Discussions at World Defence Show 2026 reflected a clear shift in defence priorities across Saudi Arabia and the Gulf, with growing emphasis on integrated systems, automation and digitally enabled capabilities that can be deployed and scaled quickly.
Estonia’s participation at the show translated that demand into tangible outcomes, with three memoranda of understanding signed between Estonian defence companies and regional and international partners. These included agreements between:
- Threod Systems and First Shield, Saudi Arabia
- DefSecIntel Solutions and The Armored Group, Oman
- Frankenburg Technologies and Hanwha, South Korea
Led by Hanno Pevkur, Minister of Defence of the Republic of Estonia, the national delegation held discussions with Saudi defence authorities and industry leaders from the Gulf, Asia and Europe.
Commenting on the outcomes of the show, H.E. Maria Belovas, Ambassador of the Republic of Estonia to the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Kuwait and Qatar said:
“World Defense Show demonstrated clearly how defence capability today is being shaped by the pace of digital development. Software, data, and autonomous functions are evolving faster than traditional platforms, and reshaping how systems are sustained, modernized, and integrated over time.
“Across Saudi Arabia, the wider Gulf, and internationally, there is strong emphasis on long-term capability ownership, interoperability, and strong industry partnerships. This was reflected in the agreements signed during the show by Estonian companies, underscoring international interest in Estonia’s strengths in autonomous systems, surveillance, counter-UAS, and digitally integrated defence technologies.
“Estonia’s defense investment now stands at 5% of GDP, reflecting the seriousness with which we approach national security and capability development. The outcomes of the show point to a clear direction – one grounded in adaptability, trusted cooperation, and digitally enabled defense solutions.”
Beyond individual agreements, this year’s show highlighted a wider evolution in how defence capability is assessed. While platforms remain central, increasing attention is being placed on the digital architecture that determines how those platforms perform over time. Software integration, data processing, autonomy and system interoperability are advancing on shorter cycles than traditional hardware, elevating the importance of upgradability and operational efficiency.
Estonia has introduced structural reforms to accelerate capability adoption, including the establishment of a Force Transformation Command designed to bridge defence forces, academia and industry and shorten the pathway from capability identification to deployment.
World Defence Show continues to serve as a strategic meeting point for regional and global defence stakeholders. Estonia’s engagement in Riyadh reinforces its role as a reliable and technologically advanced partner, with discussions from the show expected to progress into deeper technical cooperation and follow-on engagements across multiple markets in the months ahead.
More information about Estonian defence sector and its possibilities: estonia.ee/defence
