BAE Systems will celebrate 60 years of partnership with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) at the World Defense Show, one of the Kingdom’s most comprehensive defense exhibitions, to be held in Riyadh from 8 to 12 February.
For 60 years, our presence has been built on sustainable outcomes that evolve through trust, shared responsibility, capacity development, localization, skills transfer, and long-term support for defense and security outcomes.
BAE Systems is a Principal Partner of the program’s Future Talent Program, which reflects the company’s heritage in the Kingdom and its continued commitment to support Vision 2030 and help drive localization, develop Saudi talent, and strengthen Saudi Arabia’s domestic sovereign defense capabilities.
The company currently employs 7,000 people at 11 locations across the Kingdom, with 80 percent of its employees being Saudi nationals, including within its Kingdom partner companies BAE Systems Arabian Industries and International Systems Engineering.
The five-day World Defense Show 2026 will showcase the breadth of BAE Systems’ interoperability and multi-domain capabilities, highlighting the products, services and partnerships that underpin the long-standing defense relationship between Saudi Arabia and the UK.
The displays span the air, land, sea, and training domains, including advanced combat aviation technologies such as the Typhoon and its Stryker II helmet-mounted display, future unmanned platforms such as the T-150 and Koios, precision effects including the battle-proven APKWS, and next-generation training and mission readiness solutions such as Project OdySSEy. Maritime autonomy is also characterized through systems such as Nautomate and Herne, demonstrating intelligent operation in complex environments.
Steve Clutton, Managing Director of BAE Systems Saudi Arabia, said:
“World Defense Show 2026 reflects the degree to which our partnership with Saudi Arabia has matured. This year is about not just showcasing capabilities, but investing in Saudi talent, strengthening local industry, and building a future-ready defense ecosystem. The future of Saudi defense starts with developing Saudi capabilities today.”
The exhibition will also highlight key developments at BAE Systems’ local partners, including BAE Systems Arabian Industries, which specializes in capabilities, training and logistics, and International Systems Engineering, which delivers secure, intelligent and sovereign digital solutions in line with national defense priorities.
BAE Systems joins World Defense Show 2026 as a Principal Partner of the Future Talent Program, renewing its focus on talent and long-term capabilities. For the first time, the Future Talent Program will run for the full five days of the show, creating ongoing opportunities to engage with both young and experienced professionals. The program provides practical insights into career paths across engineering, technology and defense sectors, strengthening the role of Saudi talent in building a resilient, locally-based defense industry in line with Vision 2030.
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BAE Systems
BAE Systems provides the world’s most advanced, technology-driven defense, aerospace and security solutions. The company employs approximately 110,000 skilled workers in more than 40 countries. We work with customers and local partners to develop, design, manufacture and support products and systems that deliver military capabilities, protect national security and keep critical information and infrastructure safe.
BAE Systems Saudi Arabia: Company Profile
BAE Systems is a leading global aerospace and defense services company known for excellence in engineering, technology and security. With over 7,000 employees in Saudi Arabia, 80% of whom are Saudi nationals, the company is known for its commitment to recruiting and developing local talent in the private sector.
BAE Systems works closely with local partners to develop, design, manufacture and support cutting-edge innovations that contribute to economic growth, strengthen sovereign defense capabilities and protect commercial interests. This achievement is the result of long-standing partnerships with local industry collaborators and a nearly 60-year history of providing advanced technology and training to the Saudi military.
The company has played a pivotal role in educating large numbers of Saudis in various fields such as engineering, technology, and aviation. In addition, BAE Systems offers a wide range of solutions for various military sectors, including defense electronics, security systems, and information technology.
BAE Systems has an unwavering commitment to promoting Saudi Arabia’s economic development and fostering a sustainable aerospace and defense industry in the country. In line with this commitment, the company has made significant investments in Saudi companies specializing in aviation, technology and security, including companies such as International Systems Engineering (ISE) and BAE Systems Arabia Industries.
