The World Defense Show (WDS) continues to cement its position as a leading international defense and security platform. The show actively supports Saudi Vision 2030’s goal to localize defense expenditures by 50% through strategic partnerships, expanded industry investments, and the constant progression of local capabilities.

 Within this context, Al Defaiya conducted an interview with Mr. Mansour Al-Babtain, Vice President of Commercial Partnerships & Liaison at World Defense Show, where he spoke about the exhibition’s achievements, preparations for the upcoming third edition in February 2026, and the vital role it plays in supporting innovation and defense localization.

 Al Defaiya: How do you see the role of World Defense Show as a global platform in promoting strategic partnerships and international cooperation in the defense and security industry?

 Al-Babtain: World Defense Show has rapidly evolved to become a prominent international platform in the defense and security industry, with a major focus placed on strengthening partnerships and international cooperation in support of Saudi Vision 2030. The 2024 edition hosted more than 773 companies from 76 countries, attracted over 106,000 visitors from 141 countries and 441 delegation leaders from 116 countries, and secured more than 26 billion Saudi riyals in deals.

 The exhibition provides a comprehensive environment across all five defense domains - air, land, sea, space, and security, and the 2026 edition is held under the theme The Future of Defense Integration, keeping in pace with the projected trends of the industry. Key show features, like the Delegations Program and WDS Connect, creates unique opportunities to connect with senior government officials from across the globe. Moreover, networking opportunities are weaved through every facet of the show to give exhibitors the chance to connect and discuss further opportunities.

 Al Defaiya: What are the exhibition’s contributions to achieving the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030?

 Al-Babtain: Effectively contributing to the realization of Saudi Vision 2030’s goal of localizing 50% of defense expenditures is at the heart of World Defense Show. The WDS platform acts as a bridge between global players and local suppliers. Our new Saudi Supply Chain Zone shines the spotlight on local SMEs, entrepreneurs, and startups acting as a gateway between them and global players, while our favored Meet the KSA Government Program opens up avenues for direct communication and networking with top decision makers, providing insights into procurement processes and investment opportunities within the Kingdom.

 Additionally, in 2026 we are partnering with the Ministry of Education to implement a “Defenseathon” initiative in conjunction with our Future Talent Program to empower the next generation of national talent within the defense industry.

Al Defaiya: World Defense Show has been distinguished by its expansion and development since its launch in 2022. What do you expect for the upcoming edition in February 2026?

 Al-Babtain: World Defense Show has undeniably witnessed rapid growth since its inception, and the 2026 edition is set to be our biggest yet, with expanded exhibition space reaching 273,000 square meters, a 58% increase compared to the first edition. With 90% of the exhibition space of the third edition booked six months in advance, this reflects the increasing confidence of exhibitors and its global expansion as a leading platform. The third edition also expects participation of at least 80 countries, including several new participating nations like Japan, Finland and Uzbekistan.

 The new edition has introduced five new features that will substantially uplift the show experience, these include the Future of Defense Lab, Unmanned Systems Zone and Naval Zone, all innovation focused, as well as the Saudi Supply Chain Zone, and WDS News Network. We’re also bringing back popular features from past editions with enhancements. Live and Static displays will return, a true highlight of WDS, that allows exhibitors to showcase modern technologies to the audience in action and exemplify progress being made in multi-domain operations and field networks.

 An expanded Content Theater program sets the stage to discuss the most prominent industry trends, such as: transforming operational requirements into technical advantages, accelerating the development of advanced defense technologies, integrating and operating emerging technologies at an accelerated pace, and enhancing local production and developing exports of the defense and security industry.

 Overall, all of the features in 2026 support the overarching show theme, The Future of Defense Integration, highlighting the latest advanced technologies that shape the future of defense.

 Al Defaiya: Among the innovative programs that will be included in the 2026 edition of the World Defense Show are the Unmanned Systems Zone and the Naval Zone. What do you expect them to add to the attendees? 

Al-Babtain: The introduction of the Unmanned Systems Zone and the Naval Zone at World Defense Show 2026 reflects the rapid development within the industry. We’ve added these features to directly address the industry’s transition and evolving needs, reiterating the show’s commitment to continuously develop and showcase the most advanced and integrated solutions.

 The Unmanned Systems Zone will feature the latest unmanned systems technologies across various defense domains, from autonomous aerial and ground vehicles to unmanned maritime systems. A select group of international companies will participate, presenting their cutting-edge innovations. Meanwhile, the Naval Zone highlights the critical role of maritime defense and the latest in naval technology. Displays will cover a wide range of naval defense aspects both on the ground and digitally from vessels and precision weaponry to submarine technology, unmanned systems, AI and more to offer a comprehensive peek at the future of naval defense.

 Al Defaiya: The Turkish Pavilion is one of the most prominent participating international pavilions. What is the nature of partnerships with the defense and security industry in Turkey?

 Al-Babtain: The Turkish Pavilion is the third largest participating in WDS 2026, occupying over 4,300 sqm of exhibition space, and is expected to show significant growth compared to 2024. World Defense Show serves as a strategic platform for Turkey and exhibitors from around the world to strengthen partnerships, showcase their latest technologies, while opening new business horizons in regional and global markets.

 Al Defaiya: How do you evaluate the contribution of Saudi Arabian Military Industries (SAMI) and its role in the exhibition's activities?

 Al-Babtain: SAMI has been our Strategic National Partner since the show’s inception, and their contribution is foundational to the overall success of World Defense Show. This collaboration is instrumental in progressively achieving Saudi Vision 2030 objectives, solidifying the Kingdom's leading position in the defense and security industry, and fostering a sustainable, globally competitive sector.

 Al Defaiya: Would you like to address a word to the readers of Al Defaiya Magazine and/or its Website?

 Al-Babtain: I would like to extend my sincere gratitude to Al Defaiya magazine for hosting me, and allowing me to highlight the vast developments of World Defense Show since its inception in 2022 and their continued coverage. Finally, I want to emphasize what an exceptional experience awaits the industry at WDS 2026.

^(*) This interview is also featured, in Arabic, in the June-July 2025 issue of Al Defaiya Magazine