The Prince Sultan Center for Defense Studies and Research continues to solidify its leading position in the military industries sector through its active participation in the third edition of the World Defense Show (WDS 2026). This participation highlights the center's pivotal role as a research and technology enabler for innovators and stakeholders involved in developing security and defense systems in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, amidst a broad international presence of major companies and government entities.
The importance of participation in the context of Vision 2030
The center's participation in this global event is of paramount strategic importance, aligning directly with the goals of the Kingdom's Vision 2030, which aims to localize more than 50% of military spending. The World Defence Exhibition is an ideal platform to showcase the Kingdom's growing capabilities, and this year the center is focusing on the theme "National Technologies for Sustainable Security." This reflects the center's commitment to translating research theories into tangible products that enhance the Kingdom's strategic independence and support a knowledge-based national economy.
A look at the innovation journey: from idea to product
The center's three pavilions offered a comprehensive interactive experience for visitors and specialists, showcasing the journey of defense research and studies from the initial concept to field application. Among the highlights was the "Research Journey of the Unmanned Boat," demonstrating the capabilities of national talent in developing advanced unmanned systems. The center also dedicated a pavilion to supporting innovation, aiming to highlight research initiatives and projects originating in national universities and academic institutions that received the center's support to transform into promising defense solutions.
Exchange of knowledge and technical expertise
As part of the exhibition's educational component, Engineer Thamer bin Khamis, Director General of the Electronic Warfare Department at the Center, participated in a specialized panel discussion entitled "Enabling Defense and Security Applications through Plans and Directions." Bin Khamis discussed the importance of strategic cooperation in creating a secure operational environment, emphasizing the need to develop innovative solutions such as advanced radars and unmanned systems to ensure technical compatibility and support national security objectives. This reflects the Center's educational and pioneering role in guiding the direction of defense technology.
Strategic partnerships for localizing industry
The Prince Sultan Center for Defense Studies and Research's participation culminated in the signing of nine cooperation agreements and partnerships with leading national institutions. These agreements aim to achieve integration across various sectors to build and develop human capabilities in the fields of security and defense research. These practical steps underscore the Center's ongoing commitment, since its inception, to actively contribute to the localization of military industries and to opening new horizons for defense research and innovation, thus ensuring the Kingdom's high level of technological and security readiness to face future challenges.
