The Communications Authority launches the 2026 Defense Applications Frequency Plan
The Saudi Communications and Space Technology Commission (CSTC) announced the launch of a comprehensive plan to provide the necessary frequencies for defense and security applications, in cooperation and partnership with several relevant military and security entities. This announcement comes as part of preparations and activities related to the third edition of the World Defence Exhibition, scheduled for 2026, reflecting the Kingdom's commitment to developing its digital and defense infrastructure.
Strategic importance in the context of Vision 2030
This step comes at a crucial time, coinciding with the Kingdom's significant efforts to achieve the goals of Vision 2030, particularly regarding the localization of military industries and the strengthening of national security capabilities. The radio spectrum is a limited natural resource, and its management is of paramount importance in the modern era, as advanced military and security operations rely entirely on reliable and rapid wireless communications. The plan aims to ensure the availability of the necessary frequency bands for operating modern systems without interference, thereby enhancing combat and security readiness.
Plan details and enabling modern technologies
The authority explained that the new plan primarily aims to enhance the efficiency of spectrum utilization, a cornerstone for supporting emerging technologies and advanced defense applications. These applications encompass vital sectors such as drones, advanced radar systems, remote sensing and monitoring technologies, and satellite communications. The plan also focuses on improving spectrum governance for government entities, in line with the National Spectrum Plan, to ensure that their growing operational needs are met.
A dialogue session with the participation of local and international experts
On the sidelines of this launch, the Authority held a specialized dialogue session entitled “Enabling Defense and Security Applications through Future Spectrum Plans and Directions.” The session featured a distinguished panel of experts and specialists, including Dr. Sami Al-Humaidi, a faculty member at King Saud University and head of the Authority’s Spectrum Advisory Team; Dr. Lawrence Schott, President of Research and Technology Programs at Lockheed Martin; Eng. Thamer bin Khamis, Director General of the Electronic Warfare Department at the Prince Sultan Center for Defense Studies and Research; and Eng. Ayman Maghrabi, Director General of Spectrum Allocation at the Authority. The dialogue was moderated by Eng. Omar Al-Salik, Director of the Authority’s Frequency Department, and participants discussed current challenges and future opportunities in this field.
Regulatory frameworks and global harmonization
The authority affirmed that the plan includes establishing clear regulatory frameworks and comprehensive coordination among all relevant entities, with a focus on strengthening the role of the National Spectrum Coordination Committee (NSCC). It also emphasized the importance of following up on the outcomes of the World Radiocommunication Conference (WRC-27) to ensure that national policies align with global standards and developments. The plan aims to analyze current uses, address challenges, and identify priority spectrum bands to enable international mobile communications technologies in defense applications, thereby enhancing the Kingdom's position as a leading power in communications, space, and technology at both the regional and international levels.
