Saudi Arabia’s largest defence exhibition has underscored the kingdom’s accelerating push to localise military production and expand its footprint in the global arms market, as officials, defence firms and foreign delegations gathered to showcase advanced systems ranging from air defence to small arms.

The event, widely regarded as the kingdom’s flagship military expo, featured extensive displays from domestic defence companies alongside international manufacturers seeking partnerships and contracts.

Central to the exhibition was Saudi Arabia’s stated ambition to manufacture a significant share of its defence equipment domestically as part of its broader economic transformation strategy.

Government officials highlighted progress in developing indigenous capabilities across aerospace, missile systems, armoured vehicles and unmanned platforms.

Several Saudi firms presented upgraded small arms, precision-guided munitions and locally assembled armoured vehicles, reflecting efforts to move from procurement toward production and design.

The small arms segment drew particular attention, with locally branded rifles and light weapons displayed as evidence of expanding manufacturing capacity.

Industry representatives described the initiative as part of a longer-term strategy to strengthen supply chains, reduce dependence on imports and create high-skilled employment opportunities within the kingdom.

International defence contractors also maintained a significant presence, unveiling advanced air defence systems, drones and naval platforms.

Delegations from multiple regions engaged in discussions on joint ventures, technology transfer and co-production agreements, reinforcing the exhibition’s role as both a commercial marketplace and diplomatic platform.

Analysts note that Saudi Arabia remains one of the world’s largest defence spenders, and the drive toward localisation aligns with broader national goals to diversify the economy beyond hydrocarbons.

The exhibition provided a platform for demonstrating how defence industrial development fits into that wider reform agenda.

Beyond hardware displays, panel discussions addressed cybersecurity, artificial intelligence applications in defence and emerging battlefield technologies.

Officials framed the gathering as a signal of the kingdom’s commitment to modernisation and strategic autonomy within a rapidly evolving security environment.

As the event concluded, organisers emphasised that the exhibition marked not only a showcase of equipment but also a statement of intent: Saudi Arabia aims to transition from a leading arms importer to a competitive defence manufacturing hub with regional and international reach.