WDS World Defense Exhibition Saudi Arabia 2026
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The SC
INT'L MOD
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- #17
The Defense Industry Lab at World Defense Show 2026 comes as a platform to showcase the latest innovations, ranging from artificial intelligence and unmanned systems to cybersecurity. This is in partnership with the “Defense Industry Lab Partner” – the General Authority for Defense Development – and with the participation of a group of startups, experts, and leaders in the defense and security industry.Seize your opportunity to participate and discover the latest developments.
The SC
INT'L MOD
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- #19
The military industries sector will move from small companies and factories to conglomerates
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Rakaa Group
ST Engineering Land Systems Middle East
Advanced Mosanada Co.
TRD Middle East Industry
SmartCyber
Jadwalean International Group
Jadwalean Int
AeroTop Systems Company
ADVANCED TECHNOLOGIES
Saudi Aerospace Company SAC
Middle East Propulsion Company (MEPC)
MAS Aviation Services
Saab Saudi LLC.,
CAE Arabia
Qudra Holding Group
United Defense
AIRSHIELDS
Interstellar Solutions
Al-Esnad Military Group
Ray Service ME Co. Ltd
KRMC RMC CBRN
KRMC Military Training
Al-Esnad Factory
This is without counting the stronger conglomerates like SAMI and NCMS.
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Rakaa Group
ST Engineering Land Systems Middle East
Advanced Mosanada Co.
TRD Middle East Industry
SmartCyber
Jadwalean International Group
Jadwalean Int
AeroTop Systems Company
ADVANCED TECHNOLOGIES
Saudi Aerospace Company SAC
Middle East Propulsion Company (MEPC)
MAS Aviation Services
Saab Saudi LLC.,
CAE Arabia
Qudra Holding Group
United Defense
AIRSHIELDS
Interstellar Solutions
Al-Esnad Military Group
Ray Service ME Co. Ltd
KRMC RMC CBRN
KRMC Military Training
Al-Esnad Factory
This is without counting the stronger conglomerates like SAMI and NCMS.
The SC
INT'L MOD
- Thread starter
- #21
One of the big surprises in the exhibition 
METCO will display for the first time a stealth cruise missile (powered and autonomous by artificial intelligence)..Multi-tasking and multi-use
Range: 500km+
Payload: 250 (multiple explosive warheads)
The missile is a joint development and in cooperation with Destinus
Information about the missile, which was first revealed less than a month ago..
www.armyrecognition.com
A cooperation agreement between Destinus to jointly develop advanced subsystems for Unmanned X's tactical drone platforms. This strategic partnership also includes developing and manufacturing Destinus' next generation drones, missile systems, and propulsion technologies locally in Saudi Arabia.
We’re proud to announce a master agreement with Destinus to co-develop advanced subsystems for Unmanned X’s tactical UAS platforms. This strategic collaboration also encompasses the development and local manufacturing Destinus next-generation UAS, missile systems, and propulsion technologies in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Aligned with the strategic objectives of the Ministry of Defense (MoD), GAMI, and the broader vision of Saudi Vision 2030, this partnership marks a major milestone in advancing indigenous defense capabilities and accelerating innovation in aerospace.
Together, we’re shaping the future of unmanned systems — and laying a strong foundation for sovereign high-tech manufacturing
https://www.destinus.com/
METCO will display for the first time a stealth cruise missile (powered and autonomous by artificial intelligence)..Multi-tasking and multi-use
Range: 500km+
Payload: 250 (multiple explosive warheads)
The missile is a joint development and in cooperation with Destinus
Information about the missile, which was first revealed less than a month ago..
Destinus unveils Ruta Block 2 cruise missile with 450+ km range for frontline strike
Destinus unveils the Ruta Block 2, a 450 km-class autonomous cruise missile with AI guidance and electronic warfare resistance for low-altitude strikes.
www.armyrecognition.com
A cooperation agreement between Destinus to jointly develop advanced subsystems for Unmanned X's tactical drone platforms. This strategic partnership also includes developing and manufacturing Destinus' next generation drones, missile systems, and propulsion technologies locally in Saudi Arabia.
We’re proud to announce a master agreement with Destinus to co-develop advanced subsystems for Unmanned X’s tactical UAS platforms. This strategic collaboration also encompasses the development and local manufacturing Destinus next-generation UAS, missile systems, and propulsion technologies in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Aligned with the strategic objectives of the Ministry of Defense (MoD), GAMI, and the broader vision of Saudi Vision 2030, this partnership marks a major milestone in advancing indigenous defense capabilities and accelerating innovation in aerospace.
Together, we’re shaping the future of unmanned systems — and laying a strong foundation for sovereign high-tech manufacturing
https://www.destinus.com/
The SC
INT'L MOD
- Thread starter
- #22
The Acquisition, Technology & Logistics Agency ATLA
Of interest to the exhibition is the participation, for the first time, of the Japanese Ministry of Defense's Agency for Acquisition, Technology and Logistics, which is responsible for research, development and international cooperation and is responsible for the 6 th Generation fighter program
( GCAP )
The SC
INT'L MOD
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- #26
Prince Sultan Center displays in the marine area a full-size drone boat USV, the last version of the exhibition was displayed as a mock-up
A guided boat (USV) that can be operated automatically or manually to carry out surveillance, reconnaissance and protection
Capable of carrying out special missions and transporting and delivering special payloads in addition to ISR intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance missions.. It carries different types of electronic sensors and remote defense weapons RCWS
A guided boat (USV) that can be operated automatically or manually to carry out surveillance, reconnaissance and protection
Capable of carrying out special missions and transporting and delivering special payloads in addition to ISR intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance missions.. It carries different types of electronic sensors and remote defense weapons RCWS
- It contains a special platform for loading drones
- Equipped with an artificial intelligence system equipped with satellite communications systems, high-frequency radio, and automatic identification system
- Equipped with electrical systems to charge the battery and control panels. Supports the protection of facilities, coasts, oil platforms and beaches. Supports operations to remove floating mines.
- Maximum speed 40 knots
- Sailing duration is 40 hours
- Water displacement for full load is 5.2 tons
- The water displacement of the light weight is 3.8 tons
- The length of the boat is 9m
- Its width is 2.6 m
The SC
INT'L MOD
- Thread starter
- #27
| WDS 2026 | CEO of Lockheed Martin in Saudi Arabia and North Africa
- “Software developed within the software factory could be Saudi intellectual property and designed specifically to meet the operational requirements of the Kingdom.”
- “The Software Factory is a long-term development platform that creates a structured path that enables Saudi engineers and companies to design, develop and integrate software into Lockheed Martin systems, in a way that supports shared security and interoperability.”
- “Over time, the software factory will serve as a center for software cooperation across our business portfolio in the Kingdom, helping to develop Saudi Arabia’s sovereign technical expertise, and enhancing innovation, integration, and long-term industrial capabilities that support both countries.”
This is not the first co-production agreement between Lockheed Martin and Saudi Arabia. In 2024, the company contracted with two Saudi companies to manufacture subsystems of the THAAD air defense system. But experts told the Breaking Defense website that the establishment of the software factory indicates a noticeable positive transformation for the Kingdom.
“This is a significant achievement for Saudi Arabia’s localization efforts, particularly in its defense sector, as it makes locally-made software available that the Saudis can develop themselves to work with Lockheed Martin systems,” Ryan Paul, senior Middle East and North Africa analyst at Rain, told Breaking Defense. “This gives Saudi Arabia a huge advantage in its use of Lockheed Martin systems, such as THAAD, as it reduces the time required to deploy software in these systems.”
He added that the new facility "will contribute to strengthening cooperation between the American and Saudi defense sectors, allowing the Saudis to develop their own programs and applications that are used outside the Kingdom, which will benefit both countries."
Gulf defense analyst Leonardo Jacopo Maria Mazzocco agrees.
“While previous cooperation focused on modernization, repair and commissioning, licensed manufacturing, and component production, this initiative is in line with Saudi Arabia’s ambition to develop an integrated military industrial base that includes command and control software, systems integration, and sovereign digital capabilities,” Mazzocco told Breaking Defense.
He added that this "reflects an advancement in the defense value chain, and supports the goals of Vision 2030 related to localization, talent development, and technological independence." Vision 2030 is a wide-ranging initiative by the Saudi government to promote self-sufficiency, including obligating the Kingdom to manufacture at least 50% of defense production locally by 2030.
Lockheed Martin noted in its statement that close cooperation has already achieved success in early software integration.
A statement issued by Lockheed Martin said that Saudi trainees at the company worked alongside engineers from Saudi Military Industries (SAMI) Advanced Electronics Company, in less than two weeks, to develop a solution that integrates commercial aircraft position data directly into Lockheed Martin’s CommandIQ™ system, which provides a unified operational picture.
Sami is an electronics company affiliated with the Saudi Military Industries Company, the defense industry giant owned by the Saudi government. Sami Company is expected to have a strong presence in the third edition of the World Defense Exhibition, which will be held next week in Riyadh.
Paul said Lockheed's current global supply chain "remains very US-NATO focused," but the facility "is part of a broader goal of enhancing resilience and providing redundant systems. Saudi Arabia can now play a role in preventing supply chain disruptions, or finding innovative solutions for its local market, which will strengthen Lockheed Martin's overall supply chain."
Mazzocco said the plant “is not focused on supplying spare parts as much as it is focused on accelerating software integration, customization, and testing within a secure framework. Over time, its importance will depend on how effectively it contributes to reusable software components, rapid prototyping, and regional command and control solutions that can be scaled across Lockheed Martin platforms.”
https://breakingdefense.com/2026/02/lockheed-martin-to-launch-c2-software-factory-in-saudi-arabia/
- “Software developed within the software factory could be Saudi intellectual property and designed specifically to meet the operational requirements of the Kingdom.”
- “The Software Factory is a long-term development platform that creates a structured path that enables Saudi engineers and companies to design, develop and integrate software into Lockheed Martin systems, in a way that supports shared security and interoperability.”
- “Over time, the software factory will serve as a center for software cooperation across our business portfolio in the Kingdom, helping to develop Saudi Arabia’s sovereign technical expertise, and enhancing innovation, integration, and long-term industrial capabilities that support both countries.”
This is not the first co-production agreement between Lockheed Martin and Saudi Arabia. In 2024, the company contracted with two Saudi companies to manufacture subsystems of the THAAD air defense system. But experts told the Breaking Defense website that the establishment of the software factory indicates a noticeable positive transformation for the Kingdom.
“This is a significant achievement for Saudi Arabia’s localization efforts, particularly in its defense sector, as it makes locally-made software available that the Saudis can develop themselves to work with Lockheed Martin systems,” Ryan Paul, senior Middle East and North Africa analyst at Rain, told Breaking Defense. “This gives Saudi Arabia a huge advantage in its use of Lockheed Martin systems, such as THAAD, as it reduces the time required to deploy software in these systems.”
He added that the new facility "will contribute to strengthening cooperation between the American and Saudi defense sectors, allowing the Saudis to develop their own programs and applications that are used outside the Kingdom, which will benefit both countries."
Gulf defense analyst Leonardo Jacopo Maria Mazzocco agrees.
“While previous cooperation focused on modernization, repair and commissioning, licensed manufacturing, and component production, this initiative is in line with Saudi Arabia’s ambition to develop an integrated military industrial base that includes command and control software, systems integration, and sovereign digital capabilities,” Mazzocco told Breaking Defense.
He added that this "reflects an advancement in the defense value chain, and supports the goals of Vision 2030 related to localization, talent development, and technological independence." Vision 2030 is a wide-ranging initiative by the Saudi government to promote self-sufficiency, including obligating the Kingdom to manufacture at least 50% of defense production locally by 2030.
Lockheed Martin noted in its statement that close cooperation has already achieved success in early software integration.
A statement issued by Lockheed Martin said that Saudi trainees at the company worked alongside engineers from Saudi Military Industries (SAMI) Advanced Electronics Company, in less than two weeks, to develop a solution that integrates commercial aircraft position data directly into Lockheed Martin’s CommandIQ™ system, which provides a unified operational picture.
Sami is an electronics company affiliated with the Saudi Military Industries Company, the defense industry giant owned by the Saudi government. Sami Company is expected to have a strong presence in the third edition of the World Defense Exhibition, which will be held next week in Riyadh.
Paul said Lockheed's current global supply chain "remains very US-NATO focused," but the facility "is part of a broader goal of enhancing resilience and providing redundant systems. Saudi Arabia can now play a role in preventing supply chain disruptions, or finding innovative solutions for its local market, which will strengthen Lockheed Martin's overall supply chain."
Mazzocco said the plant “is not focused on supplying spare parts as much as it is focused on accelerating software integration, customization, and testing within a secure framework. Over time, its importance will depend on how effectively it contributes to reusable software components, rapid prototyping, and regional command and control solutions that can be scaled across Lockheed Martin platforms.”
https://breakingdefense.com/2026/02/lockheed-martin-to-launch-c2-software-factory-in-saudi-arabia/
The SC
INT'L MOD
- Thread starter
- #28
- The Saudi flag appears on a miniature model of the Turkish KAAN fifth generation aircraft at the World Defense Exhibition held in Riyadh.
This takes us to the statement of Turkish President Erdogan about a week ago, “It is expected to conclude a joint investment agreement with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia regarding the KAAN fighter plane.”
- News is circulating about the intention of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to obtain the rights to locally manufacture the fighter and to enter as a partner in the joint development and investment programme.
This takes us to the statement of Turkish President Erdogan about a week ago, “It is expected to conclude a joint investment agreement with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia regarding the KAAN fighter plane.”
- News is circulating about the intention of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to obtain the rights to locally manufacture the fighter and to enter as a partner in the joint development and investment programme.
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