In a strategic move aimed at enhancing national capabilities and achieving the goals of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030, the Prince Sultan Center for Defense Studies and Research continues its active participation in the third edition of the World Defense Show 2026. This participation comes under the slogan “National Technologies for Sustainable Security,” during which the center concluded 9 cooperation agreements and partnerships with leading national institutions, confirming its pivotal role as a research enabler for innovation in the Kingdom’s security and defense sectors.
General context: The World Defence Exhibition and Vision 2030
The World Defence Exhibition, organized by the General Authority for Military Industries in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, is a leading global platform that brings together major companies and institutions specializing in defense and security industries. While the exhibition was launched as a primary showcase for the latest technologies and innovations, it holds particular strategic importance for the Kingdom, representing a key instrument in achieving the goal of localizing more than 50% of military spending by 2030. The exhibition provides a unique opportunity for national companies to forge partnerships, transfer technology, and build an integrated and sustainable defense industrial ecosystem.
The role of the Prince Sultan Center in promoting local innovation
The center's participation featured three integrated pavilions showcasing the journey of defense research and development "from concept to application." One of these pavilions highlighted innovation support initiatives targeting promising research projects at universities and national academic institutions, creating a vital bridge between academic scientific research and the applied needs of the defense sector. The participation also included specialized workshops and dialogue sessions featuring experts from the center, such as Engineer Thamer bin Khamis, Director General of the Electronic Warfare Department, who emphasized the importance of strategic cooperation to enable innovative solutions like advanced radars and unmanned systems, ensuring a secure operational environment and supporting sustainable economic growth.
The importance of national partnerships and their expected impact
The nine agreements signed by the center are a cornerstone of its efforts to build and integrate capabilities. These partnerships with leading national institutions not only facilitate the exchange of expertise but also aim to establish joint ventures in research, development, and manufacturing. Domestically, these agreements will accelerate the localization of sensitive technologies, create high-quality job opportunities for Saudi talent, and enhance local content in the defense industries. Regionally and internationally, the Kingdom's success in building self-reliant defense capabilities strengthens regional stability and transforms it from a major importer of defense technologies into a globally competitive manufacturer and innovator, opening new horizons for international cooperation based on partnership rather than importation.
