World Defense Show 2026: Middle East Remains Focused on US Equipment and Local Industry Involvement

Why It Matters

The scale of uncommitted spending signals a massive revenue pipeline for U.S. defense firms and local partners, reshaping regional security dynamics. Securing these contracts will cement supplier influence across the Middle East’s next‑generation ground forces.

Key Takeaways

• Middle East vehicle market valued at $63.5 billion through 2036
• Unawarded programmes represent $31.7 billion, nearly half total spend
• Main battle tank orders dominate unawarded pipeline
• Bahrain, Turkey, Saudi Arabia lead MBT procurement worth $12 billion
• US equipment and local partnerships remain procurement priority

Pulse Analysis

The World Defense Show in Riyadh served as a barometer for the Middle East’s appetite for next‑generation armored platforms. Analysts estimate a $63.5 billion spend on tracked and wheeled vehicles over the next decade, reflecting both modernization drives and the need to replace aging fleets. While many contracts have been awarded, a substantial portion—approximately $31.7 billion—remains unassigned, covering close to 10,000 vehicles. This unawarded pool underscores a competitive procurement environment where timing, technology, and political alignment will dictate winners.

Main battle tanks dominate the unawarded landscape, with Bahrain earmarking $2.2 billion, Turkey’s Altay programme at $9.2 billion, and Saudi Arabia allocating $675 million plus additional funds for complementary platforms. The concentration on heavy armor reveals a regional shift toward high‑intensity conflict preparedness, prompting U.S. manufacturers to showcase advanced lethality, survivability, and networked capabilities. Simultaneously, host nations are demanding greater local industry participation, prompting joint‑venture structures that blend American technology with domestic production lines. This hybrid approach aims to accelerate technology transfer, create jobs, and satisfy sovereign procurement policies.

For defense contractors, the stakes are clear: securing a share of the unawarded $31.7 billion could translate into billions of dollars in revenue and long‑term sustainment contracts. Success will hinge on offering modular, upgradeable platforms that integrate seamlessly with existing force structures, while also delivering compelling offset packages. Moreover, firms must navigate geopolitical sensitivities, ensuring compliance with export controls and regional alliance dynamics. As the Middle East continues to prioritize U.S. equipment paired with local industry involvement, the next few years will likely see intensified competition, strategic partnerships, and a reshaping of the region’s ground‑combat capabilities.

World Defense Show 2026: Middle East remains focused on US equipment and local industry involvement

10 February 2026 · 12:55 GMT · by Damian Kemp (Riyadh, Saudi Arabia)

Vehicle procurement in the Middle East continues to target big‑ticket main battle tanks, with lighter platform purchases also potentially on the horizon including tactical, infantry fighting and armoured personnel carrier vehicles.

The Middle East market for tracked and wheeled vehicles, including both contracted and unawarded programmes, is valued at US $63.5 billion over the next decade, with almost half of this figure pertaining to 12 unawarded programmes at a total value of $31.7 billion. The estimated spend, according to research from Shephard Defence Insight, covers 20,675 vehicles across all requirements and 9,871 vehicles in unawarded programmes.

The largest unawarded programmes are for main battle tanks (MBTs). Specifically, Bahrain’s estimated spend on MBTs is $2.2 billion, while future orders of the Altay MBT for Turkey are valued at $9.2 billion, along with $675 million for Saudi Arabia, $864 million … (article excerpt ends).