Lockheed Martin Brings Advanced Defense Technology to World Defense Show 2026
Lockheed Martin will present advanced defense technology and expanded Saudi partnerships at the World Defense Show 2026 in Riyadh, reinforcing its multi-domain capabilities and long-standing industrial ties with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
In official statements and briefings ahead of the event, the U.S. defense and aerospace company said its showcase will focus on next-generation systems, industrial collaboration, and workforce development aligned with Saudi Vision 2030 goals.
Long-standing US-Saudi Defense Partnership
Lockheed Martin’s relationship with Saudi Arabia spans more than 60 years, beginning with the delivery of the first C-130 Hercules transport aircraft in 1965. Over time, collaboration has grown into a broad, multi-domain partnership covering air, land, sea, space, and cyber domains.
Brigadier General (Retired) Joseph Rank, chief executive for Lockheed Martin in Saudi Arabia and Africa, described the partnership as one built on mutual trust, shared goals, and enduring capability development.
At WDS 2026, Lockheed Martin said it will show how advanced technologies and industrial collaboration boost operational readiness and support resilient defense ecosystems in both Saudi Arabia and the United States.
What Lockheed Martin Will Present
At the Riyadh show, Lockheed Martin plans to showcase core platforms and technological demonstrations, including:
• F-35 Lightning II features and cockpit demonstrations for invited guests, highlighting sensor fusion and data integration.
• AI-enabled CommandIQ command and control mission suite that integrates operations across multiple domains while maintaining operational control and sovereignty.
• Advanced sensors, missile defense capabilities such as THAAD and PAC-3 systems, and a range of Sikorsky aircraft and networked solutions.
The company will also highlight progress in local manufacturing with Saudi partners, workforce training programs, and efforts to strengthen supply chain resilience.
Industrial Collaboration and Localization
Industrial partnerships with Saudi entities are a key part of Lockheed Martin’s presence at World Defense Show 2026. The company is working with the General Authority for Military Industries (GAMI) and Saudi Arabian Military Industries (SAMI) on expanded manufacturing, local supply chain integration, and advanced aerospace production.
Recent milestones include local production of key Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) launcher components with AIC Steel in Saudi Arabia, supporting Saudi Vision 2030 objectives for increased localization of defense production.
In parallel with manufacturing efforts, Lockheed Martin opened a software factory in Riyadh in January 2026 to build sovereign software applications and strengthen in-Kingdom digital talent. The facility supports development of interoperable command-and-control systems and will train Saudi engineers in advanced software and enterprise technologies.
Strategic Context at World Defense Show 2026
The World Defense Show serves as a platform for international defense companies and host-nation partners to connect, share expertise, and showcase innovation. The 2026 edition, scheduled for February 8-12 in Riyadh, is expected to draw global delegations and focus on multi-domain integration and Saudi industrial growth.
Organizers have highlighted enhanced features at this year’s show, such as dedicated zones for supply chain development, unmanned systems, and new networking programs, all aligned with Saudi Vision 2030’s push for defense sector localization.
US-Saudi Defense Ties in a Wider Context
Lockheed Martin’s participation at World Defense Show 2026 comes amid broader US-Saudi defense cooperation, which includes recent arms sales such as the proposed $9 billion Patriot missile sale with Lockheed Martin as principal contractor.
These ongoing industrial and technology partnerships reflect a deepening of strategic ties between the United States and Saudi Arabia, and underscore shared interest in regional stability, capability development, and innovation.
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