Naval News sat down with Andrew Pearcey, CEO of WDS, to learn more about what’s in store for 2026. A key highlight will be the debut of a dedicated Naval Zone, an ambitious addition that underscores the growing strategic importance of maritime security in a rapidly shifting global defense environment.
The World Defense Show (WDS), launched in 2022 under the auspices of Saudi Arabia’s General Authority for Military Industries (GAMI), has quickly established itself as a premier platform for global defense collaboration and innovation. With each edition, WDS has expanded its scope and ambition, reflecting the evolving priorities of the defense sector and the Kingdom’s own drive for localization and advanced capabilities in line with Vision 2030. As the next edition approaches, WDS 2026 promises to be a milestone event, introducing several transformative features aimed at enhancing the experience for exhibitors, delegations, and visitors alike.
In this exclusive interview, Pearcey outlines the rationale behind the new features, from the Naval Zone and Unmanned Systems Zone to the Saudi Supply Chain initiative, and shares how WDS 2026 aims to reshape the landscape of international defense exhibitions.
Naval News: WDS 2026 will introduce a significant new naval zone. What is the rationale behind this addition, and what can attendees expect to see in this zone?
Andrew Pearcey: The introduction of a dedicated Naval Zone at WDS 2026 is a direct response to the evolving global defense landscape and the critical importance of maritime security. The Naval Zone exemplifies our commitment to hosting an all-encompassing defense exhibition, recognizing that modern security demands integrated solutions across all domains – air, land, sea, space, and security.
Attendees can expect a comprehensive showcase of cutting-edge naval technologies, from advanced vessels and submarines to sophisticated maritime surveillance systems, anti-submarine warfare capabilities, and naval aviation. We’ll highlight innovations in unmanned maritime systems, AI-driven naval operations, and advanced cybersecurity solutions tailored for the maritime environment. Going beyond the static display, the Naval Zone will be a dynamic hub for discussions on naval strategy, technological advancements, and the critical role of maritime power in global stability. It’s an exciting development that rounds out our offerings and signifies that even from the heart of the desert, the future of naval defense can be a key focus.
Naval News: Beyond the new Naval Zone, what other new features or areas of focus are planned for WDS 2026? Could you elaborate on innovations that will enhance the attendee experience?
Andrew Pearcey: WDS 2026 is designed to be our most transformative event yet, and the Naval Zone is just one of five groundbreaking new features we’re introducing to elevate the attendee experience and stay ahead of the industry’s rapid evolution. Our overarching theme for 2026, The Future of Defense Integration, is the driver of the show and the central pillar around which new features and content are curated.
In 2026 we are introducing the Unmanned Systems Zone, a dedicated space showcasing the latest in autonomous technology across all domains – air, land, and sea – reflecting the undeniable shift towards unmanned capabilities in modern defense. The Future Defense Lab will offer immersive, hands-on experiences with never-before-seen technologies, fostering collaboration and accelerating innovation by providing a glimpse into the next generation of defense solutions.
Crucially, we are deepening our focus on local capabilities with the Saudi Supply Chain Zone.A platform which will connect global players with Saudi startups, SMEs, and entrepreneurs, facilitating strategic partnerships and knowledge transfer in line with Vision 2030’s localization goals. Finally, our all new WDS News Network will enhance real-time communication and content delivery before, throughout, and well beyond the show to keep attendees informed and engaged.
Beyond the new features, we are expanding our Content Theater program, which will be held across three theaters with themes tying directly into key programs such as the Future Defense Lab, Saudi Supply Chain Zone, Future Talent program and Meet the KSA Government program. The content theaters provide unparalleled opportunities to exchange knowledge, network, and directly engage in the conversations setting the pace of the industry’s future, further cementing WDS 2026 as an indispensable event for anyone involved in the defense sector.
Naval News: WDS has grown significantly with each edition. Could you provide an update on the expected scale of WDS 2026?
Andrew Pearcey: The growth of World Defense Show since its inception in 2022 has been remarkable, a clear indication of the show’s rapid ascent as a premier global defense platform. In 2026, we are anticipating even greater scale and impact. We’ve significantly expanded our exhibition footprint which now spans over 273,000 square meters, including a new fourth hall. This represents a 58% increase in exhibition space since our first edition to accommodate the continuously overwhelming demand and interest from the global and local defense community.
WDS has proven to have strategic importance for the industry at large, a tell-tale sign of this is our most recent announcement that we have secured 90% of exhibitor space for the upcoming edition. We expect to host exhibitors from at least 80 countries in 2026, a record number for us, with new nations such as Japan, Portugal, and Kazakhstan joining our diverse international roster. This expanded global reach further solidifies WDS’s position as a truly international platform for collaboration and innovation.
Naval News: How has industry feedback from previous editions shaped the development of the 2026 event?
Andrew Pearcey: Industry feedback is the bedrock of our continuous evolution at WDS. We are constantly engaging with exhibitors, visitors, and partners to ensure the show, and all its features, stay on the pulse of defense innovation and relevance. Understanding the successes and areas of improvement of previous editions, while also staying aware of industry trends, has been instrumental in shaping the WDS 2026 experience.
For instance, the increasing emphasis on integrated defense solutions and cross-domain operations directly informed our 2026 theme, The Future of Defense Integration. We observed a clear industry trend towards seamless connectivity between air, land, sea, space, and security, and designed the show to reflect and facilitate this. The introduction of our new Unmanned Systems Zone, Naval Zone, and Future Defense Lab are direct responses to the industry’s demand for dedicated platforms to showcase and discuss critical, rapidly advancing technologies.
Furthermore, we’re meeting the desire for more meaningful engagement and knowledge transfer at every corner of the event as we intertwine key discussion topics with key features through the expanded Content Theaters and more networking opportunties. These initiatives are designed to foster deeper connections, facilitate strategic partnerships, and provide invaluable insights into procurement, investment, and localization opportunities. We recognize that by actively listening to the industry, WDS can genuinely serve as a catalyst for progress and collaboration within the global defense ecosystem.
Naval News: Unmanned systems are rapidly transforming defense capabilities across all domains. How will WDS 2026 demonstrate this pivotal shift, with a particular focus on innovations in unmanned and counter-unmanned technologies?
Andrew Pearcey: The transformative impact of unmanned systems on defense capabilities is undeniable, and WDS 2026 will place a significant spotlight on this pivotal shift. Our new Unmanned Systems Zone will be a central hub, showcasing the latest advancements in autonomous technology across all defense domains – air, land, sea, and even space. Attendees will see a comprehensive range of unmanned aerial vehicles, unmanned ground vehicles, and unmanned maritime systems.
Naval News: Will there be live demonstrations at WDS 2026? If so, what types of platforms or capabilities will be featured?
Andrew Pearcey: Absolutely, live demonstrations are a cornerstone of the World Defense Show experience and a key differentiator that sets us apart. We believe there’s no substitute for witnessing cutting-edge technologies in action, and WDS 2026 will feature our unique and highly anticipated live air and land demonstrations.
Our purpose-built runway and extensive outdoor exhibition space provide an unparalleled venue for dynamic showcases. Attendees can expect to see a wide array of platforms and capabilities in action. We’ll feature advanced drones and other autonomous aerial vehicles, offering a rare opportunity to witness these technologies in a real-world environment. Plus, impressive aerial displays will highlight the agility and advanced features of various aircraft. On the ground, our land systems will present dynamic displays of armored vehicles, ground robotics, and more, demonstrating their maneuverability and operational capabilities.
We meticulously plan our live demonstrations to provide a dynamic and immersive experience that gives attendees a firsthand look at how these cutting-edge technologies operate and integrate across different defense domains. They are a powerful testament to the capabilities being developed and deployed globally, and a highlight for many of our visitors.
