World Defense Show 2026 showcases Saudi Arabia’s developments in defence and localisation
The third edition of the World Defense Show (WDS) that was inaugurated in Riyadh by Prince Khalid bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, Minister of Defence of Saudi Arabia in Riyadh on Sunday, has put the emphasis on localisation and product launches.
In a press statement, the Saudi Arabian Military Industries (SAMI), which organises the event, says that the first two days of World Defense Show 2026 marked several key developments aligned with Saudi Arabia’s defence industrial and localisation objectives.
Prince Khalid also opened the Saudi Arabian Military Industries (SAMI) Group pavilion, where the company announced the launch of two new specialised entities, SAMI Land Company and SAMI Autonomous Company alongside the unveiling of the SAMI Land Industrial Complex and the HEET Programme. SAMI also introduced its Local Content Programme, RUKN.
The statement adds that the announcements mark a step in Saudi Arabia’s defence industrial transformation under Vision 2030, with an emphasis on local manufacturing, technology transfer, and supply chain development.
SAMI Autonomous Company has been established to develop unmanned and autonomous systems across aerial, maritime, and ground domains, as well as autonomous robotics. SAMI Land Company will consolidate manufacturing, systems integration, and lifecycle support for land-based defence platforms, say the organisers.
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The newly inaugurated SAMI Land Industrial Complex is located within an industrial area spanning 1 million sqm and covers 82,000 sqm.
According to the statement, the facility operates using Industry 4.0 technologies, including artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things, and robotics. The complex is expected to support the manufacture, testing, and sustainment of wheeled and tracked armoured vehicles, with a production capacity of up to 1,500 vehicles annually, while creating more than 1,000 jobs for Saudi nationals.
The HEET Programme, launched during the show, introduces a new range of wheeled armoured vehicles in 4×4, 6×6, and 8×8 configurations. Organisers said the vehicles are designed and manufactured in the Kingdom and are intended for deployment across varied operational environments, with integrated command-and-control systems and optional manned or unmanned configurations.
SAMI also announced the RUKN Local Content Programme, which aims to identify critical supply chain dependencies and accelerate domestic capability development in coordination with the General Authority for Military Industries (GAMI).
According to organisers the programme focusses on increasing local production and reducing reliance on external suppliers through a coordinated national manufacturing ecosystem.
As the National Strategic Partner of WDS 2026 for the third consecutive year, SAMI is expected to showcase new technologies and partnerships throughout the exhibition week.
The show entered its second day with a focus on innovation and defence integration. Founded by GAMI, WDS 2026 opened Day Two with a keynote address by GAMI Governor Ahmad Abdulaziz Al-Ohali, who reaffirmed the Kingdom’s commitment to building a competitive defence industry through localisation and partnerships.
According to a press statement, Al-Ohali said the event reflects Saudi Arabia’s ambition to strengthen supply chains and advance future defence capabilities in line with Vision 2030.
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Senior defence officials also addressed strategic priorities, including Chief of the General Staff General Fayyad Al-Ruwaili, who spoke on future operational requirements and defence integration.
Day Two also marked the opening of the Content Theatre Programme, featuring discussions on industrial development, aerospace growth, defence investment, and supply chains. In parallel, the Future Defence Lab and the Saudi Supply Chain Zone continued to host industry engagements and technical dialogue, organisers said.
The statement adds that WDS 2026 will continue throughout the week with live demonstrations and programmes across air, land, sea, space, and security domains. According to organisers, the event has brought together 1,468 exhibitors from 89 countries, alongside defence officials, industry leaders, and investors.
Thamer AlMuhid
“Today’s landmark announcements, from our newly specialized companies to our advanced industrial complex, the indigenous HEET Program and SAMI Local Content Programme (RUKN), reflect a unified approach, underlining how these initiatives are interconnected elements of a single model aimed at localising technology, enhancing readiness, and building sustainable sovereign capabilities within the Kingdom. Through this model, we continue to expand our industrial capabilities, deepen national supply chains, and empower Saudi talent, reinforcing the Kingdom’s role as a trusted regional and global hub for defence and security industries,” says Thamer AlMuhid, Group CEO, SAMI.
Andrew Pearcey
“Day two demonstrated the Kingdom’s growing influence in shaping the future of defence technologies and industrial capability. Through strong participation, forward-looking programs, and strategic leadership, WDS continues to serve as a global meeting point for innovation and collaboration,” says Andrew Pearcey, CEO, World Defense Show.