World Defense Show 2026

Readers write about Boom engines, quantum computers, space “settlement” and AW&ST Vietnam War cover images. Plus: Behind the Scenes at the World Defense Show.

New deals at the World Defense Show aim to translate the Saudi Vision 2030 ambitions into a tangible helicopter manufacturing ecosystem.

Aging aircraft, potential new fighter buys and a long-discussed service merger leave the Royal Saudi Air Force at a strategic inflection point.

Editors are joined by analyst Sash Tusa to discuss the fallout of the Munich Security Conference and Saudi Arabia's World Defense Show.

Saudi Arabia will acquire four Leonardo C-27J airlifters for maritime patrol, giving the kingdom a fixed-wing maritime patrol capability for the first time.

General Atomics is hoping to build U.S. Navy interest in its MQ-9B SkyGuardian uncrewed aircraft system through an upcoming leasing program with the service.

Turkey’s Defense Industries Agency has released imagery of the second prototype of the indigenous Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI) Kaan fighter.

European efforts to develop a future medium airlifter are steadily moving toward a concept, an Airbus official says, but he warns that if the program is to move into development, the number of nations and partner industries will need to be narrowed down.

A new stealthy-looking, high-speed target drone has been unveiled by Saudi company Midana at this week’s World Defense Show 2026 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Airbus is using the World Defense Show 2026 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, this week to relaunch its A400M tactical airlifter sales campaign in the country.

Saudi space technology company SARsatX is laying the groundwork for the launch of the first Saudi-made commercial satellite.

Italy’s ELT Group is planning to explore the potential for electromagnetic spectrum analysis and cyber intelligence gathering from orbit through an agreement with Italian space logistics company D-Orbit.

Turkish Aerospace Industries' Gokbey utility helicopter could be assembled in Saudi Arabia if a signed agreement progresses.

A Saudi Arabian final assembly line for rotorcraft could become a long-awaited reality through a memorandum of understanding.

Arabia Saudi Arabia has passed the halfway mark in reaching its target of localizing the procurement of defense equipment.

Boeing is actively proposing the upgrade of Saudi Arabia’s F-15SA fleet to bring them to the same standard as the new F-15EX.

Boeing is exploring Saudi Arabia as a potential alternative supplier for titanium.

American entrepreneur Lucien Zeigler and London-based investor Nehal Farooqui have launched Saudi Arabia’s first defense venture capital fund.

Saudi Arabia is improving its air defenses through the rollout of THAAD and is looking to bolster that through its agreed addition of F-35s.

Saudi Arabia is exploring several proof-of-concept projects using electric UAS and AAM tech that would act as first responders in a fire emergency.

GA-ASI will explore the fitment of long-range standoff weapons on the MQ-9B SkyGuardian UAS as it looks to broaden the scope of roles it performs.

Pakistan’s GIDS has arrived at World Defense Show weeks after conducting the first test-firing of the Taimoor air-launched cruise missile.

Titra Teknoloji is stepping up its international marketing campaign as it targets expanded export opportunities in the growing tactical uncrewed systems market.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has hinted that Saudi Arabia could be on the cusp of becoming a partner on the Turkish Kaan fighter program.

It became obvious at the recent Dubai Air Show 2025 that the United Arab Emirates Air Force and Air Defense, is still reconsidering its flying training options