Held just outside Riyadh, this year’s edition of the biennial expo has drawn global defense players, tech leaders, and military strategists — all buzzing about one theme: AI. And honestly? The conversation has moved way past the “should we use AI?” stage.
Majid Algarni, a senior official at Saudi Arabia’s General Authority for Defense Development, dropped what might be the most pivotal question of the entire show: should the Kingdom pursue “AI-enhanced” defense systems, or go all-in on “AI-native” platforms built from the ground up?
“We can see AI-enhanced systems in the whole show now,” Algarni said during a panel discussion. But he was quick to point out that the real game-changer lies ahead — AI-native platforms that integrate everything “from chips to data to models and then to agentic stuff.”
Here’s the thing: that’s not just a technical upgrade. That’s a complete rethinking of how defense systems are designed, deployed, and managed.
A Force Multiplier with a Conscience
What makes Saudi Arabia’s approach stand out isn’t just the ambition — it’s the balance. While pushing hard on innovation, officials made clear that responsible AI remains non-negotiable.
“Humans need to be in the loop to make sure that for every single critical killing chain action, a human is there to ensure full control,” Algarni emphasized. Saudi Arabia has also signed onto international AI safeguard agreements, signaling that the Kingdom isn’t just chasing capability — it’s doing so with guardrails.
Lawrence Schuette, director of research and technology programs at Lockheed Martin, echoed the caution with a memorable analogy: “Ask ChatGPT how many R’s there are in ‘strawberry’ — it’ll tell you two. But your kindergartner will tell you three, and your kindergartner is correct.”
His point? Trust in AI has to be earned, not assumed. And in military contexts, that trust-building process is especially critical.
Vision 2030’s Tech-First Priority
AI isn’t just a defense buzzword in Saudi Arabia — it’s a national priority under Vision 2030. The World Defense Show served as a powerful showcase for how seriously the Kingdom is taking this transformation.
From autonomous drones to AI-powered command systems, the exhibition floor was packed with next-generation technology that would’ve seemed like science fiction a decade ago. International exhibitors from over 100 countries brought their cutting-edge solutions, but the message was clear: Saudi Arabia isn’t just a buyer anymore. It’s becoming a developer.
The show also highlighted growing partnerships between Saudi defense entities and global tech giants, with multiple memoranda of understanding signed during the event. Vertical Aerospace, for instance, signed a strategic MoU with AHQ Group and the Saudi National Industrial Development Centre to accelerate advanced air mobility in the Kingdom.
What’s Next?
By the end of the panel discussions, there was a sense of inevitability in the room. AI-native systems aren’t a question of “if” but “when.” And Saudi Arabia, with its strategic investments, talent development programs, and international partnerships, is positioning itself to be at the forefront of this shift.
The World Defense Show 2026 wasn’t just an exhibition — it was a statement. The Kingdom is ready for the AI era, and it’s building the future of defense on its own terms.
