Riyadh, 24 Sha'ban 1447 AH (12 February 2026)

The third World Defense Show 2026 closed today in Riyadh under the patronage of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, organized by the General Authority for Military Industries (GAMI), with unprecedented international participation and quality results that strengthened the Kingdom's standing in the defense industries sector.

At the closing press briefing, HE Eng. Ahmed bin Abdulaziz Al Ohali, Governor of GAMI and Chairman of the show's supervisory committee, reviewed the event's key results and strategic gains and its role in supporting the Saudi Vision 2030 goals of enabling, developing and localizing the military industries sector.

He said the show recorded record participation of 1,486 exhibitors from 89 countries and 513 official delegations from 121 countries, with visitors exceeding 137,000 and 60 military and defense deals announced with a total value of around SAR 33 billion, reflecting growing international confidence in the Saudi defense market.

The exhibition area reached 272,500 square meters, up 58% on the first edition, across four fully occupied halls, with 355 aerial displays and 70 thought leadership sessions featuring 151 speakers discussing the latest developments in air, land, sea, space and security.

Al Ohali said the results reflect continued progress in building a national military industries sector able to compete globally, noting that the show has become an effective global platform for building partnerships, transferring technology and exchanging knowledge.

Andrew Pearcey, CEO of the World Defense Show, said the third edition proved the Kingdom's ability to bring the international defense industry community together under the umbrella of integration, cooperation and long-term capability building, noting the participation of the world's top 10 defense companies.

The show drew wide media coverage with more than 1,453 journalists, along with specialized aerial and static displays including 63 static aircraft and 25 aerial display aircraft such as the F-15, F-16, F-35 and Typhoon, as well as 700 pieces of military equipment in the static display area and specialized platforms for naval displays and unmanned systems.

The show also focused on developing national talent through quality initiatives such as the "Future Talent" program and the Saudi supply chain zone, supporting human capital development and sustainable industrial capabilities.

With this edition closed, GAMI has begun preparations for the World Defense Show 2028, continuing to strengthen the Kingdom's position as a global hub for the defense industries.

At a Glance

  • Exhibitors: 1,486 from 89 countries
  • Official delegations: 513 from 121 countries
  • Visitors: 137,000
  • Value of deals: around SAR 33 billion
  • Deals: 60