RIYADH: Minister of Defense Prince Khalid bin Salman inaugurated the third edition of the World Defense Show (WDS) on Sunday on behalf of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.

Organized by the General Authority for Military Industries (GAMI), the five-day event will run until February 12, showcasing the Kingdom’s rapid strides toward strategic independence and technological leadership in the defense sector.

The 2026 edition features a purpose-built venue with a 2,700-meter runway for live air and land demonstrations, underscoring the show’s status as a premier global defense event.

GAMI Governor Ahmad Al-Ohali emphasized that the show reflects Saudi Arabia's commitment to localizing over 50 percent of military spending in line with Vision 2030, fostering an integrated ecosystem where government bodies and international partners collaborate on innovation.

The event brings together official delegations, government entities, and leading international companies specializing in the defense and security sectors. (SPA)