The World Defense Show (WDS) is now in its third edition, marking the definitive transition from inception to global event. Speaking during World Defense Show 2026, Mansour Al Babten, Vice President of Commercial Partnerships and Liaison at World Defense Show, reflects on the show’s growing international profile, its role in advancing Saudi Arabia’s defense localization plans, and how WDS is positioned as a serious integrated platform for long-term industrial and strategic cooperation.
Q1: The World Defense Show quickly became a fixture on the world defense calendar. From your perspective, what defines this edition of WDS?
This edition reflects maturity. The World Defense Show is no longer about introducing ourselves to the global defense community. It operates as a fully established platform. WDS 2026 is characterized by the scale of engagement and seriousness of intent across government, industry and international delegations. Importantly, it remains the only global defense exhibition organized around five fully integrated domains: air, land, sea, space and security.
From its inception, the show has been designed around the integration of these five areas, as well as people, organizations and the industry as a whole. This has been especially evident this year in the depth of dialogue, the quality of participation, and the results that emerged throughout the week.
Q2: Many global defense exhibitions focus on scale and spectacle. How does WDS differentiate itself in practical terms?
WDS is differentiated by its operational reality and structure. This is a purpose-built venue where companies and delegations can see capabilities operating in real-world situations, including live aerial displays, land-based demonstrations, unmanned systems, and integrated content programs, all within a single environment.
This year, that operational reality is further enhanced through four new dedicated zones: the Future Defense Lab, the Saudi Supply Chain Zone, the Unmanned Systems Zone, and the Naval Zone. Each provides a focused environment in which specific features can be demonstrated, evaluated, and discussed in context.
This is important because today’s defense decisions are about systems working together, rather than standalone platforms. WDS moves the conversation beyond brochures and static exhibits to something tangible and authentic.
Q3: What does the level of international participation in WDS say about Saudi Arabia’s position in today’s global defense ecosystem?
It reflects confidence. International companies and delegations are participating because they see the importance of long-term opportunity and purpose. The breadth of participation at WDS – attracting exhibitors from over 80 countries and spanning established defense companies, technology providers, small and medium-sized enterprises, and innovators – demonstrates that Saudi Arabia is seen as a central and reliable player in the global defense and security sector.
Importantly, this participation is not symbolic. It is structured around an exploration of engagement, dialogue and partnership, which gives the show relevance beyond the exhibition hall.
Q4: The World Defense Show is closely aligned with Vision 2030. How does that collaboration actually translate during the show?
Vision 2030 is ultimately about building sustainable economic, industrial and human capacity. WDS supports this by acting as a platform where these elements intersect.
From an economic perspective, shows directly contribute to GDP and employment. The previous edition had a GDP impact of around SAR 500 million and supported over 4,600 jobs across event delivery, services, logistics and the broader ecosystem. This year, the show continues on that trajectory, with a show area of 273,000 square meters, four fully booked exhibition halls, and a significantly expanded number of participants and program.
At the same time, WDS creates visibility and access by connecting Saudi companies with international partners, investors, and technology providers within a structured and transparent environment.
Q5: Localization is a national priority, led by the Directorate General of Military Industry. What role does WDS play in supporting that challenge?
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WDS does not define localization policies. That role clearly lies with the Directorate General of Military Industries. What WDS does is provide a platform that allows these conversations to happen in an efficient and reliable manner.
Saudi Arabia has made significant progress, reaching a defense localization rate of 24.89% by the end of 2024, showing clear momentum towards the Vision 2030 goal of 50%. WDS supports that trajectory by bringing together in one place the entire ecosystem of Saudi industry, international companies, supply chain actors, technology providers, investors, and decision makers.
While localization outcomes emerge from these interactions, the value of WDS lies in convening the right stakeholders and creating visibility around opportunities at scale.
Q6: The Saudi Supply Chain Zone is a visible highlight at this year’s show. Why is this important from a WDS perspective?
The Saudi supply chain zone reflects the practical aspects of engagement. 57 Saudi companies will participate, creating a dedicated environment where Saudi SMEs and industry players can connect directly with leading international companies, system integrators, and potential partners.
From a WDS perspective, it’s about creating structured visibility and access to enable conversations around capabilities, partnership models, and supply chain integration to happen efficiently and transparently. This zone will facilitate discussions on supplier eligibility, exploration of joint ventures, and technical cooperation pathways to support the broader localization agenda.
Although the show does not drive localization policy, it plays an important enabler role by bringing the ecosystem together in one place.
Q7: Beyond exhibits and demonstrations, how important are leadership and content programs at WDS?
they are important. Today’s defense is not just about hardware, it’s about strategy, integration, and resilience. Leadership discussions and content theater provide context and help participants understand how capabilities fit into broader operational, economic, and geopolitical realities.
The program addresses real-world challenges such as multi-domain integration, operational resilience, AI and autonomous systems, cyber defense, and the transition to co-development and localization. Improve the quality of engagement by enabling structured interactions between policymakers, industry leaders, and innovators.
Q8: Human resource development was a big topic at this year’s WDS. Why is it important?
Long-term ability depends on the person. The Future Talent Program reflects a clear recognition that the defense ecosystem is built not just on technology, but also on skills, education and human capital.
By exposing Saudi students and young professionals to real industry environments such as engineering, advanced manufacturing, innovation and emerging technologies, the show supports workforce readiness and awareness and complements the country’s efforts to build a future-ready talent pipeline in line with Vision 2030.
Q9: From your perspective, what does success at the World Defense Show look like beyond the headline announcements?
Success is measured by persistence. It’s not just about what’s announced that week, it’s about what continues afterward: the development of partnerships, the deepening of discussions, and the development of relationships into long-term collaborations.
Previous versions of the WDS facilitated multi-billion riyal agreements and industrial partnerships, many of which evolved into operating programs, joint ventures and technology alliances. That continuity is the true measure of impact.
Q10: Looking forward, how do you think the World Defense Show will evolve in the next edition?
The evolution of the show will continue to be guided by relevance, not just scale. As defense technology, supply chains and partnership models evolve, WDS continues to adapt its programs, platforms and structures to reflect those changes.
Its purpose remains consistent: to provide a full-fledged international platform that supports integration, industrial development and long-term cooperation, in line with Saudi Arabia’s ambitions and the needs of the global defense community.
