Estonia will participate in the World Defense Show 2026 in Riyadh, presenting its defence sector as a trusted partner in strengthening security through digital resilience, intelligent systems and field-ready technologies designed for today’s complex operating environment. This marks the nation’s third consecutive appearance at the show, continuing its involvement since the summit’s inception.
Led by Hanno Pevkur, Minister of Defence of the Republic of Estonia, the national delegation brings together a group of Estonian defence companies specialising in cyber defence, autonomous and intelligent systems, ISR, energy resilience, deployable infrastructure and dual-use innovation. Estonia’s participation reflects a shared focus with Saudi Arabia and the wider Gulf region on building sovereign defence capability through long-term partnerships and advanced technology development.
“The global security environment becomes increasingly digital and interconnected. Innovation, interoperability and strong partnerships are becoming more important than ever. The World Defence Show offers a valuable platform to demonstrate how Estonia’s innovation-driven defence sector is developing next-generation systems, dual-use technologies that strengthen sovereign capabilities and create long-term value for partners around the world,” said Hanno Pevkur, Minister of Defence of the Republic of Estonia.
Estonia’s defence industry brings operationally tested technologies to WDS
Together, the Estonian companies at World Defence Show span uncrewed and autonomous systems, air and ground-based sensing, cybersecurity and digital command platforms, and deployable infrastructure, all designed to integrate within existing defence architectures. The participating companies include: Defendec, Defsecintel Solutions, Frankenburg Technologies, HEVI Optronics, KrattWorks, Maru Defence, Nortal, Skeleton Technologies, Threod Systems and 5.0 Robotics, alongside the Estonian Defence Industry Association.
Estonia is globally recognised for its leadership in digital governance, with 100% of public services online, and deep experience translating national-scale digital resilience into deployable defence capabilities. The nation hosts the NATO Cooperative Cyber Defence Centre of Excellence, who organise exercises such as Locked Shields – the world’s largest and most complex live-fire cyber defence simulation.
Within NATO frameworks, Estonia has played a long-standing role in strengthening allied cyber and digital defence, and its defence industry is shaped by the demands of real-world operational environments rather than theoretical or lab-based development.
Estonia, the digital nation shaping the future of defence
Estonia’s presence at the show will focus on how secure digital foundations underpin modern defence effectiveness, enabling reliable autonomy, situational awareness and decision-making across increasingly complex systems. The delegation will also highlight the role of dual-use innovation in accelerating development cycles and supporting both defence and broader industrial capability.
During the show, the Estonian delegation will engage with government stakeholders, defence groups and industry partners, and participate in meetings and discussions focused on strategic cooperation, localisation and technology partnership opportunities.
World Defense Show 2026 takes place in Riyadh from 8 to 12 February and brings together global defence leaders, industry and policymakers to explore the future of defence and security. The Estonian delegation will be located at the Estonian national pavilion stand: H1-F16.1
GOOD TO KNOW
Estonian companies participating at World Defence Show:
- Defendec – Provides an autonomous intrusion‑detection system designed for remote areas, featuring AI‑based alarm verification and a 400‑day battery life.
- Defsecintel Solutions – Delivers AI‑powered mobile autonomous surveillance systems, unmanned surface vessels, and multi‑layer counter‑UAS solutions equipped with various effectors for defence and border‑security users.
- Frankenburg Technologies – Develops affordable, mass‑manufacturable missile systems intended for national defence and the protection of critical infrastructure.
- HEVI Optronics – Offers a versatile system architecture enabling the design and development of a wide range of optronics solutions, both in standard configurations and fully customized to client specifications.
- Krattworks – Produces EW‑resilient ISR drones, loitering munitions, decoy drones, and both multirotor and fixed‑wing aerial target UAVs.
- Maru Defence – Designs and manufactures special‑purpose containers and camp solutions for military, rescue, medical, and industrial applications.
- Nortal – Provides digital‑transformation solutions that create meaningful impact for societies and businesses by eliminating friction and delivering future‑ready systems.
- Skeleton Technologies – Supplies high‑power energy‑storage solutions, including supercapacitors and SuperBatteries.
- Threod Systems – Delivers battle‑tested military technology solutions, specializing in the development and production of cutting-edge unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), electro-optic payloads for intelligence and surveillance, and unique launch systems for loitering munition.
- 5.0 Robotics – Enables on‑demand production of digitized parts directly at the frontline through advanced robotic manufacturing.
- Estonian Defence Industry Association – Works to create improved market opportunities for its member companies within the defence and security sectors.
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