SAMI expands collaboration with World Defense Show 2026 to strengthen Saudi Arabia’s independent defense industry.

On January 26, 2025, the World Defense Show (WDS) announced the continuation of its strategic partnership with Saudi Arabian Military Industries (SAMI) for the 2026 edition. Scheduled from February 8 to February 12 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, the event, organized by the General Authority for Military Industries (GAMI), showcases technologies across air, land, sea, space, and security. SAMI has been a partner since WDS’s inception in 2022 and is directly involved in Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 initiative, which seeks to localize 50% of the Kingdom’s defense expenditures.
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The Saudi Arabian Military Industries (SAMI), a subsidiary of the Public Investment Fund (PIF) established in 2017, uses the World Defense Show (WDS) to support its objectives of increasing exports, attracting foreign investments, and localizing military production. (Picture source: World Defense Show)

WDS CEO Andrew Pearcey noted that SAMI’s involvement reflects mutual goals related to Vision 2030, particularly in localization. Wael M. Al Sarhan, SAMI’s Chief Communication and Support Service Officer, emphasized that the partnership aligns with SAMI’s objectives to enhance localization, technological capabilities, and workforce development in the defense sector. GAMI, as WDS’s founding authority, is responsible for regulating and developing Saudi Arabia’s military industries, including the localization of manufacturing and supporting economic growth through the defense sector.

SAMI, a subsidiary of the Public Investment Fund (PIF) established in 2017, uses WDS to support its objectives of increasing exports, attracting foreign investments, and localizing military production. SAMI operates across five divisions—SAMI Aerospace, SAMI Land, SAMI Sea, SAMI Defense Systems, and SAMI Advanced Electronics—to contribute to building an independent and competitive defense ecosystem. This partnership aims to improve Saudi Arabia’s position in the global defense industry while supporting economic diversification and local production capabilities.

WDS connects governments, industry leaders, small and medium enterprises (SMEs), and startups, offering opportunities for networking and investment. The 2026 edition builds on the outcomes of the 2022 and 2024 events, which emphasized technological advancements and localization within the defense industry. WDS facilitates international participation and demonstrations of defense technologies.

At WDS 2024, SAMI presented several systems, including the 8x8 155mm self-propelled howitzer developed on a Czech TATRA 8x8 truck chassis. This system includes a semi-automatic loading mechanism, computerized fire control, and compatibility with ammunition types such as GPS-guided shells and a locally produced version of the American M982 Excalibur. The howitzer, designed to compete with European systems like the CAESAR and RCH 155, is undergoing trials with the Saudi Armed Forces.

SAMI also introduced the Ubayyah 2 armored vehicle, measuring 6.07 meters in length, 2.254 meters in height, and 2.625 meters in width, with a wheelbase of 2.686 meters and a ground clearance of 0.36 meters. It is powered by a 6.7-liter turbocharged V8 diesel engine delivering 330 horsepower, with a maximum road speed of 120 km/h and an off-road speed of 60 km/h. Its fuel tank has a capacity of 258 liters, and it can navigate inclines of up to 60 degrees.

Another notable system presented by SAMI was the Tatra 158 Phoenix 6x6 truck, featuring independent suspension with swinging half axles and PACCAR MX engines that meet Euro III, V, and VI standards. These trucks, with power outputs of up to 503 horsepower, are available in configurations such as 4x4, 6x6, 8x8, and 10x10, making them suitable for a range of military and civilian applications.

The 2026 WDS is expected to host over 750 exhibitors from 75 countries and attract 100,000 visitors. The event will include live demonstrations, networking programs, and discussions on defense innovation. More than 100 Chinese defense companies are anticipated to participate. During the 2024 edition, General Dynamics Land Systems (GDLS) outlined efforts to train local talent through partnerships with Saudi universities and programs like micro-credentialing in ballistic steel welding. GDLS employs over 200 personnel in Saudi Arabia, with more than 90% of them being Saudi nationals.

The Riyadh venue for the 2026 edition spans 800,000 square meters and includes indoor exhibition areas, outdoor demonstration zones, and a dedicated runway for aerial displays. The event is expected to continue promoting advancements in defense technologies and fostering collaboration as Saudi Arabia works toward its defense localization objectives.