World Defense Show begins in Riyadh with Türkiye's Kaan jet in focus

2026-02-08 - 20:55

The 2026 World Defense Show (WDS) is now underway in Riyadh, serving as a major hub for international defense contractors and government officials. The event, which runs from February 8 to 12, underscores the strategic push by nations like Saudi Arabia and Türkiye to deepen military-industrial collaboration and develop indigenous defense capabilities. Türkiye’s Prominent Role and the Kaan Fighter Jet A significant point of interest at the defense expo is the advanced military technology presented by Türkiye. Mehmet Demiroglu, CEO of Turkish Aerospace Industries (TUSAS), confirmed that Saudi Arabia has shown notable interest in the Kaan, Türkiye’s new national combat aircraft. This follows recent statements by President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who indicated that important defense industry agreements with the Kingdom were nearing finalization. Strategic Partnerships and Exhibition Scope The show, organized by Saudi Arabia's General Authority for Military Industries, was inaugurated with the attendance of Defense Minister Khalid bin Salman. It facilitates high-level meetings and demonstrations across air, land, sea, space, and security domains. Türkiye’s participation, including companies like TETRA Technologies, highlights its ambition to be a key defense exporter and technology partner within the region and globally. A Platform for Future Collaboration Beyond immediate sales, the World Defense Show functions as a critical platform for shaping the future of defense integration and fostering long-term strategic partnerships. The discussions in Riyadh reflect a broader trend of defense industrial cooperation, with Türkiye positioning its locally developed systems, such as the Kaan jet, as competitive alternatives in the global marketplace.