Estonia will participate in the World Defense Show 2026 in Riyadh, presenting its defense 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 H.E. Hanno Pevkur, Minister of Defense of the Republic of Estonia, the national delegation brings together a group of Estonian defense companies specializing in cyber defense, 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 defense capability through long-term partnerships and advanced technology development.
Estonia’s Digital Defense Leadership
Estonia is globally recognized for its leadership in digital governance, with 100% of public services online, and deep experience translating national-scale digital resilience into deployable defense capabilities. The nation hosts the NATO Cooperative Cyber Defense Centre of Excellence, which organizes exercises such as Locked Shields – the world’s largest and most complex live-fire cyber defense simulation.
Within NATO frameworks, Estonia has played a long-standing role in strengthening allied cyber and digital defense, and its defense industry is shaped by the demands of real-world operational environments rather than theoretical or lab-based development.
Minister’s Statement on Strategic Partnerships
“As security environments become increasingly digital and interconnected, innovation, interoperability and strong partnerships are essential. World Defense Show 2026 provides an important platform to demonstrate how Estonia’s innovation-led defense sector develops next-generation systems and dual-use technologies that strengthen sovereign capability and deliver long-term value to partners in Saudi Arabia and the rest of the world.”
H.E. Hanno Pevkur, Minister of Defense of the Republic of Estonia
Estonian Defense Companies at the Exhibition
The Estonian companies at World Defense Show 2026 span uncrewed and autonomous systems, air and ground-based sensing, cybersecurity and digital command platforms, and deployable infrastructure, all designed to integrate within existing defense architectures. The participating companies include Defendec, Defsecintel Solutions, Frankenburg Technologies, HEVI Optronics, KrattWorks, Maru Defense, Nortal, Skeleton Technologies, Threod Systems and 5.0 Robotics, alongside the Estonian Defense Industry Association.
These companies offer cutting-edge solutions ranging from autonomous intrusion detection systems with AI alarm verification to battle-tested military technology solutions, supercapacitors for high-power applications, and on-demand production of digitized parts right at the frontline.
Focus on Digital Foundations and Dual-Use Innovation
Estonia’s presence at the show will focus on how secure digital foundations underpin modern defense 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 defense and broader industrial capability.
During the show, the Estonian delegation will engage with government stakeholders, defense groups and industry partners, and participate in meetings and discussions focused on strategic cooperation, localization and technology partnership opportunities. The Estonian delegation will be located at the Estonian national pavilion stand: H1-F16.1.
World Defense Show 2026 takes place in Riyadh from February 8 to 12 and brings together global defense leaders, industry and policymakers to explore the future of defense and security.
