World Defense Show 2026 - Lockheed Martin

Lockheed Martin will participate in World Defense Show 2026 in Riyadh, showcasing advanced defense capabilities and strengthening its six-decade partnership with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The global defense technology company will demonstrate next-generation technologies, localization initiatives, and workforce development programs aligned with Vision 2030.

The company’s relationship with Saudi Arabia began in 1965 with the delivery of the first C-130 Hercules aircraft and has evolved into a comprehensive multi-domain collaboration focused on long-term capability development, interoperability, and expanding industrial participation.

Six Decades of Strategic Partnership

“For more than 60 years, Lockheed Martin and the Kingdom have built a partnership defined by trust, shared ambition and a commitment to enduring capability. At World Defense Show 2026, we are demonstrating how advanced technologies and industrial collaboration are strengthening readiness, accelerating localization and supporting resilient defense ecosystems in both Saudi Arabia and the United States.”
Brig. Gen. (Ret.) Joseph Rank, Chief Executive for Lockheed Martin in Saudi Arabia and Africa

Advanced Multi-Domain Defense Capabilities

At the exhibition, Lockheed Martin will present its 21st Century Security vision, a digitally enabled approach designed to help partners operate with speed and confidence across air, land, sea, space, and cyber domains. The company will showcase several cutting-edge defense systems that represent the forefront of military technology.

Featured systems include the F-35 Lightning II fighter aircraft, advanced air and missile defense systems such as the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) system and the Patriot Advanced Capability-3 (PAC-3) interceptor, Sikorsky aircraft including the MH-60R Seahawk maritime helicopter and HH-60W combat rescue helicopter, and advanced sensors such as the Long Range Discrimination Radar.

Visitors to World Defense Show will have the opportunity to view a full-scale F-35 model on the flight line, while select invited guests can experience an F-35 cockpit demonstrator to explore the aircraft’s sensor fusion, data integration, and advanced pilot-interface technologies that enhance situational awareness.

Industrial Collaboration and Localization

Industrial partnership remains central to Lockheed Martin’s work in the Kingdom. In collaboration with the General Authority for Military Industries (GAMI) and Saudi Arabian Military Industries (SAMI), the company is expanding advanced manufacturing, strengthening local supply chains, and integrating Saudi industry into global production networks.

Recent progress includes in-Kingdom production of key THAAD components with Saudi partners such as AIC Steel and Middle East Propulsion Company, as well as collaboration with the National Additive Manufacturing and Innovation Company (NAMI) on advanced aerospace manufacturing. These initiatives support industrial resilience and contribute to Vision 2030’s economic diversification goals.

Workforce Development and Innovation

Lockheed Martin continues to invest in human capital development through STEM education programs, internships, and specialized workforce training. These initiatives help build a highly skilled Saudi workforce while supporting long-term innovation and technical leadership across the broader defense industrial base.

The company will also highlight CommandIQ, its AI-enabled command and control mission suite, which integrates operations across domains into a unified operational picture while preserving national sovereignty and operational control. This technology represents the future of integrated defense operations and demonstrates Lockheed Martin’s commitment to providing cutting-edge solutions to its partners.