On Sunday morning in Riyadh, Prince Khalid bin Salman opened the third edition of the World Defense Show on behalf of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. The five day exhibition, organised by the General Authority for Military Industries, runs until 12 February at a purpose built site designed for live air and land demonstrations.
The scale of the venue is immediately visible. A 2,700 metre runway cuts through the centre of the site, allowing aircraft and ground vehicles to be demonstrated in conditions that resemble operational environments rather than exhibition halls. Throughout the day, visitors move between pavilions while demonstrations take place in the background.
The show has grown into a regular fixture on the international defence calendar. This year’s edition places particular emphasis on localisation, research collaboration, and the development of domestic industrial capacity in line with Vision 2030.
New entities and agreements
At the pavilion of Saudi Arabian Military Industries, Prince Khalid launched several initiatives. These included the inauguration of SAMI Land Co., SAMI Autonomous Co., and the SAMI Land Industrial Complex, each intended to strengthen capability across land systems and autonomous technologies.
Supply chain development was also a focus, with the unveiling of the SAMI Local Content Program and the HEET Program. Both are designed to embed local manufacturing and research into the defence ecosystem.
International cooperation featured prominently. A memorandum of understanding was signed between the Saudi General Authority for Defense Development and the Korean Agency for Defense Development on advanced military research.
Separate cooperation agreements were signed with Slovakia, Malaysia, and Somalia.
Technology on display
Several government entities used the show to present new technologies aimed at improving response and coordination in the field.
At the Ministry of Interior pavilion, Public Security introduced an AI powered Lucid Gravity electric security vehicle equipped with specialised systems intended to support emergency response and field operations.
Nearby, the General Directorate of Civil Defense presented a smart helmet fitted with cameras and sensors capable of detecting hazardous materials in hard to reach locations. The device transmits live video to command centres to assist with real time decision making.
The General Directorate of the Border Guard demonstrated an integrated security system using radar and thermal cameras to detect drones and classify moving targets. The system is designed to function as an early warning tool for critical infrastructure and border areas and is integrated with command and control platforms.
Meanwhile, the Islamic Military Counter Terrorism Coalition focused on coordination between intellectual, media, and military efforts to address extremism and terror financing.
A forum for policy and industry
Beyond the demonstrations, the World Defense Show functions as a meeting place for officials, manufacturers, and international partners. Ministers, military leaders, and diplomats were present across the opening day, reflecting the event’s role in facilitating dialogue alongside procurement and display.
The exhibition offers a snapshot of how Saudi Arabia is positioning its defence sector. The emphasis on local content, research partnerships, and integrated systems reflects a broader effort to build long term capacity while maintaining international links.
As the show continues through the week, activity on the runway and in the halls is matched by quieter discussions taking place behind closed doors, where agreements, partnerships, and future projects are being negotiated.
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