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Saudi shakes up arms partners

Running Feb. 8-12, the World Defense Show in Riyadh brings together 1,468 exhibitors from 89 countries, having quickly established itself as one of the region’s leading defense industry gatherings.

Visitors stand in front of a Fatah-II guided rocket (L) and a SMASH anti-ship missile during the World Defence Show in Riyadh on February 9, 2026. (Fayez Nureldine / AFP via Getty Images)

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This week, Saudi Arabia opened the third edition of the World Defense Show in Riyadh, using the fast-growing exhibition not just for dealmaking, but to signal how the kingdom is reshaping its defense partnerships, industrial ambitions and procurement priorities.

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