World Defense Show is one of the most comprehensive global defense exhibitions, hosted in Riyadh, the capital of Saudi Arabia. The event focuses on fully integrated defense capabilities across land, air, sea, space, and security domains. It provides a high-level platform for governments, military officials, defense manufacturers, system integrators, and technology developers to meet, exchange knowledge, and establish strategic partnerships.

The exhibition highlights cutting-edge technologies such as air and missile defense systems, advanced radar solutions, unmanned and autonomous platforms, artificial intelligence, cyber defense, and electronic warfare. Aligned with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 objectives, the event also emphasizes localization, technology transfer, joint production, and long-term industrial cooperation.

Sectors of Participating Companies

Companies participating in World Defense Show operate across a wide range of defense and security sectors:

• Air and missile defense systems
• Radar and sensor technologies
• Armored vehicles and land systems
• Naval platforms and maritime defense
• Space and satellite systems
• Electronic warfare and cyber security
• Unmanned and autonomous systems
• Command, control, communications, computers, intelligence (C4I)
• Weapons, ammunition, and defense manufacturing  

Importance for the Defense Industry

World Defense Show plays a critical role in the global defense ecosystem:

• It serves as a strategic meeting point for international defense manufacturers and regional decision-makers.
• The exhibition supports defense localization, technology transfer, and joint production initiatives in the Middle East.
• It provides direct access to one of the fastest-growing defense markets in the world.
• Live demonstrations and static displays allow next-generation systems to be showcased in realistic operational contexts.

Previous Edition (2024) Highlights

• Number of Exhibiting Companies: 773 companies participated.
• Official Delegations: 441 official delegations from 116 countries attended.
• Key Highlight: Defense agreements worth approximately 26 billion Saudi Riyals were announced, underlining the exhibition’s strategic and commercial significance.