Estonia Leads the Charge in Digital Defense Collaborations at World Defence Show 2026
Growing Demand for Estonia’s Digitally Integrated Defence Capabilities Amplified by Three Cross-Regional MoUs
Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, 13 February 2026: The World Defence Show 2026 marked a significant shift in defence priorities throughout Saudi Arabia and the Gulf region, emphasizing the need for integrated systems, automation, and rapidly deployable, digitally enhanced capabilities.
Estonia showcased its commitment to meeting this demand through three strategic memoranda of understanding (MoUs) signed with regional and international partners, including:
- Threod Systems with First Shield, Saudi Arabia
- DefSecIntel Solutions collaborating with The Armored Group, Oman
- Frankenburg Technologies partnering with Hanwha, South Korea
Under the leadership of Hanno Pevkur, Estonia’s Minister of Defence, the national delegation engaged in fruitful discussions with Saudi defence authorities, industry leaders from the Gulf, Asia, and Europe.
H.E. Maria Belovas, Ambassador of the Republic of Estonia to the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Kuwait, and Qatar, remarked:
“The World Defence Show highlighted how today’s defence capabilities are being redefined by rapid digital advancements. Software, data, and autonomous functions are evolving faster than traditional platforms, reshaping our systems’ maintenance, modernization, and integration processes.”
“In Saudi Arabia and the wider Gulf region, there is a stronger emphasis on long-term capability ownership, interoperability, and robust industry partnerships. The agreements signed at the show highlight international interest in Estonia’s expertise in autonomous systems, surveillance, counter-UAS technologies, and digitally integrated defence solutions.”
“Estonia is dedicating 5% of its GDP to defence investment, reflecting our commitment to national security and capability enhancement. The outcomes from the show provide clear direction—focused on adaptability, trusted cooperation, and innovative defence solutions.”
This year’s show also underscored a broader evolution in how defence capabilities are evaluated. While traditional platforms remain crucial, increasing importance is placed on the digital architecture that influences their performance over time. Advances in software integration, data processing, autonomy, and system interoperability are occurring at a pace that surpasses traditional hardware development, emphasizing upgradability and operational efficiency.
Estonia has implemented structural reforms to speed up capability adoption, notably through the establishment of a Force Transformation Command, which bridges the gap between defence forces, academia, and industry, thus shortening the time from capability identification to deployment.
The World Defence Show continues to be a vital strategic hub for regional and global defence stakeholders. Estonia’s participation in Riyadh reinforces its position as a trustworthy and technologically advanced partner, paving the way for deeper technical collaborations and future engagements across various markets in the months ahead.
