While the World Defense Show (WDS) 2026, the global showcase of the Turkish defense industry, continues in Riyadh, one of the most critical signatures of the fair was inked at the ASELSAN stand. A contract was signed between ASELSAN and the Ministry of Defense of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Although the specific content has not yet been disclosed, the agreement is stated to "deepen the strategic partnership," marking a new milestone in establishing the permanent presence of the Turkish defense industry in the Gulf region.
WDS 2026, held in Riyadh and bringing together the giants of the defense world, continues to be export and cooperation-oriented for Türkiye. During the busy hours of the fair, a post shared from ASELSAN's official social media accounts announced that a new page has been turned in defense cooperation between the two countries.
Moving Cooperation to the Next Level
While no data regarding the details or financial magnitude of the contract was shared in the statement made by ASELSAN, clear messages regarding the vision of the agreement were given.
The statement read: "A contract was signed between ASELSAN and the Ministry of Defense of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia at the World Defense Show 2026. With this signature, it is aimed to strengthen cooperation in the field of defense industry and move the strategic partnership to a higher level."
Why Is It Important?
Defense industry relations between Türkiye and Saudi Arabia, which have gained momentum in recent years especially with Baykar's AKINCI export, are transforming into a sustainable ecosystem with this signature by ASELSAN.
Defense analysts recall that Saudi Arabia pursues strategies focused on localization of defense spending and technology transfer within the scope of Vision 2030, and predict that this contract signed by ASELSAN may cover not only product sales but also technological cooperation in critical areas such as communications, electronic warfare, or avionic systems.
