it will be displaying its aircraft, including the F-15E, KC-46A, AH-64 and Chinook.
The show will have no shortage of European firms either, from giants like Thales to MBDA and BAE Systems to smaller firms such as CMN Naval.
Monaco-based MARSS plans on exhibiting counter-drone systems including live NiDAR C4. The exhibitors list shows a considerable number of drone manufacturers from Europe.
