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World Defense Show, a cornerstone event for the defense sector, supports industry growth through collaboration and innovation, providing a space to showcase cutting-edge technologies on the global stage.
In its third edition, WDS will be placing greater emphasis on unmanned systems, recognizing their increasingly important role in defense.
In this exclusive interview, UST talks to CEO, Andrew Pearcey about World Defense Show’s mission to showcase the most advanced defense and unmanned technologies across all domains, while also facilitating collaboration between local and global players in the defense industry.
World Defense Show will take place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, 8th-12th February, 2026. Register here >>
Thank you for taking the time to speak with us. World Defense Show (WDS) is a unique platform for technology-leading defense integration across the globe. How has WDS developed into a leading defense and unmanned industry platform since its inception in 2020?
Andrew Pearcey, Chief Executive Officer, World Defense Show
Thank you for the opportunity to speak about World Defense Show. Since our launch in 2022, World Defense Show has positioned itself as a premium platform, playing a vital role in the defense industry, and more specifically the unmanned systems sector. We’ve rapidly established ourselves by providing a dynamic space for global industry leaders, innovators, and government representatives to come together.
Our commitment to facilitating collaboration and showcasing cutting-edge technologies has cemented WDS as an essential event on the global defense calendar. The evolution of Unmanned Systems Zone in WDS 2026, a new key feature of the show, is a great example of how WDS continuously evolves to meet industry demands, displaying advanced and integrated solutions in defense technology across all domains.
One of the key reasons for this success is the venue itself — our infrastructure in Riyadh provides the perfect backdrop for showcasing innovations like unmanned systems. Our purpose-built runway offers a unique opportunity to display these advanced technologies on a dedicated runway for real-time demonstrations. This provides an exciting opportunity for live testing of systems across multiple domains and gives attendees the rare chance to witness firsthand how unmanned technologies can enhance defense capabilities.
In what ways will Unmanned Systems be a focus at WDS this year, and can you give any specific examples?
Unmanned systems will take center stage at WDS 2026, as we shine a spotlight on their growing importance within the defense sector. Our new Unmanned Systems Zone will feature a comprehensive range of the latest unmanned technologies across all defense domains on static display, from autonomous vehicles and drones to underwater systems. Leading companies will demonstrate their latest innovations, highlighting the advancements in this transformative area of the industry.
Our purpose-built runway will be fully utilized during the event for live flying demonstrations. This unique setup allows us to showcase unmanned systems in their natural environment. Attendees will have a rare opportunity to witness these technologies in action and understand their potential in reshaping modern defense strategies.
Additionally, we will host specialized forums and discussions with industry experts to delve into the potential of unmanned systems in enhancing operational capabilities and reshaping defense strategies.
How much can you tell us about WDS 2026? What’s new, and what attendees can look forward to?
WDS 2026 is shaping up to be a truly transformational event, introducing five groundbreaking new features that reflect the latest advancements in the defense industry. These include:
- An all-new Unmanned Systems Zone
- A focused Naval Zone
- The Future Defense Lab
- A dedicated Saudi Supply Chain Zone
- The WDS News Network
These new additions promise to deliver an interactive, globally connected event that brings together cutting-edge technologies and fosters collaboration across all defense domains. This year’s show will continue to cover all defense domains — air, land, sea, space, and security — under the theme of the Future of Defense Integration.
In what ways has the 2026 show expanded in scale, exhibitors, and global participation?
WDS 2026 represents a significant leap forward in terms of scale, global participation, and exhibitor engagement. The event will span an impressive 273,000 square meters of exhibition space, with 65% of the stands already sold — a strong testament to the growing interest from both local and international players.
World Defense Show Venue in Saudi Arabia
Since the inception of the show in 2022, exhibition stand space has grown by 58%, and we’re seeing even more global participation this year. WDS 2026 will build on the success of previous editions, which saw 73 agreements totaling SAR 26 billion, 773 exhibitors from 76 countries, and 106,000 visitors.
With an increased focus on local manufacturing and the development of Saudi talent, positioning them amongst industry giants, WDS 2026 will serve as a gateway for international collaboration and partnerships, particularly as the Kingdom positions itself as a dynamic player in the global defense sector.
How does WDS facilitate collaboration between global and local defense players?
WDS plays a crucial role in fostering collaboration between global defense leaders and local players. Through our dedicated zones, networking opportunities, we provide an inclusive platform for international companies to engage with Saudi firms and local defense contractors.
The Saudi Supply Chain Zone will be a key area where global defense players can connect with local manufacturers, aligning with Vision 2030’s goal of enhancing local defense capabilities.
Our focus on collaboration extends to educational initiatives, providing a space for cross-border dialogue, joint ventures, and knowledge exchange to strengthen the global defense ecosystem.
Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 initiative aims to increase diversification economically, socially, and culturally. What is WDS’s role in advancing these goals?
World Defense Show is an integral part of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, contributing to the Kingdom’s economic diversification by positioning the defense sector as a key area of innovation, investment, and growth. Through our focus on localizing defense capabilities and fostering public-private partnerships, WDS supports the development of a robust, sustainable defense industry that will generate long-term economic benefits.
By creating a platform that bridges local talent and global expertise, WDS helps shape the future of defense, contributing to Vision 2030’s broader objectives of economic diversification, job creation, and technological innovation.
Additionally, WDS has played a major role in developing the overall event landscape within Saudi Arabia, setting the standard for a local event at global scale.
We are very grateful for your time, this has been really insightful and we are looking forward to hearing more about World Defense Show in the lead-up to the event.
