World Defense Show 2026 Accelerates Defense Localization With 28 Strategic Agreements
Riyadh’s World Defense Show 2026 gathered strong momentum on its second day, as Saudi Arabia signed a wave of defense agreements and strategic partnerships with leading international players, underscoring the Kingdom’s accelerating localization drive under Vision 2030.
The Saudi Ministry of Defense confirmed the signing of 28 contracts with local and global military industry companies, reflecting a concerted effort to build domestic capabilities, deepen supply chains, and strengthen operational readiness across defense sectors.
Four high-profile contracts were signed by Dr. Khaled Al-Biyari, Assistant Minister of Defense for Executive Affairs, with senior executives from MBDA, Raytheon Saudi Arabia, Hanwha Aerospace, and Leonardo.
Al-Biyari also attended the signing of eight additional agreements concluded by Ibrahim Al-Suwayed, Undersecretary of Defense for Procurement and Armament, with companies from France, Türkiye, South Korea, and Italy. A further 16 contracts were finalized by executive leadership within the Ministry’s Procurement and Armament Agency.
The agreements aim to enhance combat efficiency, ensure the sustainability of military systems, and support the localization of defense manufacturing. These initiatives align with Vision 2030’s objective to localize more than 50 percent of military equipment and service spending.
In parallel, Al-Biyari signed draft defense cooperation arrangements with Jens Plötner, State Secretary at Federal Ministry of Defense, strengthening bilateral defense ties between Saudi Arabia and Germany.
The exhibition also spotlighted aviation localization efforts. The Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources oversaw the signing of a memorandum of cooperation between the National Industrial Development Center and Airbus, focusing on engineering centers, technology transfer, logistics ecosystems, and talent development.
Innovation and integration dominated the event’s agenda. Eng. Ahmad Al-Ohali, Governor of the General Authority for Military Industries, reaffirmed the Kingdom’s commitment to building globally competitive defense industries, while Chief of the General Staff General Fayyadh Al-Ruwaili outlined strategic directions for national defense modernization.
Further strengthening industrial capabilities, GE Aerospace signed an industrial participation agreement to enhance maintenance capabilities for F110 engines. Boeing and RTX also reiterated their support for Saudi Arabia’s localization agenda.
With 1,468 exhibitors from 89 countries, the World Defense Show continues to position Saudi Arabia as a rising global hub for defense, aviation, and advanced manufacturing ahead of 2030.
Source
Saudi Press Agency (SPA)