Saudi Arabia leverages World Defense Show to boost aerospace ambitions

At the heart of Saudi Arabia’s bid to become a regional defense and aerospace power is Vision 2030, a sweeping national plan to diversify the economy and build domestic industries. A cornerstone of this vision is an ambitious target: to localize over 50% of military procurement by 2030. In practical terms, the Kingdom aims to shift from purchasing defense equipment from abroad to producing and maintaining it domestically.

The World Defense Show, founded by the General Authority for Military Industries (GAMI), has become a strategic platform to help meet that target. It functions not just as an exhibition, but as a matchmaking arena connecting global defense manufacturers with Saudi buyers, regulators, and local suppliers.

According to CEO Andrew Pearcey, WDS is “intrinsically linked to Saudi Vision 2030,” with localization forming a cornerstone of its mission. “We function as a vital conduit for strategic access and investment into Saudi Arabia’s burgeoning defense ecosystem, including the aerospace sector,” he told AeroTime. Programs like Meet the KSA Government and WDS Connect have been designed to facilitate direct engagement and actionable partnerships.

Technology in the spotlight

The 2026 edition will sharpen the focus on technology. From live flight and static aircraft displays to the new Saudi Supply Chain Zone, WDS aims to highlight local aerospace manufacturers, MRO providers, and technology suppliers. “These dedicated features are designed to accelerate technology transfer and foster partnerships across the entire defense sector, including aerospace manufacturing, maintenance, and broader innovation,” Pearcey said.

Advanced materials, artificial intelligence, and autonomous systems will also be featured prominently at the Future Defense Lab, further underscoring the aerospace industry’s role in multi-domain integration. With Saudi Arabian Military Industries (SAMI) as a National Strategic Partner and exhibitors from over 80 countries, WDS has experienced rapid growth. The 2024 edition alone generated SAR 26 billion (almost $7 billion) in signed deals.

Pearcey called the show’s growth “a clear signal of the international confidence WDS has attained,” adding that WDS 2026 is “meticulously designed to accelerate the elements needed for a sustainable aerospace and defense sector in Saudi Arabia.”

From buyer to partner

Saudi Arabia has traditionally relied on international suppliers for military aircraft and maintenance. Today, that model is evolving. Agreements with companies like Lockheed Martin and Airbus Helicopters are helping shift MRO capabilities into the Kingdom. Saudi Arabia is also pursuing co-production and technology transfer agreements in key aerospace segments with companies such as Baykar and Embraer. WDS supports this transition by fostering dialogue and co-investment opportunities.

Pearcey said, “WDS creates an environment conducive to the formation of joint ventures, job creation, and critical technology transfer, all designed to bolster Saudi Arabia’s local capabilities while supporting the global industry.” One example is the new Investor Program, which aims to connect international investors with Saudi SMEs operating in high-value sectors, such as aerospace.

Space, talent, and advanced technologies

While WDS 2026 won’t feature a dedicated Space Zone, space-related content is embedded throughout the show. “You may find exhibitors showcasing satellite communication systems, geospatial intelligence solutions, space-based surveillance technologies, and cybersecurity for space assets,” Pearcey explained. These technologies are also integrated into the Future Defense Lab and will be part of discussions in the Content Theater, particularly around the militarization of space and the need for resilient space infrastructure.

Another focus for the show is talent development. The Future Talent Program, run in collaboration with the Ministry of Education, will include a new “Defensethon” innovation challenge. “It’s designed to inspire and engage Saudi youth, building the next generation of talent for the defense and aerospace industries,” said Pearcey.

A national ambition on display

Since its launch in 2022, the World Defense Show has mirrored the pace and ambition of Saudi Arabia’s defense-industrial transformation. As the Kingdom expands its capacity in military aviation, drone manufacturing, MRO, and space, events like WDS provide a window into both the progress and the partnerships driving that growth.

“What excites me most is seeing our role in showcasing new technologies and systems that will help define the future of defense,” Pearcey said. “WDS 2026 is an essential platform to attend for anyone looking to contribute to this evolving future.”

Whether Saudi Arabia can truly transition from buyer to aerospace power remains to be seen. However, with billions committed, partnerships expanding, and industrial capacity slowly being built, WDS 2026 will offer a glimpse into where the Kingdom is heading and who it wants to bring along for the journey.The post Saudi Arabia leverages World Defense Show to boost aerospace ambitions appeared first on AeroTime.

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