Vice President of WDS
The World Defense Show (WDS) is preparing for its most expansive edition yet, with exhibitors from more than 80 countries set to participate in 2026. Framed by the theme “The Future of Defense Integration,” WDS reflects the pace of change across both traditional and emerging domains. “We are continuously adapting to industry shifts as we introduce new features driving momentum while also maintaining the popular elements our attendees have come to expect,” says Mansour Al-Babtain, Vice President of WDS. In this interview with Aeromag, he discusses how WDS is shaping itself into a global platform for innovation, knowledge exchange, and supply chain resilience.
What can we expect from the upcoming edition of the World Defense Show? How will it be different from the previous editions?
The upcoming World Defense Show is set to be our most expansive and dynamic event yet. We've experienced significant growth and unprecedented global demand, with over 80 countries now exhibiting in WDS 2026, including several new nations joining our roster of participants. This expanded global representation underscores WDS's increasing importance as a key international defense platform.
The 2026 edition is set apart by the significant enhancements we've made. We're introducing five new features this year, alongside the expansion of popular returning programs, ensuring that WDS remains at the forefront of industry trends. Our overarching theme, ‘The Future of Defense Integration,’ perfectly encapsulates how atuned we are to industry fluctuations, as a platform which consistently stays on the pulse of the rapidly evolving defense landscape. Attendees can expect a comprehensive and forward-looking experience that showcases the very latest in defense innovation, and sets the pace for collaboration and knowledge exchange.
How does WDS serve as a crucial knowledge exchange platform for the global industry?
WDS understands the importance of cultivating an atmosphere where informed discussion and critical analysis garner as much emphasis as exhibiting cutting-edge technologies. Our expanded Content Theaters, developed in association with our Knowledge Partner, KPMG, form the intellectual core of the show. Our two dedicated theaters facilitate stimulating discussions around the industry's trajectory, addressing pressing challenges while exploring pioneering solutions.
WDS promotes a collaborative environment where global defense leaders, industry practitioners, and visionaries converge. We host presentations and dialogues to share insights and actively push for transformative change. By bringing together diverse perspectives, WDS helps to shape the future of defense, fostering a deeper understanding of global security dynamics and inciting collective solutions that extend well beyond the exhibition floor.
How does WDS balance the promotion of traditional defence platforms—like tanks and fighter jets—with the growing focus on emerging technologies such as AI, cyber warfare, and unmanned systems?
WDS is thoughtfully curated to present a comprehensive view of defense capabilities, encompassing both traditional and the most advanced emerging technologies. We are continuously adapting to industry shifts as we introduce new features driving momentum while also maintaining the popular elements our attendees have come to expect.
We’re launching the Unmanned Systems Zone, a dedicated area showcasing innovative autonomous technologies across various domains from advanced ground robotics to aerial drones, to highlight the growing focus on emerging technologies. The new Naval Zone will spotlight critical advancements in maritime defense, including vessels, AI, and cyber capabilities tailored for naval operations, aligning with Saudi Vision 2030's efforts to expand naval capabilities. Crucially, our Future Defense Lab stands as the cornerstone of innovation, a dynamic hub where visitors can experience breakthrough innovations from startups, SMEs, and global primes in critical areas such as AI, quantum technologies, cybersecurity, and advanced materials.
Simultaneously, we recognize the enduring significance of traditional defense assets. That's why we're bringing back our ever-popular live ground and air displays. These immersive, real-world scenarios offer a unique opportunity to witness major products, like tanks and fighter jets, as well as emerging technologies, such as unmanned drones, in action, providing a holistic view of both current and future defense capabilities.
How does the World Defense Show actively contribute to strengthening both global and local supply chains, and what value does it offer to exhibitors and attendees?
At World Defense Show, we recognize that robust supply chains are fundamental to the resilience and growth of the global defense industry; thus, we’ve designed WDS to be a proactive platform that directly contributes to strengthening both global and local supply chains, offering tangible value to our exhibitors and attendees.
The new Saudi Supply Chain Zone, a dedicated area specifically created to connect Saudi SMEs, startups, and entrepreneurs with global primes and buyers, is a testament to our efforts. By spotlighting local innovation and capabilities, we facilitate direct engagement and partnership opportunities, crucial for diversifying supply sources, enabling technology transfer, and building a more self-sufficient defense industrial base in line with Saudi Vision 2030.
Beyond localization, WDS provides broader solutions for global supply chain resilience. Our Future Defense Lab not only showcases and debuts new and developing technologies, it also features a new Investor Program on the first day of the show, directly linking innovators with forward-thinking investors. Direct connection undoubtedly accelerates the development and deployment of critical technologies that can enhance supply chain efficiency.
Furthermore, our WDS Connect platform and the Meet the KSA Government Program are invaluable tools. WDS Connect is a personalized matchmaking platform allowing companies to identify new partners, suppliers, and collaborators, thereby streamlining procurement and progressing new business relationships across the supply chain. Whereas the Meet the KSA Government Program provides international companies with direct access to key decision-makers, offering insights into procurement needs and regulatory frameworks, smoothing the pathway for market entry and integration into the local Saudi supply chain.
Through these integrated initiatives, WDS serves as a vital catalyst for overcoming current industry challenges and building a more resilient and capable defense ecosystem, delivering significant value to all participants by fostering connections, facilitating investment, and promoting localization.
With the rise of hybrid events and virtual trade shows, what is the long-term role of the physical defence exhibition? How does WDS integrate digital platforms to extend the show's reach and maintain engagement before, during, and after the physical event?
While hybrid and virtual events offer their own allure and value, there will always be an indispensable demand for physical exhibitions, especially within the defense industry. Buyers and suppliers in this sector appreciate the hands-on experience of products and the direct, in-person interactions that build trust and facilitate complex deals. Moreover, our live demonstrations offer a rare and impactful opportunity to see many products and systems in real-life action, which simply cannot be replicated virtually. The ability to physically inspect equipment, engage in detailed discussions, and witness capabilities firsthand remains paramount.
However, WDS also strategically integrates digital platforms to amplify our impact and extend our reach. Our recently launched WDS News Network, a new feature for 2026, a content-driven platform is designed to engage with our audience well before, during, and long after the physical event. Through exclusive exhibitor interviews, thought-leadership pieces, and continuous updates, it ensures that the conversations and connections initiated at WDS continue to thrive year-round, keeping our community informed and engaged. This digital extension complements the physical experience, allowing us to maintain a dynamic presence and create continuous dialogue within the global defense community.
