Saudi Arabia's industry at the World Defence Exhibition 2026: Localization strategy
The Saudi Arabian Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources is preparing for a significant presence at the third edition of the World Defence Exhibition 2026 , scheduled to be held in Riyadh. This participation, as a key partner in the supply chain area, reflects the pivotal role played by the Ministry and its affiliated entities in realizing national aspirations to build an independent and sustainable military industrial base.
This participation is of particular importance in light of the great economic activity that the Kingdom is witnessing, as the exhibition, which will be held from February 8 to 12, aims to highlight the industrial and mining transformation, and to showcase the promising investment opportunities that the sector provides to local and international investors, thereby enhancing the Kingdom’s position as a global logistics and industrial center.
Integration of government agencies to enhance local content
The Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources' initiative is characterized by its comprehensiveness and integration, encompassing major players in the Saudi industrial landscape. These include the Royal Commission for Jubail and Yanbu, the Saudi Export Development Authority, the Saudi Geological Survey, the Saudi Industrial Development Fund, and the National Center for Industrial Development. Also joining this strategic alliance are the National Industrial Development and Logistics Program (NIDLP), the Saudi Authority for Industrial Cities and Technology Zones (MODON), the Local Content and Government Procurement Authority, and the Saudi Export-Import Bank.
This intensive presence aims to present a unified picture to foreign and local investors about the advanced infrastructure, financial incentives, and flexible legislation that the Kingdom offers to facilitate military manufacturing and technology transfer.
From Mines to Military Manufacturing: A Strategic Vision
The event's significance extends beyond simply showcasing finished products; it also highlights the Kingdom's abundant mineral resources, which form the cornerstone of heavy and precision military industries. By linking the mining sector to military manufacturing, the Ministry aims to ensure the security of supply chains for essential raw materials such as titanium, aluminum, and iron—vital components in the production of military structures and ammunition.
Vision 2030 targets and localizing 50% of spending
These coordinated efforts come in response to the the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 , which has set a strategic objective of localizing more than 50% of government spending on military equipment and services. The World Defence Exhibition is the ideal platform to measure progress in this area, showcasing success stories in knowledge transfer, fostering innovation, and localizing advanced technologies.
Moreover, this approach contributes to creating thousands of quality job opportunities for young national talent in the fields of engineering, technology, and advanced manufacturing, which supports the national economy, reduces dependence on military imports, and enhances the Kingdom’s strategic independence in this vital sector.
