The World Defense Show 2026, currently taking place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, is drawing defense industry leaders and exhibitors from around the world.

Azerbaijan’s Minister of Defense Industry Vugar Mustafayev, who is currently attending the event, met with senior officials including Ahmad Abdulaziz Al-Ohali, Governor of the General Authority for Military Industries (GAMI) of Saudi Arabia; Khalid bin Hussein Al-Biyari, Assistant Minister of Defense for Executive Affairs; Mansurjon Ibodullaev, Director of Uzbekistan’s Defense Industry Agency; and Muhammad Chirag Haider, Secretary of Pakistan’s Ministry of Defense Production. He also held talks with senior executives from U.S. defense companies General Dynamics, Teledyne FLIR, and Ansys.

The meetings focused on cooperation in the defense industry, also exploring prospects for future development. The sides emphasized that a modern defense industry relies not only on production capabilities but also on scientific research, advanced technologies, and flexible management practices. They highlighted the strategic importance of closer ties between industry and science.

Delegates also stressed the need to monitor technological innovations, adopt best practices, and share experience on an institutional basis. They noted that international exhibitions and forums play a crucial role in fostering these exchanges and supporting the growth of the defense sector.

The World Defense Show 2026 is scheduled to conclude on February 12.